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Public Concerns

Tracking public concerns can provide an insight into the issues that will shape future public and political debate. Since the recession, public concern about the economy and unemployment have become more important. However, this has started to decrease, suggesting that many of the public may increasingly perceive the current recession as ‘bottoming out'. [1] Concern about race and immigration (see attitudes to immigrants) is another key issue that has re-emerged since the recession. This is closely followed by crime and law and order which is however, more linked to the public’s perception of threat than rising crime rates. At a time when concerns about MPs' expenses dominate many headlines, more people are concerned about morality and individual behaviour than ever before. The media plays an important role in both reflecting and fuelling public concerns (see power of the media in influencing policy.)

What are the implications?

• The marginalisation of other issues important to the VCS which may affect levels of VCS income from all types of funders and individuals.
• This may also affect what organisations and causes people choose to spend their time supporting which will have an impact on the success of campaigns and numbers of volunteers.
• The run-up to the General Election is likely to see all parties focusing on convincing the public that they have the best plans to manage the budget deficit and the economy while maintaining levels of public services.
• There may be a focus from all the main parties on populist concerns in order to win the Election which may be to the detriment of other important issues.
• A growing perception of increased crime and detiorating attitudes to immigrants may mean that public and media attitudes towards certain groups become increasingly hostile.
• VCOs may need to work more closely with groups that hold hostile views to help them face their fears and dispel any fears or misperceptions they may have about certain groups of people.
• Some VCOs may be relied upon to bridge tensions between these groups and the groups that are targeted or victimised.
• They may also need to represent, advocate and campaign more assertively on behalf of groups that feel victimised.
• All organisations and institutions are likely to face greater scrutiny and perhaps a decline in trust as a result of issues uncovered in the MP’s expenses debate.

Moving forward

As economic pressure rises, the policy and media agenda may increasingly be shaped by tensions between different communities.

• Does your organisation have a role in ensuring/contributing to cohesion in your community? How might this role change as tensions rise?

Party manifestos are being developed over the next year. Consequently, now is the time for your organisation to try and influence the political environment.

• How can you ensure issues central to your organisation do not get overridden by a return to longstanding public concerns or populist issues?
• Can you monitor the services you deliver more effectively to better make the case for the need for your services and the work you do?

Some organisations may feel it is part of their role to counter public concerns (particularly where they may be founded on misperceptions) and to promote important issues to funders, policy makers, the press and the public.

• Do you feel this is something your organisation should do? How could you do this effectively?

Want to know more?

Public Issues Facing Britain

Published by: Ipsos MORI

Date: Monthly

Format: Web and PDF

What is it? Compiled and summarised results each month presenting a general overview of the main issues the public perceive as concerning.

How useful is this? The data collected is up to date and informative; Ipsos MORI obtain their research through a sample of approximately 1000 adults each month and present the information through a quick accessible summary while also linking to more in depth coverage of the findings. The pre-compiled charts are especially useful in getting a quick overview of the key issues that concern the country.

Other comments: An archive of research is available on the website stretching back over 10 years.

References

1. Issues Index (Ipsos-MORI, monthly) [back]