The study found 17% of the UK population did not want a say. Some 12% said they would not be willing to do anything to influence a decision by local or national government. And 14% said they were "not at all interested" in politics.

　　The findings come in the third annual audit of political engagement by the Electoral Commission and the Hansard Society.

　　The report found poor people were far less engaged in politics than those who are more wealthy.

　　Electoral Commission chairman Sam Younger said: "This latest audit demonstrates that social and political exclusion are inextricably linked.