Research shows Ukip voters trust charities less than other voters

People who vote for Ukip are less likely to trust charities, a new survey has found.

The survey by Ipsos Moray for NPC found that 53% of the right wing party's supporters say they have low trust in charities, rating them five or less out of 10.

This is 20 points more than Conservative voters, at 33%, 25 more than Labour (28%), and 29 more than Lib Dem supporters (24%).

It also found that Ukip voters had very low rates of support for international charities.

One interpretation of the research is that people who vote Ukip do so because of a disillusionment in British politics which in turn affects their attitude to charity.

“They are often mistrusting of British institutions generally, including charities,” the researchers state.

Dan Corry, NPC chief executive, said: “We know that many UKIP supporters are disillusioned with the Westminster establishment and with many public institutions.

“Our new research suggests that charities are in danger of being lumped in with them.”

And he warned the sector should not ignore the findings because “Ukip supporters seem to represent an increasing strand of public opinion” and “may have a bigger voice - or even hold the balance of power - after the general election”.

But the report also showed Ukip voters represent only around a quarter of all those who claim to have low trust in charities.

A fifth of these were also Conservative voters and another fifth were Labour supporters.

More than 1,000 adults aged 16-75 in October for the study.