'I hope it happens' - Feelings on new government so far

Liam Lathbury wanted to see more work to help young people

Before polling day, people told the BBC what they wanted to see from the next government.

Labour's plans for the year ahead will be read out by King Charles in a speech to Parliament on Wednesday.

But just over a week since the election, what do people think of what has been said, and what has happened, so far?

"For me, it was all about investment in the youth," Liam Lathbury, from Chippenham, in Wiltshire, said.

Mr Lathbury is a postman who runs a not-for-profit boxing club in the town.

"We've had endless meetings with previous MPs, councillors," he said.

The new MP in his constituency is a Liberal Democrat, but Labour plans to devolve more powers to local communities, enabling them to be able to handle issues themselves and give more support to councils.

"I hope it happens - we've heard a lot about the prisons, we did a lot of work with the police," Mr Lathbury said.

"If we invest in the youth, perhaps we wouldn't have the problems with the prisons."

Stephanie Barton and her family have been fighting to get her step-dad into a nursing home

Stephanie Barton and her family had to make a decision to find a care home for her step-father, Brian Witherspoon, 86, from Bath, due to dementia and other conditions.

When they found him a place, Ms Barton explained it was not long before his needs exceeded those of what the carers could do.

He needed an assessment, which he eventually got in June.

"In that time, he wasn't safeguarded, so had at least 12 falls," she said, with the most serious incident involving a head injury.

It has now been ruled he needs nursing care, but they do not know when that move will happen.

Ms Barton said the new government needs to “re-examine everything" in regards to looking after our elderly and adult social care.

Labour's manifesto pledged to form a National Care Service and work towards longer-term reform of the sector.

Ms Barton said she hopes the issue is looked at as soon as possible.

"A change needs to be put in place. I think time is of the essence. It's all a huge worry," she said.

Bill Jerman is an education consultant - he said he is not sure the government understands the "depth of the issues" in SEND education

Education consultant Bill Jerman, from Swindon, is concerned about schooling for children with special educational needs (SEND).

He said he has seen that the government is "working well with engaging with the profession" but is not sure "they really understand the depth of the issues".

The manifesto Labour put forward said they wanted to look at a community-wide approach and improve mainstream schools for SEND pupils, while making sure specialist schools are for those with the most complex needs.

Mr Jerman said there is a "crisis in schools at the moment".

"So many children in mainstream have high-level needs," he said.

"They need to build more special provision. It's the perfect storm.

"Special schools are full, so children are in primary schools where needs can't be met."

'Improving inclusivity'

A Department of Education spokesperson said: “Education is at the heart of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and make sure every child has the best life chances.

"Too often our education system does not meet the needs of children with SEND, leaving them without the support to thrive.

“We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.”