Voters are heading to the polls next month in an election which could bring huge changes to the country.
In Salford, people are struggling with a number of problems, including a housing crisis, poverty, and a rise in homelessness.
Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey is hoping to be re-elected as Salford’s MP, but the number of issues facing the city’s residents has left some feeling hopeless ahead of July 4.
Harry and Eddie are Salfordians who live in the same block of flats near Salford Shopping Centre.
They’re neighbours who have known each other for years, but 63-year-old Harry said he’s not sure if it’s worth voting, because he feels many people in Salford aren’t listened to by politicians.
He said: “I just don’t think my voice will be heard. It’s so deprived around here, there’s a lot of anger about that.
“My flat’s a dump but it’s £725 a month in rent. We just have no one to speak for us.”
Eddie, 62, has a different outlook – he said he always votes and this year will be no different.
He believes life is getting more difficult, especially for people in Salford, but he hopes things might change under a new government.
He said:
“I’ll vote for Labour, we have to give them a chance to make things better. We can’t keep doing things the same way.
“There are issues around here. All the shops keep closing, it’s annoying, and we see all the money going to Salford Quays.
“I’m just hoping things get better if Labour gets in. I’ll never miss a chance to vote, it’s just the way I am.”
Sitting on the floor outside Salford Shopping Centre, Andy is homeless, and knows a lot of the regular visitors passing by.
The 42-year-old had struggles with gambling and one day found he could no longer pay his rent.
It’s the second time he’s ended up on the streets, with a previous stint lasting five years.
Housing and homelessness is a major problem all around the city, with Salford’s mayor Paul Dennett declaring a crisis in January.
While there are plans to build more council homes in the city, rising numbers of people are presenting to the town hall with nowhere to live.
Andy said he’s not going to vote in the election, but he feels his life would be much more difficult without the support of Salford’s community.
People in the city, he says, do more to help each other than politicians.
He feels MPs are “out of touch” with the struggles facing people in Salford and around the country.
He added:
“People in Salford have a good heart. They help each other out. When I was homeless for five years I met some lovely people who helped me so much.
“Rent prices are a problem here and they need to build more houses. I’m not voting but I like the Lib Dems, I think they’re more in touch with the people than Labour and the Conservatives.”
The community spirit in Salford was also highlighted by an independent trader working in the shopping centre.
He didn’t want to give his name to avoid landing into any trouble, but he said there are people living nearby who struggle with alcohol, drugs, and crime.
And despite the challenges of living in one of the UK’s most deprived authorities, the trader said people in Salford always look out for one another.
This includes businesses helping families by giving away essential items for free to people who are desperate.
He wouldn’t say who he plans to vote for, but he said it wouldn’t be Conservative.
He added:
“The whole country is in a mess. They’ve made cuts left, right, and centre.
“They’ve not interested in people here. Rishi Sunak doesn’t represent me or Salford’s communities.
“But I feel hope for the future, we have to be positive and help each other out.”
