THE environment, NHS, defence, the cost of living crisis, and affordable housing are among the top issues for young people in the General Election. 

For many, this will be the first time that they've had the chance to vote in a General Election, while others will have just missed out on being eligible by a few months.

The News & Star asked four young people which three issues they feel need to be addressed. 

Lewis Turner, 17 and 11 months, said: "There are some things which I feel need to change in this country, that I think are important in order to make the UK a better place to live."

He added: "A main issue is the current state of our national healthcare service: waiting lists are high, staff are underpaid and it is near impossible to get an NHS dentist."

Lewis' concerns regarding healthcare were echoed by all the young people we spoke to.

Beth Dicken-Jones, a second year student at the University of Cumbria, said: "After 14 years of austerity, we need funding for public services because that's central, like the NHS, fire and police."

Thomas Day, 17, said: “I think three important key issues that need to be addressed are healthcare, the Armed Forces and the cost of living."

Finlay Smith, also 17, said: "The three issues that I care about the most are: More funding for the NHS, more affordable housing and better public transport."

Lewis said: "I think the cost of housing needs to decrease as very few young people are able to afford their first home."

As well as housing, defence, and the cost of living, there were concerns raised over the environment and climate change.

Beth said: "The two big parties aren't talking about it, but it'll affect almost everyone. 

"We need an effective plan and more investment in green energy rather than the same gas and oil that got us into this mess. People don't really know what to tell their children anymore because there's no solid plan."

Lewis added: "I also believe that a compromise must be made in order to protect our natural environments and tackle climate change."

Beth's third main issue was education, believing that there is a need for more funding.

"It's currently in a dire state.

"They need more informal support for children's mental health that isn't necessarily CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services)."