Building a Caring Social Assistance System
The DA is committed to building One South Africa for All and
a fundamental step to achieving this is building a social assistance system which, as part of a package of policies, is able to deal with the challenges posed by increasing levels of economic inequality and income poverty.
Our country needs a better social assistance system for those people who do not have a sustainable income and have very little or no prospect of being able to earn one in the future.
Grants protect families from falling into abject poverty and homelessness.
They are an economic investment in poor and unemployed South Africans and
serve to unlock opportunities.
It is important to note that the child grant is immensely empowering for mothers and
there is research which shows that poor unemployed mothers who have access to a child care grant are actually more likely to find work than those who don’t.
Currently the majority of South Africans have to make ends meet with less than R1000 a month.
This results in people having short, unfulfilling lives characterised by hunger, malnutrition and violence.
For babies and toddlers, the developmental damage that results from this deprivation is permanent.
The stunting levels in boys and girls under the age of five has increased to 30% and 25% respectively.
This has devastating educational,
health and
economic consequences but
also less obvious social ones such as aggressive behaviour and violence.
The new social assistance system envisioned by the DA aims to set a basic income floor
with the initial focus on children.
The system will be expanded over time to ensure that every South African can enjoy their rights and
live a life of dignity as envisioned in our Constitution.
Almost 10 million South Africans are now unemployed.
The truth is that long-term, mass unemployment has become a fixed condition in South Africa under the current government.
Very few unemployed people are able to access the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), as they have simply never made prior contributions to the fund, and
only a small number of elderly people are able to draw from a private pension fund.
In the meantime, the grant system makes no provision for able-bodied persons of working age.
This situation puts enormous strain on the old-age, disability and child grants which are inevitably used to support entire households.
To make matters worse the financial value of the child grant, which constitutes the majority of grants, is no longer aligned to an objective measure of what it actually costs to feed a child.
The first 1000 days of a child’s life can be described as “the brain’s window of opportunity”, the period when a baby is conceived until the age of two when proper nutrition is non- negotiable.
The current child grant is set even below the food poverty line and
an often- overlooked point is that a pregnant and breastfeeding mother in November 2018 needed at least R677 to feed herself a basic nutritious diet in order to sustain breastfeeding.
Women simply cannot afford to feed themselves or buy the necessary quantity, quality and variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean protein that their babies need after 6 months.
Most infants receive foods other than breast milk as early as 2-3 months.
This is usually wheat- based foods such as cereals and maize because they are cheap and create the sensation of fullness.
It is, however, deprived of the various nutrients babies need to develop.
Every day in South Africa children are dying because of severe acute malnutrition, a situation which can be completely avoided.
If we don’t address these realities, the most profound and direct consequences will be an increase in the number of children dying every day from severe acute malnutrition and stuntedness amongst children.
Unseen will be the increased levels of stress and trauma experienced by women who are forced to make impossible choices and who have to sacrifice their own bodies to feed their children, and
men who feel they have no worth because they cannot provide.
This toxic mix is keeping our highly unequal and
extremely violent society firmly intact.
It is simply not true that we cannot grow the economy,
providing more people with work,
while at the same time, ensuring that parents who do not yet have work can feed themselves and their children.
These are complementary strategies.
If done correctly, as part of a package of policies that promotes competitiveness and economic growth,
social assistance can be a strategic productive investment and
low-cost way of accelerating economic growth.
The first step in this process is to realign the child grant to an objective measure of what it costs to feed a child,
realigning the grant with its original intention – nutritional support for children because of the widely recognised importance of an appropriate diet for their development.
It further curbs the discretionary power of the state in determining the financial values of grants and
implicitly also recognises the importance of “capabilities”.
In order to make use of opportunities, such as school, children in particular have to have the capability to make use of these – which is impossible if their development is stunted through a lack of access to basic nutritious food in early years.
It is also necessary to ensure a 100% uptake of the child grant for qualifying children from the moment they are born.
Currently the uptake rate for infants is extremely low, in part because of the all the paperwork, long queues, waiting times, incorrect information, repeat visits and transport difficulties that are often part and parcel of a visit to government facilities.
To eradicate the tragic occurrence and consequences of child malnutrition the DA national government will: Increase the child grant to the food poverty line as an initial increase (considering the extremely constrained fiscal environment).
The food poverty line was R547 in April 2018 prices.
We have already proposed amendments in Parliament to the Appropriations Bill to make this a reality, but the proposal was opposed by the ANC.
The proposed amendments were budget neutral and would have been funded by reprioritising less than 1% of the Appropriations Budget mainly through spending freezes and spending cuts on what were considered non-essential items.
Ensure a 100% uptake of the child grant from birth to maximise its positive impact by allowing pregnant moms to complete the bulk of the administrative requirements for the child grant before birth so that when the baby is born, the grant is simply activated.
Adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the misuse of the child grant by parents or guardians by: increasing the number of social workers servicing families and ensuring they assist with social grant abuse cases at magistrate’s courts; and
improving staffing and resourcing of magistrate’s courts where people can apply to have child support and foster grants either transferred to the person taking care of the child, if the child’s primary caregiver is abusing the grant and another adult is paying for the child’s needs, or
alternatively have the grant converted to vouchers.
The aim of the voucher would be to limit the spending ability of the caregiver found guilty by a court of abusing the grant.
It is important to remember that grants are also vital for other South Africans who have no other dependable source of income or the prospect of earning an income in the future.
To make sure that there is adequate social protection for everyone, a DA national government will: Develop a system to monitor and evaluate disability grants to ensure that all disabled South Africans can easily access the grant.
Make the review process for the disability grant easier – including making sure that there is advanced warning of pending reviews and beneficiaries are well informed of the steps they must take to renew their grants.
Limit the regulatory burden for persons with severe and permanent disabilities by exempting certain categories of disability from the review process.
Increase the number of social workers by providing more opportunities for completion of vocational training.
Continue to support all existing grants and,
where possible, as the fiscus stabilises, increase their value in line with inflation.
Promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities by:
Ensuring that state-funded schooling options are available for learners with a wide range of special needs.
Providing transport subsidies to organisations in the disability sector to help persons with disabilities access services and support.
Continuing to promote the accessibility of buildings, public services, transport and other facilities for persons with disabilities.
Promoting employment and skills development opportunities for all persons with disabilities through the DA’s simplified and reimagined broad-based empowerment scorecard.
Creating a Health System that Works
As with education, South Africa has two types of healthcare.
Excellent, indeed, world-class, private healthcare but poor, inadequate and sometimes even dangerous public healthcare.
Tragedies like Life Esidimeni and
the fact that in three of our provinces the Health Departments have had to be put under administration in recent years all point to just how broken public healthcare is in South Africa.
Currently, the majority of South Africans cannot afford private healthcare and
are being failed by public sector health which is facing numerous serious challenges.
If we want to build One South Africa for All we must ensure that Section 27 of the Constitution is realised and
that each and every South African can confidently access reliable and excellent health services.
The first step to fixing our poor public health system is to address challenges in terms of primary healthcare – in other words, to make our clinics work and
build more where needed.
South Africa has a ratio of 1 clinic to 16 971 people, as opposed to the guideline of 1:10 000.
South Africa also has a ratio of 0.7 doctors to every 100 000 people, well below the average of OECD or BRICS nations.
In terms of addressing primary healthcare and access to life-saving medicine, a DA national government will: Build at least 50 more primary healthcare clinics through our Expanded Clinic Building Programme in under-served areas nationwide by allocating an additional R2 billion as a cross-subsidy for building and staffing.
These clinics would target communities which have either: not had a clinic before and where community members have had to travel far distances to access healthcare (especially in rural areas); or
already have a clinic(s) but where there are too many patients for the existing healthcare to safely serve.
Increase the number of staff at clinics by making a further R2 billion available,
part of which would be used to grow medical school placements for multiple skills including, doctors, specialist nurses, occupational and physical therapists, and public health specialists.
Extend the hours of primary healthcare clinics after conducting feasibility studies for underserved areas in order to provide people with healthcare when it is convenient for them to access it – including in the evenings after work and during the weekends.
Ensure support from the rest of government (such as transport, infrastructure and police) for the extension of hours at public healthcare clinics to make sure that community members can easily reach clinics and
are safe if they need to visit after hours.
Provide mobile clinics for existing settlements which are not yet formalised and exist beyond a 5km radius of existing public health facilities.
Regular visits from mobile clinics can ensure that those communities who have not previously had access to healthcare can benefit from a wide range of life-saving primary healthcare without having to budget for transport money.
Utilise technological innovation to improve healthcare and efficiency in the health system, including: the digitisation of records and improvement of information systems; and
the introduction of the one-patient unique identifier and
one-patient record.
The current NHI model proposed by the ANC government is entirely unfeasible and places the stability of the national fiscus at risk.
The DA believes our alternative to the NHI can provide quality healthcare without bankrupting our country.
Instead of the NHI, a DA national government will: Work with private healthcare insurance companies to extend the insurance coverage range in a manner which would improve affordability of options for the lower- and middle-class, with the aim of having more than 50% of citizens covered by private healthcare providers.
This means more South Africans will be able to afford private healthcare because new types of medical aid and medical insurance will be made available at lower prices.
This initiative will give South Africans far greater choices when it comes to their healthcare.
Develop a new government healthcare funding mechanism which would see healthcare coverage provided for the remaining citizens who are not covered by private medical insurance – no South African will be left without medical care.
Embark on a programme of revitalising public healthcare facilities,
with a significant portion of the resources dedicated to improving and updating infrastructure and technology at primary healthcare facilities.
Ensure that there is an introduction of a funding mechanism to provide for appropriate and accessible emergency medical services for all.
No one should ever be denied quality healthcare in an emergency situation.
Revisit the equitable share allocation to make sure that there is enough money in the urban areas to build enough hospitals/clinics where there is most demand.
Ensure that all young medical professionals are immediately and efficiently placed.
Remove racial quotas as they apply to access to medical school with the aim of increasing the cohort of doctors and nurses each year – while still ensuring diversity.
Basic Education: Creating an Opportunity Ladder for All South Africans
Basic education is another example of how South Africa remains unequal with some having access to truly world-class basic education while others have little or no chance of gaining a decent education.
Those without it are destined to remain excluded from opportunities and
are dependent on others or the government to survive.
South Africa urgently needs quality education and training for all children from all communities if we are to create One South Africa for All.
There are a number of challenges in our basic education system but studies show that the quality of teaching (and the management of teachers via principals) is the main determinant of whether a learner will succeed at school or not.
Research from countries around the world consistently shows that high-quality teaching is the single most important school-based factor in a learner’s academic performance.
In South Africa, however, research reports show that 1 out of 5 educators are considered to be unqualified for teaching.
While there are many excellent and dedicated teachers in South Africa, there are currently over 8 million children attending dysfunctional schools where the quality of teaching, in general, is not up to standard.
As a result, a large number of learners drop out of school between grade 10 and 12,
many of those who write the National Senior Certificate (matric) fail.
There are simply too many learners who write matric and pass but leave secondary school without a bachelor’s and diploma pass and therefore cannot access university education.
We must confront a shocking truth: the real matric pass rate is extremely low, only 37.6% if you include the number of 2016 Grade 10s who actually went on to pass Grade 12 in 2018.
This is why our proposals to reform basic education are centred on radically improving teaching performance,
the standard of education,
school management,
providing safer learning environments using technology to teach and learn,
as well as making sure ALL children have a safe and conducive learning environment.
These initiatives are crucial if we want ALL children to be able to access quality education.
It is vital to recognise the role played by early childhood development and the impact it can have on success or failure in primary and secondary education.
The DA recognises the importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in providing this foundation –
access to quality ECDs are the vital first rung of the opportunity ladder and open up access to further opportunity later in life.
To ensure that learners are appropriately prepared to enter the foundation phase of their schooling, a DA national government will: Implement a per-child Grade R subsidy from the state to all public schools, allowing fee-free access to Grade R at fee-free schools.
Develop a more formalised curriculum for Grade R teaching, based on a thoroughly researched understanding of the cognitive development required to prepare a child for success in Grade 1 and beyond.
Improve collaboration between the departments of Basic Education and Social Development to develop a national network of early childhood education centres for children aged 0 to 4.
To radically improve the quality of basic education in South Africa a DA national government will improve the performance and quality of teachers by:
Introducing specialist Teacher Training Colleges for primary school educators in every province.
Establishing the National Education Evaluation Inspectorate (NEEI) as a Chapter 9 institution to evaluate and inspect school facilities, principals, school management teams and governing bodies, and the quality of teaching at all schools.
It will also include an incentives system to improve teaching and set thresholds for quality instruction and facilitation.
Ensuring that all underqualified teachers receive professional development or are removed from the system – “matric only” teachers will not be tolerated.
Ensuring teachers in each school receive professional development in terms of the use of computers and Internet facilities and teaching methods to facilitate computer use by learners.
Requiring an online continuous education programme for all teachers.
Improve the standard of education and learning environment by: Internationally benchmarking grades 3, 6 and 9 to give learners education comparable to international standards.
Other continuous testing will be limited to only what is necessary.
Reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it equips learners for participation in a competitive, global knowledge economy by including subject-like coding and programming which will help school children prepare for an economy shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Introducing world-class comprehensive sex education as part of Life Orientation classes.
Make sure that the standards and management of schools are higher by: Supporting low-fee independent schools and
converting struggling public schools to ‘collaboration schools’ to improve management and teaching at these schools.
Providing greater autonomy to schools and school governing bodies,
and declare principals as ‘essential services’ at all schools (to ensure that the rights and safety of our children are protected during strike action).
Ensure principals are properly trained, professionally developed and supported on an ongoing basis so they can manage schools well and make sure there are good teaching standards.
Through the education inspectorate we will ensure that there are performance-related incentives for school management, based on: a.excellence in education outcomes as measured through national assessments; and
b.improvement in education outcomes over time.
Poor-performing principals will be demoted or fired by the school governing body (where appropriate) or the provincial education department if they fail to improve their performance after assistance is provided and with approval from the inspectorate and the provincial Head of Department (HOD).
Make schools and school environments safer for learners and teachers, as well as provide safe after- school spaces by: Introducing after-school programmes building on the successes in the Western Cape.
Ensuring ALL schools have sufficient taps and toilets and
eradicating all remaining mud/asbestos schools and pit toilets in South Africa,
as well as classrooms or facilities containing asbestos.
This will be achieved by: a.reversing the current government’s slashing of the school infrastructure budget;
b.taking out the ‘dodgy’ middle-men – provincial governments must not use ‘Implementing Agents’ with bad track records and corruption; and
c.no longer blocking donors who want to fund or companies willing to build schools at no, or cut, costs from working with the department to deliver schools (subject to strict quality controls).
Progressively implementing a number of initiatives to ensure that no child ever walks more than 5 kilometres to school.
This will require a number of interventions which could include an increase in public boarding schools (aiming to serve rural communities where learners live a significant distance from their nearest schools) and
a revision of the equitable share to increase the funding available to scholar transport programmes.
Paying special attention to school safety and security – with security guards; CCTV cameras; and welded burglar bars and metal detectors, where necessary and affordable, in crime hotspots.
Learners will be randomly searched for weapons, drugs and alcohol on school premises, especially in crime hotspots, and
police will be expected to assist with security on and around school property when requested to do so.
Maintaining an up-to-date register of sexual offences, based on accurate court records and
making it a criminal offence to employ any educator on the register or found guilty of violent crimes.
Any educator found guilty of a sexual offence with a learner will be immediately dismissed.
Teaching road safety and ensuring it is practiced in and around school property
as South Africa has one of the highest incidents of pedestrian road fatalities in the world.
Use technology to improve teaching and learning by: Rolling out online and digital learning platforms to under-resourced schools – these will include computer facilities that are connected to the Internet for teaching and learning purposes so that children and youth are prepared for work in a modern economy.
WHERE WE GOVERNeLearning in the Western CapeOne million learners now receive better education through eLearning with access to free high-speed Internet and over 11 000 learning resources on our portal.
Make sure children have the best possible chance to learn and grow in our schools by ensuring: All children without sufficient nutrition at home will receive both morning and lunch meals.
Principals, deputy principals, school cleaning staff and employed feeding scheme staff will be declared an ‘essential service’ at schools and are unable to strike without prior notification.
Stocking each and every school library, and
ensuring access to basic sporting facilities and,
where appropriate, extending the school day for sporting and cultural activities.
Improve the employability of all matriculants by: Partnering with licenced private sector driving schools to provide a set number of driving lessons to all matric students as part of their Life Orientation curriculum.
Waiving the licencing fee for first-applications for leaner’s and driver’s licences to make it easier for people to access job opportunities which require a driver’s licence.
Eliminating Gender-based Inequalities
Gender-based violence prevention is failing, and
abuse and violence towards women, children and LGBTI+ individuals continues unabated in our country.
These crimes often manifest as result of women and men holding an unequal status in society.
The personal and human cost of these crimes is incalculable and
the cost to our economy is in the billions of Rands every year.
South Africa urgently needs a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) –
it is unacceptable that women and children in South Africa are assaulted, raped and killed by criminals and those close to them.
We believe that there needs to be a focus on primary prevention of abuse, violence and murder
rather than a sole reliance on the use of the criminal justice system.
It is essential that our police and courts are effective, efficient and adequately resourced to discourage violence and femicide.
An empathetic and targeted response to gender-based violence can and will ensure women are free, independent and are able to contribute more to their families and communities
as they are no longer controlled and abused by intimate partners, family members or colleagues.
We must also be cognisant that men and boy-children also suffer from domestic and sexual violence and
that our criminal, health and justice systems must assist these victims with the same care and empathy that female victims receive.
Women and men should be freely able to safely report abusers before they commit child abuse, rape or murder.
It is clear that the ANC government is not serious about tackling this promise and
their empty promises have been shown for what they are by the inaction of government in dealing decisively with woman and child abuse.
Various interventions are required to overcome and eradicate gender-based violence – these include better police,
prosecutors,
victim support and rehabilitation, and
support to civil society organisations.
It is also vital that this policy is not read as a standalone section.
The emphasis of this manifesto is about making opportunity more freely available to South Africans and this must include women, especially in poor households.
Evidence shows women need access, not only to jobs, but to leadership positions too in order to break the cycle of abuse as they empower their whole family, and extended family.
Until we are all safe, regardless of gender or age,
we will not be able to build a united One South Africa for All.
Young South Africans should be taught to not tolerate abuse and violence, and
ensure men and women are treated equally in all contexts.
Much can be done to prevent, combat and eradicate gender- based violence.
A DA government will ensure compliance and improve reporting of gender-based violence by: Ensuring police report all cases of domestic abuse and
comply with processes and procedures with cases of ongoing domestic abuse of women, children and the elderly, and making it illegal not to do so.
No victim should approach the police and be turned away.
Ensuring 100% of police stations comply with existing and new laws, and
regulations that favour protection, fairness and empathetic care for survivors and reporters of domestic abuse, assault, and rape.
We will ensure all police stations accurately report on all cases especially those which pose a risk of becoming cases of assault, rape or murder.
Implement an electronic tracking system for domestic violence complaints to enable the tracking of perpetrators and victims across police station boundaries.
Ensuring police serve protection orders within one month and
comply with current and new legislation and regulations for police stations in terms of resources and training to combat abuse.
Ensure that SAPS and Stats SA work together on improving data collection and reporting so that evidence-based decision making is possible to promote fair allocation of resources to areas most affected by these heinous crimes.
Establishing of a Femicide Watch, which would release a report every year, detailing the number of gender-related killings per year, desegregated by the age and sex of the perpetrators, as well as the relationship between perpetrator and victim.
A DA government will make sure that the laws of our country and its institutions keep pace with the challenges and demands posed by gender-based and child violence in order to improve conviction rates and reporting by: Establishing the National Council on Gender-Based Violence with representation from government, the private sector and civil society, and
ensuring that the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill is implemented within a coherent policy framework that involves social development and
the criminal justice system.
Scrapping the ineffective and toothless Ministry for Women under the Presidency and diverting its funding to the Commission for Gender Equality and the newly established National Council on Gender-Based Violence.
Enacting the effective implementation of section 66 of the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act (SORMA).
Stringently vetting those registering for firearms and ensuring they have not been previously convicted of criminal activity, domestic abuse, assault or have protection orders instituted against them or be registered as a sex offender.
Improving public policing, investigation and prosecution to prevent crime from happening and increasing convictions when it does by: Implementing an urban crime prevention strategy that involves the training and development of police and community patrols who prevent violent crime and the rape of women in public places.
Expanding the number of sexual offences courts and
increasing their capacity, and learning and development, regarding the treatment of victims and perpetrators.
Fully resourcing and training the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA) and the Task Team on LGBTI+ and Gender-Based Violence as well as Specialised Sex Crimes Prosecution.
Training and developing detectives, and SAPS and metro police special task teams to specifically target serial rapists and acts of femicide.
Ensuring the full-scale roll-out and correct use of efficient DNA testing and finger print scanning in all relevant cases.
Combat discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community and promote the community’s rights by: Creating safe and
non-discriminative environments and
ensuring government makes opportunities for dialogues on identities and sexuality.
Providing LGBTIQ+ sensitisation training in government services, schools and communities.
Enforce a more strident stance on corrective rape and LGBTIQ+ related hate crimes by viewing these as aggravating circumstances when considering sentencing.
Promoting the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Africa and around the world.
Implementing specific education programmes to tackle bullying and harassment in schools as LGBTIQ+ youth are not adequately protected by anti-bullying initiatives.
Ending the discriminatory treatment of LGBTIQ+ families in adoptions and
protect LGBTIQ+ elders against discrimination.
We will stop gender-based violence by educating all South Africans through: Establishing a National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence (NSPGBV) to provide for better service delivery for victims of violence.
Rolling out campaigns similar to the One Man Can campaign whereby travelling workshops can engage with men from different industries and socio-economic backgrounds to determine the causes of GBV and
educate men on how to prevent GBV in South African homes and streets.
Implementing Life Orientation classes at school which deal with issues surrounding gender-based violence and sexuality.
Establishing an e-learning My Life My Choice campaign which will be aimed at empowering young South African learners with a deeper understanding of bodily rights, privacy and the role of their school, community and police in addressing gender-based violence, sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence.
We will ensure counselling and rehabilitation for all victims of abuse, kidnapping, trafficking and rape by: Building and supporting Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) and
establishing more Khuseleka One Stop Centres and White Door Safety Houses to house abused mothers and children whilst they recover, recuperate and begin looking for work and family support.
Increasing and improving the quality of victim rooms at police stations.
Ensuring female officers take statements from female rape survivors, except in exceptional circumstances – female and male rape survivors should be afforded the choice of a male or female officer to report the case.
Ensuring properly funded post-assault counselling at various serviced sites including police stations, extended-hour clinics and hospitals.
Increasing funding for rape-related NGOs that provide various forms of support for rape survivors.
Improving the roll-out of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and
improve the general treatment of rape survivors at extended-hour clinics and hospitals.
Implementing the Victim Empowerment Support Services Bill.
The DA will combat the sexual assault and murder of sex workers by:
Exploring possible legal models around sex work and
adopting an alternative legal framework that will reduce exploitation, abuse and rape of young women and men.
Creating close relations between them, and the criminal justice system and civil society organisations that represent sex workers and their clients, to understand and apply the rights of sex workers.
Test and Treat programmes will be rolled-out to all willing sex workers to prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS and other STIs by testing and then treating all sex workers.
Training police officers, social workers, prosecutors and counsellors to treat sex workers well when these workers report crimes against them by ensuring a single e-learning course on addressing the needs of sex workers is undertaken by all the stakeholders involved.
Creating the Capable State
The state in South Africa serves ANC factional interests and not the hopes, needs and aspirations of citizens.
Through fundamental mismanagement the state has become bloated, inefficient and corrupt.
In addition, our hard-won constitutional freedoms, which are the bedrock of our democracy, have never been under more threat.
The DA in national government will strengthen accountability, transparency and the rule of law
as well as the supremacy of the Constitution.
We will build a lean, efficient and capable state
that will be resilient enough to respond to internal and external shocks,
root out corruption,
secure our borders,
ensure the safety and security of all citizens,
protect our environment,
defend our national interests, and
ensure that we are a responsible actor in foreign affairs.
Our plan for creating the capable state contains the following core elements: Building resilience. Protecting and promoting justice and constitutionalism. Eliminating corruption and State Capture. Ensuring all South Africans are safe and secure. Immigration: securing our borders. Streamlining government and maximising delivery. Foreign policy: balancing national interest with a rights-based agenda. Preserving the environment. Building a modern defence force for the 21st century.
Building Resilience
Resilience can be defined as the ability of a place, such as a country, to respond to shocks and stresses.
Shocks are short-term crises or emergencies that may have far-ranging effects, such as a devastating fire or flood, while stresses are longer-term pressures such as the lingering effects of a drought or the weakness of social systems to deal with the needs of citizens.
Building resilience means building a more durable system that can not only anticipate these shocks and stresses but work to resolve and improve them, and
respond tenaciously when they occur to ensure that the country continues to thrive and emerge stronger because of the experience.
This manifesto deals elsewhere with specific types of responses to a variety of stresses and shocks.
This section seeks to address the construction of broader institutional responses to generic shocks and stresses as part of building a capable state.
As a point of departure, a DA government would focus on the resilience threats of energy and water security,
economic competitiveness,
crime, and cyber-security.
To improve our country’s response to stressors and shocks, a DA national government will: Create a ring-fenced ‘resilience fund’ to finance emergencies which occur during the financial year, but which have not been budgeted for.
Build a joint resilience command in the Presidency to coordinate a unified command to respond to any manner of shocks which may arise.
While there is theoretically in existence a joint-operational command, this lacks the specialised skill needed for the effective immediacy of response and direction that an emergency demands.
This requires a full-time unified command that has the delegated authority to assess national risks and the powers to direct coordinating agencies and departments accordingly.
It is not helpful, when responding to a near-provincial fire such as those experienced in the Western Cape recently, to wonder whether the emergency response team has authority over the military and infrastructure departments in responding.
Conduct an annual risk assessment to interrogate system risks and weaknesses in the system, and
design effective responses to them.
Further, this assessment could inform the budget process.
Its key operating determinants would be the identification of long-term risks and the factoring-in of building flexibility and redundancy in catering for such stresses while seeking to ameliorate the most critical system weaknesses.
Implement an annual barometer of performance as part of this resilience assessment, with performance assessments of how well agencies and departments responded to the previous year’s directions.
A failure of performance would trigger a special set of parliamentary hearings to understand why the relevant department had failed to meet its objectives or initiate plans to deal with the level of risk identified.
Protecting and Promoting Justice and Constitutionalism
The DA is deeply committed to creating a just society.
A just society is a fair society.
Fairness is one of the core values that informs everything we stand for.
The DA believes that for South Africa to be a fair society, the law must be applied to everyone in a consistent, fair, and impartial manner.
For this, we need an independent justice system.
A truly independent justice system means “no fear, no favour”.
The DA believes that nobody should ever be above the law.
For too long, South Africans have had to stand by and watch as the politically connected and the wealthy operate in a consequence-free world.
The DA also believes that nobody must ever be beyond the protection that our Constitution and laws offer.
In a fair society, with an independent justice system showing no fear and no favour, justice should long since have been forthcoming for the victims of Marikana and Esidimeni, amongst many other tragedies.
In order to reform our justice system, the DA believes in following a whole-system approach.
Reform needs to start at the first point of call – whether that be at the police station or local magistrate’s court – and address all of the institutions and processes along the way until arriving at the eventual just conclusion.
New Corruption Unit
The officers investigating crimes have to be fearless and incorruptible.
The institutions they serve must also be free of undue influence or control from government or politicians.
In addition to the measures aimed at countering corruption,
the DA will also, in line with the Glenister Judgements, establish a new unit to replace the Hawks with the requisite specialisation, training, independence, resources and security of tenure as demanded by the Constitutional Court.
The structure of this new unit should be based on the erstwhile Office for Serious Economic Offences, with cognisance of the Serious Fraud Office in the UK and the Singapore model.
The unit should comprise of investigatory arm, staffed nand led by SAPS members and a prosecutorial arm, staffed and led by specialist NPA members.
The reporting lines for the head of each arm should be to the police commissioner and the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), respectively.
The unit as a whole should be answerable, through the NDPP, to Parliament.
The current Specialised Commercial Crime Unit within the NPA could very easily be tweaked to accommodate such a structure.
It already has some prosecutorial expertise in this specialised field.
It already co-operates with the Commercial Branch of the SAPS in the investigation of this genre of cases.
Additionally, until such a time as the requisite specialisation is achieved, forensic consultancy services could be procured by the unit to expedite priority cases.
The new unit should, as far as is possible, have an independent budgetary process and be removed from executive control.
A just society has to be built on the solid foundation of a professional police force with investigators that are absolute expert in their respective fields.
For more detail on how a DA national government would professionalise policing, see the Safety section of this manifesto.
Below are some key interventions in terms of policing which will further the ends of justice.
A DA national government would: Restore the SAPS as employers of first choice for highly experienced or skilled specialist investigators and retain promising recruits by:  providing police officers with the means and the opportunity to further their studies or to undergo advanced training through initiatives like comprehensive bursary schemes, mentorship programmes, adequate study leave, and further education and training opportunities; and
ensuring adequate recognition of skills and experience when determining compensation of officers or deciding upon appointments and promotions.
The prosecutors
The last decade has seen several captured NPA heads come and go.
Each of them did their bit to prevent anybody in the ANC from being charged for the lengthily list of crimes, including selling off our country, bit by bit, to the highest bidder.
The DA will ensure that constitutional amendments are put forward which remove the President’s power to be the sole decision maker in the process of hiring and firing an NDPP by: Requiring that a new NDPP be appointed by a resolution of Parliament that is arrived at after a thorough and intense vetting, interviewing and debating process.
Allowing for the removal of an NDPP by a resolution of Parliament passed with a two thirds majority, only on the grounds of misconduct, incompetence or incapacity,
so that no NDPP ever again has to serve only so long as it pleases the president.
A DA national government will further: Provide for a Victim’s Right of Review (VRR) that would allow the victims of crime to challenge decisions to stop prosecutions or not charge suspects.
Subject prosecutors to annual performance assessments aimed at improving conviction rates and ensuring impartiality.
Ensure that there are more prosecutors and magistrates working a set number of hours with the aim of speeding up the resolution of cases, decluttering court rolls and eradicating backlogs by implementing a mandatory minimum amount of court hours per prosecutor/magistrate.
Balancing the scales of justice
The DA believes that in order for a justice system to function effectively, everybody should have access to quality legal assistance.
Those accused of a crime must be able to put forward their best possible defence,
while in civil matters the ordinary man should never find that he is out-litigated by those with far deeper pockets.
To this end, a DA national government will: Strengthen the resources of Legal Aid South Africa to provide litigation support to poor South Africans including exploring incentive packages to attract the best and brightest in the legal field to work for Legal Aid.
Make litigation in the Small Claims Court mandatory for claims that fall within its jurisdiction and
impose heavy cost penalties on parties that choose to litigate in higher courts where a lower court has jurisdiction.
Ensure that every South African is able to access justice in the language he or she is most comfortable litigating in.
This would involve ensuring that a pool of excellent court interpreters and intermediaries is maintained, and
providing them with continuous training and professional support to improve their skills and help them balance their workload.
Continue to support the speedy roll-out of specialised courts, including courts for sexual offences, child justice, and domestic violence.
Over a decade ago, the DA took the decision to engage in strategic litigation to establish a body of legal precedent establishing the meaning of certain constitutional and legislative provisions.
Since then, the DA has had enormous success utilising the resources provided by the law to hold government to account.
The DA cares about establishing a government that is serious about being transparent and accountable.
To this end a DA national government would: Continue to support measures to strengthen institutional independence of the judiciary.
Ensure the independence of Chapter 9 institutions particularly by taking steps to strengthen their financial and administrative independence.
Improve accountability by: extending our current performance monitoring system to cabinet members and senior ministerial staff, and
make the results publicly available; and
increasing the resources available to the public protector.
Eliminating Corruption and State Capture
The ANC has no genuine intention of fighting corruption.
It is not a political party, it is a patronage system or sophisticated racketeering syndicate.
This system has enriched cronies at the top of the party at the expense of millions of South Africans who continue to live in abject poverty.
A well-documented State Capture project has been undertaken by the Guptas, the Zuma family, numerous ministers and government officials, SOE executives and Gupta-linked lieutenants.
It has hollowed out our SOEs and
destroyed corporate governance.
Billions of Rands have been looted from these entities through a shadow network of procurement irregularities, BEE fronting, inflated contract prices, middleman service fees and kickbacks.
Recent evidence now shows that the Gupta family were not the only ones taking advantage of the ANC’s willingness to put themselves and their government up for sale – there are others that were equally eager to take up the ANC on their offer.
Non-state actors other than the Guptas had been controlling the levers of government in the past few years.
The recent revelations concerning the cosy relationship between Bosasa and very senior public office bearers – including President Ramaphosa and his son – shows that the problem of State Capture did not begin or end with Zuma and the Guptas.
It is part and parcel of the culture of the failing ANC government.
The ANC government is not capable of fighting corruption because it is rotten to its core.
What is needed is a party that has a solid record of fighting corruption, being accountable, transparent and clean where it governs.
The DA is the only party that can offer South Africans a corruption-free future.
Under a DA national government anybody found guilty of corruption, where either of the parties to the corrupt relationship was a government official or public office bearer and where public money in excess of R10 000 was involved, will be sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The DA national government will: Introduce a minimum sentence of fifteen years for anybody found guilty of corruption in a case where either of the parties were a government official or public office bearer, and where public money in excess of R10 000 was used.
This would mean an automatic fifteen-year prison sentence unless sufficient evidence is placed before the court that there are grounds for a shorter sentence.
Ensure the payment of all public money is done in a transparent fashion by:placing key information about tender processes – such as bid specifications, names of companies submitting tenders, names of selection panel members, scores given by the selection panel and so forth – online;
digitising government records and declaring certain classes of documents automatically publicly available online, particularly documents relating to supply chain management; and
requiring government departments to publish monthly financial reports detailing, amongst other things, contracts entered into and tenders awarded.
Bringing in direct elections for all political office holders so that the South African people can hold their president, premiers and mayors directly accountable.
Implementing lifestyle audits for all politicians and government officials above a certain level, or suspected of fraud and/or corruption,
as well as doing annual lifestyle audits for government officials selected randomly, by a similar process as that through which SARS identifies taxpayers for auditing.
Ensuring that officials found guilty of financial misconduct or mismanagement are placed on a register that disbars them from working in procurement of supply chain management.
Protecting and encouraging ‘whistle-blowers’ who identify and report corrupt activities by implementing measures such as: introducing penalties or offences for revealing the identity of a whistle-blower or for the content of their submission, where relevant; and
automatic threat assessments conducted whenever whistle-blowers come forward, to determine if any protective measures (including extremes such as witness protection) should be taken in order to ensure the safety of the whistle-blower.
State Capture has destroyed SOE credibility in the market
along with reducing the sovereign and SOE Ratings
Corporate governance and
the financial stability of the SOEs has also been severely affected.
Swift action is needed to charge and prosecute all those implicated in this network which has been raised in the inquiries on numerous occasions.
Ensuring All South Africans are Safe and Secure
Crime continues to plague all communities in South Africa.
Almost every South African has been impacted by serious or violent crime, whether directly or through a family member or friend who has been a victim.
And while the impact of crime is almost universal it goes without saying that there remain many crime hotspots in our country, mostly in rural and informal areas, where the risk of being a victim of crime is particularly heightened.
This is often because of South African Police Service (SAPS) under-resourcing of these areas.
The fact is that violent and organised crime, including gangsterism and crimes related to drugs, continue to worsen and are strong contributing factors to the epidemic of murder which has long reached crisis point.
Sadly, the SAPS has been losing the fight.
At the same time that crime is rising the SAPS is increasingly riddled with corruption and maladministration.
We recognise that the SAPS itself is in crisis, facing chronic under-training, under-staffing, under- resourcing and under-equipping (what we can refer to as the ‘Four Us’), combined with crime intelligence-in-crisis and detectives-in-distress.
These issues combined mean that the SAPS is unable to tackle the range of crime, from organised crime and syndicates through to petty crime perpetrated by individual criminals.
Across all crimes the SAPS lack a strong, skilled investigative capacity to ensure high detection and conviction rates.
We know that we cannot rely on the ANC to fix the problems which have only gotten worse according to the yearly crime statistics.
Unfortunately, when it comes to fighting crime the ANC has done little but offer empty promises for years.
The DA is committed to seeing violent crime rooted out in each and every community.
We stand with every person who has been targeted by crime.
Every life lost because of crime is a national tragedy and is one life too many.
The DA will make South Africa a safer place for all our people.
We are committed to building a united,
safe South Africa for all who call this country home and
we are determined to ensure that crime hot spots, which have been forgotten by the ANC government, are turned into safe and thriving communities.
Only a DA government has the political will to fix the fundamentals in the police force to truly tackle crime for the benefit of all the people of this country.
We will overhaul the SAPS to create an honest and professional organisation that actually serves and protects South Africans.
A DA national government will: Allow provinces, that can prove that they are up to the task, to take on responsibility for policing in that province.
Carry out a complete overhaul of SAPS which addresses the Four Us by: Retraining police officers to serve and protect with pride by increasing the time and intensity of police training,
ensuring ongoing investigative and firearm training, and
ensuring counselling is available for all officers and detectives.
Ensuring high crime areas (in both rural and urban areas) are prioritised in terms of police resourcing and equipment and
that police have the right firearms, vehicles and other equipment or tools needed to prevent and combat crime.
Making sure all police stations are secure, safe and accessible for all citizens, police officers and SAPS staff, with
empathetic and efficient service at all police stations.
Working to train and develop police officers,
increase the number of specialist officers and detectives, and
improve service at police stations, and for all community policing forums.
Move procurement of goods and services to provincial level,
with strict financial control measures in place to prevent corruption,
in order to allow faster turn-around times and greater flexibility in the selection of suppliers.
This will ensure police can get the resources they need quicker and
grow local economies.
Increasing the budget available to crucial policing functions by dramatically decreasing the amount allocated to VIP protection.
Providing funding to CPFs on the basis of pre-determined action plans allowing them to implement community projects.
Fighting for the right of legal, responsible gun ownership
while taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal gun possession, ensuring these are removed from the hands of criminals.
Exploring public-private partnerships to staff Victim Empowerment Centres with properly trained trauma debriefing counsellors who themselves are properly monitored and debriefed.
Devolving part of the policing budget to police station level to address specific needs and bring in line with the move to devolve the competency, where appropriate on a provincial level.
Providing funding to CPF’s on the basis of pre-determined action plans allowing them to implement community projects.
Ensure that our police force is professional, honest and serves our country by: Fighting corruption within the police by implementing mandatory lifestyle audits for senior police management and spot check, or as-needed, lifestyle audits for police officers seemingly living above their means.
Only hiring people with a passion for policing and ensuring new recruits undergo extensive training.
Implementing a new promotions policy to make sure that the best and most dedicated policemen are promoted, not political cadres.
Replicating the DA-led Western Cape’s model of an office of Police Ombud which can independently investigate complaints of poor police service and
act as an important bridge between the police and community, in the case of a breakdown of relationships.
Increasing the mental health support for SAPS members.
Creating specialised anti-crime units and officer-level positions aimed at eradicating organised crime,
sexual offences,
missing persons and
promoting rural safety (among other specialities).
This will be part of a drive to create specialised and professional streams of work within the police force so that we have officers who are dedicated solely to single issue areas of crime.
Instituting an effective and semi-independent drug-busting force within the SAPS which can target gangs and drug-related crimes.
This force will be deployed to those communities who currently live in gang and drug ‘war zones’ to provide communities with protection and
to root out and arrest the criminals responsible.
Allocating a ring-fenced budget to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), separate from the control of the police minister, to be used for the investigation of high-priority and politically sensitive crimes.
IPID could not finish their investigations at Scene 2 at Marikana because of lack of funds and this is a miscarriage of justice which should never be repeated.
The DA will make sure that SAPS works with communities and other law-enforcement agencies to reach maximum effectiveness by: Ensuring that there is an active and well-supported community police forum along with neighbourhood watch patrols and ‘walking buses’ for school children walking home.
Ensuring that police officers and detectives work closely with communities, Metro Police and private security, to prevent and stop criminal activity and organised crime.
Rural Safety
The DA recognises that the safety and security of rural communities has been severely compromised under ANC rule.
Rural areas are not only inhabited by farmers, but comprise farm workers, traditional communities and individuals living in isolated hamlets and settlements.
The DA acknowledges that every person in South Africa is entitled to a safe and secure environment, regardless of where they live.
It has become obvious that current policing strategies for rural areas are failing some of the most isolated and vulnerable communities in the country.
To halt the scourge of crime in rural areas, a DA-led government will: Establish rural policing units staffed by specially trained and equipped members of the SAPS that will fulfil a rapid response function
as well as liaise and coordinate with other specialist units in the SAPS.
Tackle rural crime through a variety of policing interventions, carried out by the specialised units, including: undercover operations;
road blocks and observation posts;
search and seizure operations (targeting among other crimes, stock theft); and
rapid response capability to respond to violent attacks.
Establish specific rural policing sectors in such a manner as to ensure that such sectors exist for the entirety of rural South Africa.
Establish rural community policing units for every police station that serves at least one rural district.
Allow members of rural communities to join a local rural community policing unit as special rural reservists.
Provide for several categories of rural reservists, each with special admission requirements, to ensure that all who wish to contribute to the safety of their community will be allowed to do so in accordance to their own ability.
Attend to the establishment of an extensive citizen band radio network by subsidising mobile and fixed radio sets that will connect community members, rural community policing units and local police stations.
Require that the SAPS actively and constantly educate rural communities on the best safety practices in their area.
Integrate existing community policing forums into the rural community policing model to ensure the optimal execution of a unified rural policing strategy.
Establish a drone capacity for the active and reactive policing of rural areas.
Establish dedicated provincial rural safety directorates that will draft, implement and monitor province-specific rural safety strategies.
Establish a rural crime intelligence division to keep separate statistics on rural crime categories, like stock theft, and
establish a well-integrated crime intelligence network in rural areas.
The proposed new rural safety model will focus on combatting and preventing all crime in rural communities.
Notwithstanding this, the DA recognises that there are certain crimes that place a heavy burden on the livelihoods of farmers specifically.
Whether they are commercial, small-scale or subsistence farmers, these issues are universal.
Immigration: Securing Our Borders
The ANC government is incapable of upholding law and order in our country.
One of the areas where this is most visible is the complete lack of security and lawful migration at our borders.
Another is the state of the Department of Home Affairs which is riddled with corruption and
disorganisation and
has caused an immigration system failure,
followed by violence and tragedy.
This state of affairs is not what we were promised, and
it is not what our residents, South African and foreign alike, deserve.
Currently, South Africa hosts an unknown number of undocumented migrants;
our country has a massive service delivery backlog.;
and thousands of communities still live without adequate access to even basic services.
Undocumented migration poses two challenges in relation to this.
Firstly, it is impossible for any government to adequately plan service delivery for an unknown number of  community members.
Secondly, state resources have to stretch further which can breed resentment among South Africans who have been deprived for a very long time.
It is the latter reality which can create significant tensions in communities,
especially when the issue of scarce state resources is exponentially compounded by ANC government corruption and
maladministration which has failed to deliver services nearly 25 years after democracy.
More worryingly, those who are seeking legitimate asylum in our country are largely unprotected by the ANC government, with countless examples of the gross exploitation of refugees and asylum seekers by Home Affairs officials who seek bribes.
It is disgusting that those who need and deserve our protection are revictimized by a system that should be protecting them.
The lack of security at our borders also leads to significant cross-border crime with syndicates (which include both South African- and foreign-run syndicates) trafficking drugs; stolen goods; and, most concerningly, people (including women and children vulnerable to being exploited in various ways, including sex-trafficking).
Issues around undocumented migration have led to severe instances of violence and xenophobia in South Africa.
The DA is the only party which is willing to tackle the challenge head on and provide leadership on this difficult and indeed emotive issue.
We believe that the only way to create cohesive and united communities,
in the spirit of One South Africa for All,
is to make sure that migration occurs legally.
We believe that the knowledge that borders are properly policed and
that Home Affairs is organised and
corruption-free
will go a long way to improving the relationships between foreign residents and their South African counterparts in all our communities –
indeed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has stated that one of the most important ways to create social cohesion and deal with xenophobia is to improve law and order, and
the perception that government is in control of orderly migration.
It must be emphatically stated that the DA by no means believes that migration into South Africa is a bad thing.
Far from that, South Africa desperately needs skills and is, and
should continue to be, a cosmopolitan country with residents from across the globe and the African continent.
But this migration must happen in a legal manner.
We need leadership and change capable of dealing with these challenges that restores law and order and
ensures that migration and border control in South Africa occurs in a legal and ordered manner.
Only the DA can fix the rot at Home Affairs
by eliminating corruption,
inefficiency,
poor leadership and
policy uncertainty.
We will offer more care for asylum seekers and refugees, and
assist them with empathetic and well-trained officials, staff and immigration supervisors from Home Affairs,
along with police officers who know how to treat undocumented immigrants fairly and according to the law.
Skilled immigrants, traders and business people will be welcome in our country –
we will attract highly skilled immigrants and those with low-level scarce skills to fill our skills gaps and allow them to work, teach, trade, build businesses and create jobs.
We will ensure that border management results in a significant reduction in cross-border crime by working with neighbouring states.
Our immigration policy will seek to enhance, and not hamper, economic integration
and social unity in Africa.
Our migration policy will be based upon preventing irregular migration and
incentivising regular migration to grow our economy, the region and Africa as a whole.
When in government the DA will root out corruption and professionalise Home Affairs by: Implementing a programme at Home Affairs to audit and properly record, and where appropriate, regularise all undocumented foreign nationals already in the country.
Implementing a programme at Home Affairs to make legal entry and residence easier for skilled immigrants and businesses from all countries, especially from within Africa.
The process will be simple and transparent, leaving no room for corruption.
Building a more capable migration governance that helps South Africans to travel and do business, and
assists those wanting to live, work and trade in South Africa legally.
A DA national government will meaningfully extend rights to all who live in our country and those who visit, as well as enforce our laws by: Fostering sustainable solutions for those foreign nationals who currently live in the country undocumented, especially parentless children and those who have a record of contributing to our society.
Fairly, efficiently and legally deporting those who have entered the country’s borders, harbours and airports illegally (particularly repeat offenders and those convicted of criminal offences) and returning them safely to their home countries.
Actively assisting, supporting and caring for asylum seekers, and
protecting and hosting refugees and those who have been trafficked, smuggled or abused within or across our borders.
Ensuring that traders who enter the country to do business and receive supplies are regularised and/or receive specialised trading permits to ensure continued business in both ‘country of origin’ and ‘country of business’.
Rolling out a programme of action to educate all our communities about the benefits of integration and social cohesion with those from other countries,
and about the measures being taken to ensure that all migration occurs legally and
that borders are being properly policed to exhibit that the rule of law is being restored.
A DA national government will improve border management and control by: Reviewing the number and size of border posts and their management to increase the number of points of legal entry and exit.
The increased number of border posts
with heightened policing will also serve to prevent criminal activity, illicit trade, poaching and stock theft, and
enable and improve the efficiency of ongoing inter-border and transregional trade and investment
to build businesses and
create jobs.
Ensuring effective, efficient and coordinated border security and border control
through increased policing capacity at our border posts and along our borders.
Increasing the 15 SANDF companies protecting South Africa’s borders to the required 22 companies, and
ensure that they are properly resourced and trained.
Making use of crime intelligence and combatting all forms of crime and
corruption, irrespective of whether it is committed by foreign nationals or South Africans,
to prevent bribery and corruption by Home Affairs, SAPS and SARS officials or staff.
Decisively dealing with the poor border management and weak implementation of migration policy through the use of research and data from a well-capacitated Stats SA.
The DA is committed to enhancing global mobility into South Africa and will ensure that we prioritise the following in government: Ensure the ability to apply online and receive an e-Visa before travel.
Enable the extension and change from a tourist visa to another visa status while remaining in the country, if you meet the requisite criteria.
Make it easier for families with children to visit South Africa as tourists.
Overhaul and modernise Home Affairs.
Attract critical skills through immigration, considering that many South African professionals have moved abroad to pursue more favourable labour market conditions.
A DA national government resolves to run a campaign to encourage all South Africans living abroad to return home and contribute to the new South Africa under a DA government.
Amend Section 6(1) (a) of the South African Citizenship Act (88 of 1995) to ensure that no South Africans are being unlawfully stripped of their right to citizenship when voluntarily applying for citizenship of another country.
The current legislation that results in the loss of citizenship is unconstitutional.
The DA is already challenging this in court.
Improve consular services for South Africans abroad – the minimum wait time for a passport and ID renewal or other Home Affairs documentation, such as birth certificates, is six months.
This can have an impact on their access to work and healthcare and impacts greatly on those trying to return home at short notice to care for ill or dying loved ones.
This election is about your future.
Use your vote to ensure a strong DA,
because only the DA can secure our borders, enforce the rule of law, protect the rights of all those who live in our country, ensure that trade continues to grow and create jobs, and build an efficient and capable Home Affairs.
Streamlining Government and Maximising Delivery
The DA believes that governance and government in South Africa can be better.
We believe government can be more responsive to the needs of the people,
we believe it can be more transparent and accountable to those it serves, and
we believe that is can be more efficient in delivering services.
We believe that government can do more to create an enabling environment for growth and development.
However, for this to happen we must radically rethink the shape and function of government, from the top down.
An essential first step in this process is reconfiguring government to create a nimble, cost- effective Executive designed to maximise service delivery and
tackle head-on South Africa’s primary challenges: unemployment and
poverty.
The unrestrained growth in the size of the Executive has delivered little benefit, if any, to South Africans as the huge increase in ministers and deputy ministers has not improved the performance of government.
Rather, ministerial posts and all the accompanying benefits have been used primarily for patronage and rewarding political loyalty.
Indeed, approximately one in four ANC MPs are now also members of the Executive!
The DA has a plan to reduce the size of government to only 15 ministries,
saving nearly R5 billion a year
without sacrificing any of the capacity needed to run government effectively.
It is important to recognise that reducing the number of ministries in South Africa does not mean that we do away with essential departments or government entities.
Rather, it means that we do away with unnecessary ministries which, at least in principle, were created to exercise political oversight and leadership, but have failed to do so.
Ministries vs. departments
When considering the DA’s 15 ministries proposal, it is essential to bear in mind the difference between ministries and departments.
Ministries are headed by members of the Executive – cabinet ministers – who dictate policy and exercise political oversight over the various departments and entities that report to them.
Ministers are politicians appointed by the president and can be dismissed or re-assigned at his/her sole discretion.
By contrast, departments are headed by directors general (DGs) who are senior civil servants.
DGs are appointed by the relevant minister, upon the recommendation of a selection panel.
Departments and entities can be reassigned to different ministries without substantively affecting their day-to-day functioning.
This should be taken into account when considering proposed changes to departments elsewhere in this manifesto.
Our proposal will see 15 ministries carefully and purposefully designed to direct government spending towards the right mix of priorities,
which will in turn lead to economic growth.
A DA national government will have the following 15 ministries: 1. Employment and Enterprise , 2. Economic Infrastructure, 3. Finance, 4. Basic Education, 5. Further Education, Skills and Innovation, 6. Health and Social Development, 7. Integrated Planning and Service Delivery, 8. Police, 9. Local and Provincial Government, 10. Home Affairs, 11. Agriculture and Land Reform, 12. Justice and Correctional Services, 13. Environment, 14. Foreign Affairs, 15. Defence.
Reducing the size of the Executive will not only reduce the unproductive spending in the public sector,
along with the inexcusable spending on VIP protection, ministerial mansions and perks,
it will dismantle the huge patronage network the ANC constructed and all its associated ills.
The full details of how we would minimise cabinet can be found in our position paper: Maximising Service Delivery by Minimising Cabinet.
To further maximise the gains from a leaner government we will implement a new stringent ministerial handbook which will cut the perks available to ministers to make sure that there is no room for the abuse of public resources.
A small, streamlined government will not only contain public spending,
it will promote clean, accountable, efficient, responsive and citizen-oriented governance.
Another important aspect of streamlining government will be the review of the necessity of district municipalities.
District municipalities have few competencies and require substantial funding relative to the services they provide.
The DA national government will review the feasibility of doing away with district municipalities in a manner which will not compromise service delivery to the residents of local governments.
Foreign Policy: Balancing National Interest with a Rights-based Agenda
The Democratic Alliance believes in the principle of human rights-based foreign policy.
In 1994 Nelson Mandela said that “human rights will be the light which guides our foreign policy”.
Our core constitutional principles of equality,
human dignity and
respect for human rights will guide a DA government’s foreign policy and strategies.
We must also be cognisant of our country’s economic and
security interests.
These must always be given appropriate weight when considering foreign policy decisions.
We will seek to build the pillars of a just society everywhere – to promote democratic governments and states characterised by accountable institutions, independent judiciaries, free media and vibrant civil societies.
By doing so, South Africa will become a responsible and reliable/consistent international stakeholder and
improve our standing in the world community.
Such a position will allow us to use our moral weight far more effectively
while also building strong diplomatic and trade ties.
Under DA leadership, the South African government will: Play a key role in conflict prevention and resolution efforts, peace-keeping, peace-building and post-conflict resolution and reconstruction (with the support and funding of multi-lateral institutions).
Ensure the process of regional integration regains its momentum – particularly the regional economic programme of SADC which provides for policy coordination and convergence, sectorial cooperation and market integration which will enhance trade and create more jobs.
Promote trade through BRICS on the basis of the potential for better trade access into and out of the member countries and
strengthen and deepen our trade ties with our existing trade partners, such as the EU.
Increase the amount of trade, investment and tourism attracted to our country
through well-trained and professional staff and diplomats at all of our embassies located around the world.
Support the United Nations and other important multilateral organisations,
although we recognise the need for the reform of these bodies in their decision-making councils in order to both reflect the new power relationships in the world and
to give emerging countries, particularly Africa, a greater voice.
Continue to recognise the importance of multilateralism and a rules-based international system governed by international law
which includes reiterating our commitment to the International Criminal Court.
Preserving the Environment
Protection of the environment goes beyond conservation and must include the maintenance of environmental quality.
A healthy environment – most notably the availability of ample clean water, clean energy and clean air –
is critical for creating One South Africa for All.
A healthy environment is essential for citizens to seize opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods.
Our history of forced human migration, settlement and bloody conflict has left a legacy of disturbance.
In many cases the most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens have been forced to live in the most degraded environments.
Further, access to leisure opportunities, most notably in our protected areas and along our coastline, has been largely inaccessible to a significant portion of our population.
The DA will thus pursue policies that break down barriers that deny South Africans the use and enjoyment of our environment.
All South Africans must be able to experience and
take pride in our unique history and environment.
Protection of the environment can and should go hand in hand with economic development which is sustainable.
Opportunities for new jobs in the ‘green economy’ are numerous provided an enabling environment is created.
South Africa must prepare to respond to climate change,
improve our resilience to environmental shocks and stressors and
contribute to the global effort to reduce carbon outputs in order to make our country more resilient to climate change.
If managed correctly, our response can create the opportunity for the development and introduction of new technologies,
the stimulation of demand for new products, and
the associated creation of new jobs.
Climate Change
Our response to climate change must be based on creating new opportunities for South Africans to benefit from reducing emissions, and
must be based on fairness and openness with all the relevant stakeholders.
The DA supports the creation of a national registry of mitigation actions.
The registry will allow government and stakeholders to have an overview of the contribution of actions toward reaching certain mitigation targets.
This registry should form the basis for submission of mitigation actions to any registry maintained by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The DA would build a registry of mitigation actions focusing on a number of projects, programmes and policies, these would include: Energy efficiency: Mandatory energy efficiency labelling for appliances and machines;
improved energy efficiency standards for buildings and additions to existing buildings.
Sectoral targets: Establishment of mitigation targets in specific sectors in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
Renewable energy: Up-scaling the installation of renewable energy projects around South Africa by creating an enabling environment for investment by independent power producers (see the DA energy policy for more information);
and incentives for private households to install solar PV and solar water geysers.
Transport: Improved public transport.
Carbon capture and storage: Develop a comprehensive geological atlas that identifies appropriate areas for sequestration and
introduce the required regulations and incentives to attract private sector investment
and agriculture.
The DA would focus on building climate resilience through a number of projects, programmes and policies, these would include: Disaster management: Establishment of well-resourced disaster management centres around the country,
improved early warning systems, and
greater public awareness campaigns.
Agriculture: Increased use of agriculture extension workers to help vulnerable communities to develop appropriate responses to farming under changing climatic conditions,
as well as better planning for drought and other climate-related challenges.
Planning: Improved planning and building regulations that, along with rigorous environmental authorisations, minimise the risks from extreme weather events.
Coastal management: Establishment of coastal management lines to better guide development along coastal areas.
Insurance: Engage with the private sector to develop new insurance products that protect particularly vulnerable communities from extreme weather events.
Water: Increased investment and maintenance of water infrastructure,
along with the augmentation of supply from new sources (see more below in the Water section).
Indigenous knowledge: Not only relying on technical and engineering adaptation options but also recognising, assessing and appropriately implementing a wide range of adaptation options that ensure the incorporation of indigenous knowledge.
WHERE WE GOVERNKouga climate partnershipIn 2017, the Municipality initiated a partnership with Ilsfeld to combat climate change. The German partner sent a delegation from Ilsfeld to Kouga municipality in January 2019 to meet with their South African counterparts and local stakeholders. The focus of the partnership is on renewable energy, waste management and water security. Overberg District Municipality climate change response frameworkIn 2016, Overberg District Municipality developed a Climate Change Response Framework (CCRF) that is being used as a guiding document to give effect to the project of addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. This CCRF is meant to give a strategic overview of climate change responses that is relevant for the Overberg Region; accordingly, not all the responses identified in this document will be implementable by the District and local municipalities alone. This document is therefore not only aimed at the District and local municipalities, but also at civil society – including the private sector and NGOs, as well as national and provincial government – and is intended to guide a wider Overberg climate change response informed by local knowledge.
The environment and energy demands
We need to take a long-term approach to energy planning.
This should include gas.
The exploitation of shale gas in South Africa, if it is to be pursued, is a long-term project.
It cannot be rushed and needs to be informed by best-practice,
stringent regulations, and
continuous opportunities for public participation.
Hydraulic fracturing and marine offshore seismic exploration must be subject to responsible and appropriate control measures in order to govern and regulate all actions and decisions.
These measures should: Promote transparency about the use of chemicals in the process.
Clearly outline the safety and other rules applying to companies participating in exploration and production.
Specify how transgressions of the rules will be dealt with.
Include sufficient consideration for the protection of environmental resources in all decisions with regard to hydraulic fracturing.
An appropriate balance must be found between doing what is right for the environment and
what is right for unemployed people who could benefit from fracking.
A DA national government would ensure that adequate measures are put in place to ensure that: Corruption is avoided and fracking does not become characterised by rent-seeking by the politically connected.
Fracking is done in accordance with land-use planning by local and provincial authorities.
Water exiting drill shafts is collected and cleaned so as not to pollute surface or ground water resources.
Public infrastructure damaged by prospecting or extraction operations be repaired or paid for by the companies involved.
There is public disclosure by companies of all contraventions of regulations and/or legislation.
There are tough penalties for any contravention of the control measures.
In terms of the Green Economy and national ecological management a national government DA would: Implement regular National Ecosystem Assessments to provide the data that can be used to determine the value of natural capital assets and the costs associated with their depletion.
Improve transparency in the business sector by regulating to improve the reporting requirements of businesses in regard to their impacts on natural capital.
Implement more programmes that incentivise behaviours that are environmentally friendly and
improve resource efficiency, for example, replicating the City of Cape Town’s electricity bill rebate system for households that install solar water heaters.
Wherever feasible, money collected from environmental taxes should be used to incentivise other actions that contribute to growing the ‘Green Economy’.
Improved product and technical standards will be used to drive investments and innovation in products that are less carbon intensive.
Ensure all environmental assessment practitioners are registered on a central database with a professional body
which has a peer-review mechanism that removes the accreditation of assessors that are deemed to have acted unethically.
Urgently increase the number of ‘Blue Scorpions’ in all the regional offices of the Department of Water and in the Catchment Management Agencies and
increase the number of enforcement officials responsible for environment issues in the Department of Mineral Resources.
Regulate to allow enforcement officials in the Department of Environmental Affairs to also enforce the various water laws in order to supplement the enforcement capacity of the Department of Water.
Waste management
In terms of waste management, a DA national government would, among other things: Ensure that all landfills are properly licenced and regularly inspected by enforcement officials and
improve capacity at the municipal level to produce and implement local waste management plans.
Increase public awareness campaigns about the importance of recycling in particular, but good waste management practices in general.
Ensure that compulsory refunds exist for certain products, including glass bottles, to ensure that the economic value motivates the user to return them for re-use or recycling.
Ensure that opportunities exist in the private sector for the unique recycling requirements of household hazardous waste such as CFLs, batteries and electronic goods.
Ensure that the Department of Health is adequately capacitated to handle the awarding of contracts to healthcare risk waste service providers
to ensure sufficient treatment and disposal facilities are available –
government hospitals must be able to conduct thorough due diligence audits to ensure that service providers are capable of legally treating and disposing medical waste.
Launch a national clean-up campaign modelled on the successful Tswelopele and AreSebetseng programmes our governments in Tshwane and Johannesburg have initiated, respectively.
Ensure support to small and informal businesses that focus on recycling.
Informal waste recyclers play an under-stated role in recycling and
assist significantly in waste diversion
while also creating economic opportunities.
WHERE WE GOVERNStellenbosch Swop ShopA swop shop was established in the Municipality in 2016, the project is geared towards teaching the community the benefits of recycling and keeping their community clean. The Municipality sets up the shop, stocking it with coffee, sugar, tea, soap, toilet paper, fruit, clothes and shoes. Residents then bring their sorted recyclables to the swop shop in standard-size clear plastic bags and they are given coupons based on the items and the size of the plastic bags. They then use the coupons to trade the goods in the swop shop. Breede Valley’s mascot and swop shopIn a bid to encourage participation in its recycling programme, Breede Valley Municipality has tasked a mascot to visit all Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) and primary schools to educate young children about the benefits of recycling. The recycling project also includes stationing big recycling bins outside of schools. Bin-Bin then comes along and gives a demonstration on which recyclables go in which bin. After visiting schools, the students are given different coloured recycling bags which they can take home. After filling these bags with recyclables, they then bring them backto school where they are given vouchers for their efforts. With these vouchers, they will be able to buy stationery items such as books, pens and other school essentials.
Wildlife management and conservation
The DA believes that trans-boundary parks are important vehicles for promoting regional tourism and
integration,
but that far more attention needs to be paid to their conservation imperatives.
A DA national government would: Improve coordination between the various organisations in the state security cluster, including the SAPS, the SANDF, the NPA and the SSA,
particularly with regard to intelligence gathering related to poaching activities.
Improve the training of magistrates and prosecutors on the relevant wildlife crime legislation.
Increase the deployment of SANDF personnel in areas where protected areas border neighbouring countries.
Increase the deployment of rangers in protected areas,
while ensuring that the entire cohort of rangers are properly vetted and well equipped to perform their assigned tasks.
Provide significant state support for the extension of the rhino DNA database.
Fishing
In terms of fishing quotas, a DA national government will ensure that: Fishing quotas are allocated to individuals to avoid fronting and abuse.
However, should a fishing community wish to have quotas amalgamated into a co-operative, this should also be recognised.
Fishing quotas are allocated to persons who fish their own quotas.
Small-scale fishers must be allocated quotas in the vicinity where they live based on the internationally accepted Territorial User Rights Fishing (TURF) system
so as to encourage responsible fishing and
to reduce poaching.
Small-scale fishing quotas must be allocated for long term periods in accordance with TURF so as to encourage ‘ownership’ of fish stocks,
thus reducing uncertainty.
The state pays for the scrapping of unnecessary fishing capacity and
must consider implementing a fishing right ‘buy-back’ programme to support the recovery of nearshore fish stocks; and
Levies for the nearshore lobster fishery are reviewed and reduced as these cannot be same as for the offshore lobster sector.
Fishing quotas to industrial quota holders be substantially more freely tradable.
Right holders must be allowed to sell and manage their fishing quotas once allocated in order to maximise efficiencies
provided that this is done in a socially and ecologically responsible manner.
This would be achieved through a review the uncompetitive Transfer of Fishing Rights Policy.
Water management
We believe proper water management and
access to clean and reliable water supplies should be a constant feature for all communities.
A DA national government will: Ensure that a competent professional is appointed as the DG of the Department of Water, and
that all other senior management positions are similarly filled with qualified people to turn water governance around in South Africa.
Ensure that both the Department of Water and Water Trading Entity receive clean audits and
that their governance is improved.
Improve the accounting system so that all users of bulk water are properly invoiced, and
that revenue is subsequently collected.
Ensure that audits on the state of bulk infrastructure and its maintenance needs are regularly concluded in order to properly inform the long-term planning processes of the Department.
Improve storage capacity, through dam and reservoir building, in areas of the country where this capacity is under-developed.
Ensure all municipalities have water services development plans, and
that these plans are regularly updated.
Provide assistance to municipalities to ensure that they attain and then maintain Green and Blue Drop certification.
Scale up the war on leaks to ensure a substantial decrease in non-revenue water.
Continue with current “Working for Water” programmes that use labour from local communities to remove intrusive alien species that add pressure to water reserves.
Use stricter enforcement protocols, including criminal charges, against municipalities that discharge untreated waste water in water courses.
This would be supplemented by implementation of a waste discharge charge system to encourage municipalities to achieve the required effluent standards.
WHERE WE GOVERNMossel Bay waste water treatmentIn 2018, the Municipality worked with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research from Stellenbosch to incorporate a low-cost green technology that could not only improve wastewater effluent quality but potentially assist in harvesting nutrients. The Municipality and its partners have discovered that the use of green technology in the domestic wastewater industry can assist in the effective and efficient removal of nutrients and pathogens in effluents discharged from wastewater treatment works. This will then reduce human health risks by reducing harmful bacteria
Mining
We will grow the mining industry
while also ensuring close regulation to protect ecosystems,
our natural heritage and
surrounding communities.
A DA national government will: User stricter enforcement protocols, including criminal charges, against mines that discharge untreated mine water into water courses;
Work to create a sustainable solution to the historic acid mine drainage problem;
Ensure that existing mines that wish to close are properly rehabilitated before final closure is permitted.
Declare areas of significant biodiversity importance and
areas which are under significant water stress off-limits to mining using the relevant sections of the MPRDA.
Subject mines to stringent enforcement of the relevant environment and water legislation.
A Modern Defence Force for the 21st Century
The DA is of the belief that the primary focus of a national defence force should be to keep South Africans safe.
We currently have far too few troops deployed on our national borders.
Thus, as a first priority a DA national government will: Increase the 15 companies protecting South Africa’s borders to the required 22 companies and
ensure that they are properly resourced and trained.
The size of our defence force is relatively small and because of this we believe we it is necessary to be strategic about how and where we use our troops mindful that South Africa has an important role to play on the continent and in the SADC region.
A DA national government will: Ensure that participation in foreign peacekeeping is only undertaken to secure the region, and
missions will only be undertaken further afield when: mandated to do so by the United Nations or African Union; and
the mission is funded in concert with multi-laterals.
The South African military also needs to be modernised.
In this regard a DA national government will: Undertake a full audit of equipment and personnel available to determine procurement priorities and assets that can be sold or re-purposed.
Subject all defence procurement to strict regulations in order to prevent corruption.
Reduce the wage bill by retiring medically unfit and elderly members.
This will have the added effect of reducing the average troop age
in addition to bringing our budget allocation in line with the 2014 Defence Review.
The amount by which the wage bill is reduced will be re-allocated to the maintenance of military equipment which has been neglected under the ANC government.
1. COPE TRANSFORMATION CHARTER
1.1 Principle of Shared Destiny
We, fellow South Africans are a group of diverse people inhabiting this beautiful country.
The various paths we trod in history have brought us where and whether we know it or not our lives have become intertwined.
We interact with one another in many ways in our daily lives and we therefore have an effect on each other and one another.
There is no escaping the fact that we share a common destiny, the shaping of which – for good or ill – is our joint responsibility.
1.2 Principle of Enlightened Self-Interest
We accordingly believe that in order to protect and improve the quality of our lives, those of our children and those of future generations, we must take account of each other's lives and of the environment we share.
To help ourselves, we must help each other and one another.
If we do not take account of the needs, hopes and potential of others and do very little or nothing to foster the common good, we will ultimately undermine and subject to risk our own hopes and needs and potential.
This will not be the kind of legacy that future generations will want to inherit from us.
It will be very damaging to them.
1.3 Principle of Good Faith
It is not easy for us to chart a common destiny together.
This is because we are not used to doing so.
Our relationships are scarred by lingering suspicion, arising from a long history of conflict and abuse.
This difficult history has caused problems for us all, one way or another -- materially, environmentally, socially and spiritually.
These problems arising from our shared past are unfortunately still the problems of the present.
We still find ourselves making claims and counter-claims about who has a right, or more right, to be in this country.
We so easily forget that our beautiful country – like our continent as a whole -- belongs to all who live in it black and white.
Even though we may not personally and equally be responsible for the existence of the problems carried over from the past to the present, we must, nevertheless, share the full responsibility for trying to solve them in good faith as expeditiously as we can.
The transformation that our country demands begins with the transformation of ourselves as the starting point.
It begins in our hearts.
If we free ourselves of racial prejudices and narrow-mindedness, we remarkably free each other also.
Once we commit ourselves to achieving a common humanity through personal integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and loyalty, no matter what our material circumstances might be, we free ourselves to celebrate our differences in a very constructive way.
2. Diagnosis and Remediation to this end - We acknowledge the following:
2.1 Problem of Race and Ethnic Segregation
Although we are a single country, we literally live in different worlds.
The wards in which we live in each town and city are poles apart in respect of where they are sited and how they came to exist there.
The patterns of settlement are poles apart.
This is so in respect of racial composition and ethnicity, language, culture, religion, political affiliation and physical planning.
Very sharp divisions continue to exist.
Although many of South Africans share languages and cultural practices, the kind of segregation into ethnic groupings that Apartheid institutionalised continues to permeate society.
This means that although our fates are so obviously intertwined, we still have relatively little to do with each other, especially socially.
We do not really know each other, and therefore do not feel or behave like coherent, integrated and cohesive communities.
We tend to consider ourselves not as people of one ward or of one community, but as 'us and them'.
Our understanding of ourselves as being separate groups in exclusive communities is both spurious and dangerous.
2.2 Problem of Extreme Disparities
We are not only divided; we are also unequal.
Ownership of resources – especially financial ones -- is heavily skewed in our community, mainly in line with ethnicity.
This disparity is particularly extreme in our different wards and within the wards themselves.
In some wards, a large proportion of poor people live adjacent to those who are better off.
This is cause for concern but also an opportunity for the resources that are present in each ward, human and material, to be used optimally for the betterment of all.
2.3 Problem of Entrenched Cycles of Inequality
As always, ownership of financial resources affects access to other resources of almost every kind.
Disparity in wealth, regrettably, is reflected and reproduced in a multiplicity of entrenched and cross-generational disparities.
Principal among these are disparities of access to decent employment, good education, adequate housing, sufficient healthcare, greater safety, better transport, informed childcare and quality sport and recreational facilities.
There are also intangible disparities in resources like self-confidence and being the agent of one's own destiny.
Addressing these disparities are just as important for a more harmonious existence.
Large numbers of people remain marginalised and their lives continue to be negatively impacted by the past.
They are, therefore, unable to make full use of all of the new opportunities in our democratic dispensation.
It is therefore not enough to level the playing fields.
More active steps are required to repair the damage of the past and to ameliorate the resultant deficiencies.
We recognise that these deficiencies and disparities – if left unchallenged -- lock us into a cycle that will perpetuate victimhood, and
even increases the inequalities between us.
Conflict, under such circumstances, becomes inevitable.
3. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF OUR CHALLENGES
3.1 Re-acknowledgement of Mutual Interdependence
These inequalities -- and the fear and alienation they spawn on account of displays of arrogance and denial intensify frustration, resentment and despair.
The shame that they generate cause us all harm.
Crime becomes rampant.
Our prisons become overcrowded.
Our health care becomes strained.
Greed proliferates and corruption becomes endemic as people look for the shortest path to instant wealth and higher status in society.
Hatred for others and often self-hatred combined with the abuse of alcohol and other addictive substances causes domestic violence, rape, murder, neglect of children, vagrancy and begging to proliferate.
Xenophobia increases with loss of hope and a dismal outlook for the future.
Victimhood is a major problem that has to be adequately addressed.
These negative consequences of increasing inequalities in our country, the most unequal in the world, become mutually compounding and easily multiplied leading to the creation of many crises in our society.
While most of the consequences are glaringly obvious, others are subtle and insidious but no less damaging to us all.
3.2 Acknowledgment of a Shared Environment
Given these pressing human problems in our unfixed society, it is easy to overlook the fact that we are also dependent upon the well-being of one another as another major crisis confronts all of us on the planet, namely, climate change.
With increasing emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, our nation and others as well have a narrow window of twelve years or so to reduce gas emissions or face runaway climate change.
The need to exploit, manage and protect our environmental resources in a responsible and sustainable fashion, and
share them equitably, has never been more important than now.
Our failure to act responsibly will mean that we ourselves and more particularly our children will have to pay an extremely high price.
3.3 Acknowledgment of differences
Citizens of a democratic state expect their elected representatives, in all tiers of government, to address the heap of problems society faces from all directions in constructive, innovative and scientifically proven ways.
We need to work very smart and very fast with very limited resources and limited time.
Public representatives have to step up to the demands of the time and provide the kind of leadership necessary to steer our country with greater acumen, responsibility and accountability.
4. State and Civil Society We acknowledge, our problems are not the sole responsibility of government, we the people of ward eight take upon ourselves the following tasks:
4.1 Task linked to problem 2.1.
This is our 25th year into democracy.
We as South Africans are running out of time to make ourselves in a new and enduring image.
We need to part of those working actively to create racially integrated and cohesive communities.
We simply have to bridge the divisions among us to avoid any kind of push back.
The tables will continue to turn otherwise.
Issues of ethnicity, language, culture, origin, religion and political affiliation must be approached constructively, intelligently and open-mindedly.
This can be done in various ways at different levels.
At the personal and individual level we can all participate in issuing and accepting social invitations, organising inclusive community events and festivals, promoting inter ward sports and becoming involved in supporting developments for all sectors of our community.
4.2 Task linked to problem 2.2.
We are determined to encourage people in our society to work together to achieve greater equality, prosperity and harmony.
When more and more people begin to contribute their various resources, talents and other skills to help alleviate the suffering and indignities that poor people are subjected to, transformation of our society will be given impetus.
The rehabilitation of communities that are dysfunctional and marginalised will begin to occur for the betterment of society as a whole.
Its most beneficial outcome will be the growth of the local economy through new opportunities that will be created.
We all have to be prepared to work for the future we want to experience.
Our involvement in different educational initiatives, investments, financial support, skills training, creation of bursaries and charity, amongst others, will contribute to broad-based economic empowerment in our respective wards and wards we choose to partner with on the other side of where we live.
As we know, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
4.3 Task linked to problem 2.3.
We will do our utmost as a political party to attack inequality in innovative and constructive ways so that people can have more equitable access to resources of all kinds.
We will work very hard to support the Buy South African Campaign,
double the number of designated items in respect of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, No. 5 of 2000 as amended in 2017 from 23 to at least 50,
introduce a Buy South African Bill in parliament, and
require all organs of state to ensure that imported items have a large component of local content.
By promoting our services and goods we will both preserve and create jobs.
Furthermore, through fit for purpose education, mentoring, skills development and incentive schemes, where necessary,
we will seek to ensure that South Africans have the skills sets necessary in the Fourth Industrial Revolution to find work or alternatively be self-employed.
We will seek to enhance the curriculum, capacity, functionality and pass marks for key subjects at all our schools to ensure relevance and adequacy of the education they get.
Where necessary, through a public-private partnership schemes, we will offer financial support to individual learners as well as educators to excel in areas of great need in our society.
We will also actively facilitate cooperation between our schools and encourage the sharing of resources and facilities between them.
No child should be left behind because of failure to act politically.
We will likewise seek to improve standards and access in basic services, housing, healthcare, safety, transport, childcare, sport and recreation in keeping with constitutional guidelines and imperatives.
5. VISION STATEMENT
We believe that our destiny is in our hands.
In everything we do, therefore, we shall work to demonstrate our awareness of and belief in the power of our diversity.
We are indeed better for being diverse because we are a microcosm of the whole world in one geographical area.
By creating greater interdependence and responsibly and intelligently sharing a common environment, we can craft the kind of destiny our children will thank us for.
We encourage all South Africans to be members of an active civil society, promoting their common cause and showing an awareness for needs and rights to be jointly advanced and responsibilities to be collectively carried.
We want to live in a healthy,
productive, and
caring society where the dignity and humanity of all is upheld steadfastly and celebrated universally.
We want to be free,
safe,
prosperous and happy
through our unwavering commitment to the Constitution.
We must all proclaim loudly and fervently, as Nelson Mandela did in 1964 during the Rivonia Trial when he faced the prospect of a death sentence: “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people.
I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society
in which all persons live together in harmony and
with equal opportunities.
It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve.
But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die”.
His statement must resonate with all of us and we too must repeat his words with conviction every day because by so doing we will achieve the cherished ideal of a democratic and free society
in which all persons live together in harmony and
with equal opportunities.
This is not an unattainable ideal if we as a society embrace it and commit to it.
We shall indeed reach our destination, when we care for each other in our country in an everyday, realistic and sustainable fashion.
Ironically, it is in our own self-interest to do so.
Let's take hands and share the responsibility with the Congress of the People to get there.
To fulfilling this vision, we, the women, men, students and friends of the Congress of the People and those who in our society who support the attainment of the goals set out in the charter above, hereby declare our commitment to the vision and ideals set out above and will accordingly undertake to achieve the following goals –
6. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - RETURN TO CONSTITUTIONALISM AND RULE OF LAW
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -
The country returns to proper Constitutionalism where the rule of law will prevail unfailingly and in all circumstances;
Parliament and our Legislatures promote, protect and uphold the Constitution vigorously and without fear or favour.
The Office of the Speaker, Chair of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), and Speakers of Provincial Legislatures are non-partisan and not party political functionaries masquerading as Speakers thwarting the roles of legislatures in exercising scrutiny and
demanding accountability to the people of South Africa;
The rules of Parliament and our other Legislatures are amended to insulate Presiding Officers from political party influence and pressure,
Members of the Executive in all Spheres of government are made to honour their Oath of Office faithfully and
to be subjected to their performance being monitored in an open and transparent manner,
Nationwide civic and constitutional education programmes to build awareness are actively promoted,
Our Electoral Laws are aligned more closely to the Constitution in order for the direct election of the President, Premiers and Mayors to take place,
for the electoral system to accommodate constituency based representation in all spheres of government, and
to allow for individuals to contest national and provincial elections,
Popularly elected public representatives can be removed from office by the people themselves through clearly defined and nationally agreed constitutional procedures,
South Africans develop a culture of working together through non-partisan voter coalitions to enhance the voice of every voter, regardless of political party affiliation, and
thus give citizens greater constitutional flexibility to be fully involved in the exercise of governance;. and
Mechanisms and conditions are created to facilitate and empower NGOs and Civil Society to hold government effectively accountable,
act as anti-corruption and service delivery watchdogs and
to bring the government much closer to the people than has been the case up to now.
7. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START TO CREATE A CAPABLE STATE AND AN ADMINISTRATION THAT IS PROFESSIONAL & CAPABLE
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -
the values and principles underpinning public administration as enshrined in Chapter 10 of the Constitution are adhered to through effective application of the law,
the Public Service Act and Regulations which prohibit indiscriminate political deployment to the Government and SOEs are actively and stringently implemented,
the Public Services is re-engineered, re-orientated and re-aligned to make it compatible with the values prescribed in the Bill of Rights,
Policy integrity, certainty, and sustainability will prevail beyond Executive tenure within any given term of government,
A culture of accountability and full consequence management in a consistent and effective manner prevails,
Citizen activism, whistleblowing, and investigative journalism are facilitated, supported, safeguarded and rewarded to increase accountability and
expose corruption,
Public representatives dutifully and competently service their communities without any political bias,
The use of physical cash will be phased out, particularly for big ticket items, over a period of time in favour of digital payment that is supported by a secure digital channel to ensure traceability of all transactions and to prevent bags or boxes of money being exchanged under the table or behind the scenes to support corrupt practices of the type now being exposed in the Zondo Commission,
Public participation in all spheres of government through the increased use of new Information and Communication Technologies will be promoted,
Supporting continuous lifestyle scrutiny of highly placed public officials and public representatives.
Ensure the strict separation between the party and the state so that the party can never be made more important than the people to whom sovereignty belongs and by whose favour all governments are elected to faithfully serve them,
Ministries and government departments will be substantially downsized to achieve efficiency,
stop the buying of political support with the grant of ministerial office,
reduce consumption side expenditure and
allow more resources to go into infrastructure development,
the division of powers and functions among the three spheres of government are reviewed to make government more service oriented and responsive to the needs of the people, and .
District Municipalities are given a further examination to better resolve the dysfunctionality that occurs at present leading to many municipalities being distressed and therefore unable to supply essential services to the people they are meant to serve.
By implementing the above, COPE will eradicate corruption and eliminate any further attempts to capture the state and loot its resources so brazenly and on a scale never before witnessed in the twenty five years of our democracy.
8. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START- CONTAINING STATE DEBT AND ACHIEVING FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR SURVIVAL & WELLBEING
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
The nation and all stakeholders are made to fully understand what a perilous position we are in as a result of the astronomical state debt incurred in the last nine years and
the increasing budget deficits now facing the government which require the state, at present, to borrow R6 billion per week and utilise R5 billion of each week's borrowing to service the interest on the state debt,
Government wastage and consumption side expenditure are sharply curtailed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery with the declining resources now available through the introduction of new cost saving technologies, very strict enforcement of the PFMA and tough consequences for audit failures highlighted by the Auditor General annually,.
The government in all three Spheres is drastically downsized, a point worth repeating, in order to reduce the government's massive consumption side expenditure
so that scarce funds can be released for essential infrastructure development,
the redemption of debt falling due and
the reversal of the junk status that the Rand has been plunged into by the recklessness of the present government,
Fiscal consolidation takes place by initially reducing state debt in the medium term to manageable and affordable levels and
thereafter endeavoring to keep it below 40% of GDP over the long term so that interest payments do not curtail infrastructure spend,.
The integrity and capabilities of revenue collection capabilities by SARS are guaranteed by introducing new technologies to enhance tax compliance and
placing people with the right competence and high honesty in the right positions at SARS.
The formula for determining municipal rates and taxes is continuously reviewed to ensure affordability and to encourage people to pay for their municipal and other services to achieve sustainability,
The drainage/exhaustion/depletion of fiscal resources by SOE's that have become sewers of corruption which continuously seek bailouts is stemmed and
that their necessity to continue in existence and the degree to which their mandates have been achieved are thoroughly reviewed in the best interest of everyone in South Africa,
The sale of a 50% stake in SAA and Transnet to the private sector, if any buyers are forthcoming, will be attempted to improve both their liquidity position as well as their never ending management challenges,
Intergovernmental arrangements are reviewed to eliminate the costly overlapping of roles and responsibilities in order to reduce costs to the fiscus and
prevent unnecessary complexity and blockages,
The remuneration of public representatives and senior managers in the public service are linked to the annual upward or downward movement in the Gross Domestic Product of South Africa provided that the movement which occurs is caused by internal rather than exogenous factors over which the government has no control, and
Effective oversight and consequence management of irregular government spending, as reported by the Auditor General annually, will be implemented.
9. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START – SUSTAINED HIGHER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WIDE LEVEL INCLUSION MUST PREVAIL TO DIG US OUT OF THE PERILOUS POSITION
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
Structural impediments to growth are removed by creating policy certainty and
by improving trust and confidence between the government, the private sector, labour, academia and other stakeholders
so that inclusive economic growth can occur and
job creation pacts can help to sustain and expand that growth,
Government's onerous regulatory environment is made easier, speedier and friendlier to foster the ease of conducting business in our country,
Labour and market laws and regulations are made less restrictive befitting a modern economy to encourage companies that are sitting with massive capital reserves to invest in new enterprises
to increase job opportunities and
enable the government to increase its revenue collection to plough back into improved services for all and
especially those that have been marginalised for a very long time,
Eskom is unbundled and the energy sector is rapidly reformed through competition and diversity with a view to increasing generation,
ensuring reliability of supply,
attracting industries to set up or expand and
making electricity affordable to all consumers over the long term,
Large scale re-industrialization of the economy begins to take place in keeping with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
so that our productive base is increased,
domestic demand is satisfied to a larger extent than before, and
export capacity is enhanced,
The influx of immigration into South Africa is better managed so that our country benefits from skills acquisition,
The economy is more competitive and less concentrated to facilitate growth and create jobs,
The economy is strengthened through investment led growth as opposed to our reliance on consumption as a driver of economic activity,
The 23 designated items under the Procurement Policy Framework Act, Act No.5 of 2000 as amended in 2017, will be increased to 50 for starters to support greater use of local content and
achieve a wider inclusion of all South Africans, especially those that were disadvantaged, in the economy, .
A Buy South African Bill will be tabled in the national parliament to require all organs of the state to demonstrate a very strong preference of South African manufactured goods and South African developed services
to enable greater job preservation and bigger job creation,
All enterprises are encouraged to lead economic growth in a business friendly environment made inviting by the employment of advanced e-government services,
consistent prevalence of rule of law,
assurance of policy certainty and
the cutting of red tape to ease business activity, (This is a point worth repeating many times!)
Small and medium enterprises enjoy increased support from government making it easier, not more difficult, to start and maintain business because it is these SMMEs in Switzerland that generate 80% of that country's GDP,
Both the public and private financial institutions provide affordable loans to support start – up enterprises in addition to providing sustainable mentoring support as this will be mutually beneficial to both sides,
Youth service programmes are strengthened and
new programmes are offered to young people, especially the marginalised young people, so that they can acquire life skills training and entrepreneurship training that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy,
Marginalised women, especially women in rural areas, will be prioritised for support through mentoring and increased support so that they can be prepared to apply for micro loans of the type that lifted millions of women out of poverty in other parts of the world,
Invest in the rural economy to create niche markets and
take advantage of the South African tourism potential and
to encourage further development.
The trucking industry and the needs of the truckers and wellbeing are given serious, rapid and continuous attention considering how important they are as essential drivers of our economy,
The taxi industry is further developed so that it can have many dimensions and become a world class player in the transport sector, employing advancing technologies, and
thereby continuing to play an important role as an important driver of our economy for the benefit of commuters and the nation as a whole,
Inflation is kept in check by supporting the effective control of money supply by the SA Reserve Bank whose role needs to be better explained to South Africans so that competition is promoted,
monopolies are crushed and
production at scale is encouraged to contain costs and enhance affordability of goods and services for consumers,
The extremely important autonomy and independence of the SA Reserve Bank will be vigorously defended
so that we can continue to attract direct fixed investments and
keep inflation in check, .
More markets are created for tradeable goods and
inter–African trade is expanded in a mutually beneficial way, and
The government remains agile at this time of fast moving changes so that the country keeps pace with developments abroad and
the economy is encouraged to grow in line with what successful economies are achieving elsewhere.
10.SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START – WE NEED A WORLD CLASS EDUCATION SYSTEM AND SUPERIOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
COPE believes that education of high quality, more than everything else, is the most critical strategy for placing South Africa on a higher growth trajectory and achieving prosperity.
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL THEREFORE ENSURE THAT -:
A world class education be made accessible to all at both the Basic and Tertiary level so that all learners are equipped with the kind of education that meets the demand of the times we live in,
Sustainable programmes are put in place to develop all languages to enable their extensive use in education, commerce, law, the cultural environment and in society at large,
(COPE does not support the marginalization of any language for political reasons).
A world-class curriculum that is relevant to the 4thIndustrial revolution is created so that mathematics, science, robotics, computerization and other technical subjects, amongst others, are taught to learners at every level with appropriate equipment and laboratories,
Education Colleges are reintroduced to Improve the quality of Educators by pursuing practical training alongside theoretical work so that educators can become better equipped and more confident to teach the subjects they are responsible for,
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes for Educators are implemented to enable educators to achieve the desired level of competence and
help them keep pace with the rapid changes that are taking place in education,
Educators are encouraged to take responsibility for participating in CPD programmes of their own choice by allowing them to earn a certain number of points per annum in respect of the areas that they want to improve in.
(This system will improve Educator confidence and motivation).
A continuous performance monitoring and appraisal system for education professionals is implemented because we cannot fail our learners and compromise their future,
Early childhood development from 6-23 months is fostered through proper feeding and stimulation for maximal brain development.
(We will educate mothers on the importance of nutrition and encourage them to grow vegetable gardens and practice farming in township and rural areas),
Both home based and community based programmes will be created to support Early Childhood Development (ECD) and
help care-givers with support through a crosscutting integrated programme involving many government departments to collaborate with the appropriate NGO sector organisations,
The learning environment is improved by educating parents about ABET and TVET in order for them to assist pre-school children to read by Gr 3 (The failure to read means that children in the intermediate and subsequent phases cannot properly learn and study, thus becoming a binding constraint to personal growth and the economy), and
to educate them to use available knowledge to stimulation early brain development,
The current policy of switching to English as a learning language in all schools must not hamper the academic development of children as a result of the problems some educators have with English and
we will therefore ensure that children, where it is required, are taught in their mother tongue in the foundation years from Gr R to Gr 3 to strengthen their learning capabilities,
The minimum pass rate of 30% be discarded as it has already become an impediment to learners seeking career and work opportunities and
therefore denying the economy the skills set that a modern country has to possess,
Aptitude tests from Grade 9 will be reintroduced in order to guide learners to select appropriate subjects in Gr 10 in order to proceed with a successful career path,
Educational Psychologists are appointed to apply the above mentioned aptitude tests and to assist learners with learning problems,
The “Yazi” programme will be expanded throughout the country and especially into rural areas as it is an easily accessible portal that provide young people with information to make informed decisions about their educational or career opportunities,
through continuous updated technological applications in the educational system from Gr 9 into higher education).
The Educator/Learner ratio will have to be improved and
students studying to be educators will serve time in large classes both to assist educators and help them gain practical experience in grouping learners in ways that help them to learn with one another's help.
The WELLNESS CENTRE (WC) model: will be adopted as this joint initiative by the University of Cape Town and Departmental District Officials is intended to support rural and informal settlement community schools in the following way –
interdisciplinary and inter sectoral links with university and community partners will be created,
psychosocial, physical and environmental wellness programmes will be offered,
university students from various disciplines will be placed in partner schools for professional practice.
much needed support will be given to learners and this will strengthen the culture of learning and teaching in schools.
Postgraduate and graduate education students, social work students, speechlanguage therapists, occupational therapists, audiology students, information systems students and other students will be available to these schools to support programmes that emphasise holistic wellness in schools and give workshops to address abuse, bullying, drug addiction and other matters affecting children,
deficiencies in mathematics and science education can be remedied through the assistance of university students by incorporating their contribution in the Wellness Centre (WC) programmes,
Youth unemployment which is as high as 45% for young people between the ages of 15-34. will be dealt with through -
The transfer of students seeking to be artisans to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) colleges, TVET colleges and agricultural schools and colleges,
The introduction of additional night classes for tertiary students who are struggling with their studies seeing that only 185 000 students out of a total of 1.9 million students (0.8 million college students and 1.1 million university) completed their studies successfully in 2014,
The implementation of programmes that offer practical experience during their years of studying in community service, internships and apprentice ship in their specific field of study,
The enforcement of skills training in all spheres of education so that students can generate their own jobs.
Accessibility to higher education opportunities will be provided - in line with a student's academic/technical performances as well as in line with the student's aptitude tests results,
in a manner that is sustainable and capable of promoting the attainment of skills and knowledge that are required by the student for his / her personal need
as well as by our national developmental agenda for its needs.
The sustainability and independence of our public universities are protected through the approval of funding a year before registration begins and
through the proper management of those funds.
That NSFSAS funding for students in low income groups is properly evaluated,
That students are informed of the decision by NSFAS before their academic year begins to enable them to seek private funding where their applications have not been successful,
All basic courses at different universities are standardised,
Security on campus and at student residences will be tightened and
information on understanding the dangers in the learning environment will be shared,
In respect of schools, the issue of school discipline will be addressed jointly by the School Management and the School Governing Body and not by the Department of Education.
Professional development (CPD) functions will be devolved to School Governing Bodies to enhance their roles,
The education sector trade unions do not influence the management of education and the appointment of teachers in a politically biased manner,
Special needs children are given support in view of the fact that Autism, for example, is increasing rapidly and is a complex as well as impairing neurodevelopmental disorder that is difficult to manage in the following way -,
early intervention will occur,
communities will be made aware of the problems,
screening process of all children from age 3 will take place and mothers, families, communities, and medical and pre-school staff will be offered training,
autism schools will continue their curriculum until Gr 12 and accommodate the differentiation between the various levels of autism,
loneliness, depression and anxiety in adult Autistics will be addressed by - creating awareness about the Centre of Justice for Special Need NPO which train and create jobs for adult Autistics, raising funds, and creating awareness about the NPO's countrywide coffee shop initiatives that encourage donations to be made to these shops.
11. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START – QUALITY UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE THAT IS AFFORDABLE
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
Health specific Professional Administrators will be appointed to manage all healthcare facilities (clinics, mobile clinics, hospitals, doctors, nurses, finances, pharmacists, laboratories, administrative staff, receptionists, case managers, pathologists, mortuaries, cleaning staff, etc.) in order to reverse the decline and collapse of our public healthcare system,
Proper billing and accounting systems are being implemented in all health care institutions so that efficient and reliable medicine stock supply chain systems and processes can exist,
Nursing Colleges are reestablished and linked to Training Hospitals in order to train nurses, improve standards and instill in them an ethos of nursing care,
A system of continuous performance monitoring and appraisal will be put in place to evaluate the training and work of nurses as well as other medical professionals,
Aptitude tests will be utilised before a student is enrolled in a nursing career to ensure their suitability,
A programme to retain medical and nursing practitioners in South Africa's public health care system will be implemented considering the loss of trained medical personnel because of frustrations at home and
attractive work conditions and payment packages offered abroad,
Jobs in South Africa are readily available for students after the completion of their training and that they enjoy attractive benefits, a good working environment equipped for offering patients high quality care,
Universal healthcare is made available,
Special attention is given to improving the quality and affordability of health care taking into account the disparity in the provision of healthcare services between rural and urban areas as well as between the private and public sector health offering,
Automated queuing systems are introduced at all health centers to establish which patients get priority and which patient should be in which queue to speed up examination and treatment processes,
Preventative health care is well established to ease the burden on health facilities by not doing enough to prevent life style and other avoidable health problems,
The remuneration of home-based care givers is attended to by making provision for them in the budget of the Department of Health,
The feasibility of ordering medicine directly from suppliers at pre-approved prices to eliminate tender irregularities and abuse is investigated and contain costs,
Government clinics are opened 24 hours a day in designated areas to improve accessibility to health care for all in all communities,
Ambulance services are improved and that specific ambulances are linked to specific clinics to improve response times, in rural areas particularly,
Suitably qualified professional managers are appointed to run health care facilities,
Traditional health practitioners will be properly accredited and monitored so that they can play an important role in improving health care in rural areas and
allow indigenous knowledge systems to be strengthened,
Global connectivity exists to encourage knowledge transfer to take place,
obtain medicines that are needed and
allow for natural therapies to be available for those them, and
Indigenous knowledge systems are given space to develop further within the wider ambits of the health care system
12. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - ADVANCING LAND AND AGRICULTURAL REFORMS ON A WIN - WIN BASIS
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
All South Africans are fully engaged in the process of land reform to address restitution, redistribution, security of tenure, market-based valuations, partnership schemes and land administration involving all role players to ensure that the best policies for different needs are addressed in the best way possible to achieve a win-win situation,.
A more reliable and comprehensive audit on land ownership is undertaken to help inform strategic planning and practical strategies on land reform,
Land expropriation to the extent that is necessary to achieve land reform will take place provided that all such expropriation will fully pass constitutional muster and in keeping with the above the following expropriation with minimal or no compensation will be supported -
Properties owned by State Enterprises that have lain idle for ten years or more and giving consideration to the history of how they were acquired so that these could be given over to mixed used development,
Land and buildings that have lain unoccupied for many years and for which rates, taxes and service charges were not paid and which, for one or more reasons, have become problem sites and havens for criminals and for which a six months' notice of “use it or lose it” has been lawfully served,
Land that has been kept unreasonably undeveloped for long periods for the purpose of speculation on a 36 months' notice of “use it or lose it”,
Prime land that has been used far below its economic and job creation potential on a 33 months' notice of “use it or lose it” principle, and
Land that has been badly degraded or polluted for the purpose of applying remediation.
Un-utilized state-owned land is made available without delay for housing development or
agricultural purposes,
Resources are provided and adequate support given to existing and legitimate aspiring farmers, as well as new entrants qualifying to take up farming,
Farming opportunities are made available to individuals through a process which will enable them to buy shares in a commercial farming enterprises as a way of broadening and diversifying land ownership,
enhancing food production and
protecting and sharing skills,
The growth of agriculture and agro – processing is given constant attention and support through incentives to increase production and
expand employment and
ensure market access for all South Africans is in place, and
The recommendations of the High Level Panel Report with regard to land are assessed and implemented.
13. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START– FIGHTING CRIME AND ENSURING SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR ALL THROUGH SMART POLICING AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT –:
All national and other police commissioners are suitably qualified, experienced and skilled in a relevant field before being appointed,
The safety, security and intelligence services will be depoliticized as part of establishing and maintaining a professional civil service,
Research capacity at police colleges is developed so that the police are able to deal with criminals who attempt to keep ahead of the police,.
Adequate resources are allocated to the police to operate effectively,
Minimum criteria will be developed in respect of population density and crime trends to determine staffing,
Salaries and promotion of officers will be based on academic qualifications, skills and performance,
Specialised police units will be established to eradicate serious crimes within affected communities,
Specialised focus will be on sexual offences, murder, violent crimes, organised crime, drug trafficking and fraud,
The Legal Aid Board will have stricter rules and regulations for deciding which cases are funded by the state,
Legislation will be introduced regarding maximum sentences for drug trafficking and the killing of endangered wildlife species,
A truly independent Anti – Corruption unit that passes constitutional muster and complies with South Africa's international obligations will be set up to pursue those who engage in corrupt practices,
The appointment and dismissal processors for all senior appointments in the criminal justice system will be reviewed to ensure openness and transparency and
thus help avoid the abuse of power,
Before a person is accepted to enroll in a law enforcement career (SAPS, Metro police), he / she should pass an aptitude test to ensure suitability,
The members of police service receive continuous professional development (CPD) incentivised by a system where those who pass additional courses get additional merit points,
Continuous performance monitoring and appraisal of law enforcement professionals will take place in order to improve the service and win public support,
Fair and equitable promotion opportunities in the law enforcement sectors will exist to reward good service and retain skills and experience,
Visible policing in high crime areas is carried out,
Emergency workers are escorted to where they are being called in high crime areas,
Truckers who keep our economy moving will be protected against hijackers through swift and strong counter action,
In partnership with the Chief Justice, measures will be put in place to relieve pressure in the court system and
to streamline processes further to enable court processes to become more efficient,
The correctional services system is urgently reformed to improve staff morale,
promote skills development and
ensure the proper rehabilitation of offenders within communities to achieve successful reintegration.
14. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - YOUTH, WOMAN AND THE VULNERABLE GROUPS
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT-:
Children, elders, and the disabled who are the most vulnerable in South Africa are protected against neglect and abuse through -
education and practical skills programmes given to care-givers, parents, family members, pre-school teachers and assistants,
ABET and TVE programmes on caring, stimulation, basic screening for physical and emotional health problems, healthy nutrition, identification of symptoms of bullying, abuse and violence, and
reporting any abuse to law enforcement agencies.
Vulnerable groups in both the rural and urban areas of our country are kept under regular watch for their protection,
Churches and NGO's are encouraged to create community centres where ongoing education is provided and problems in respect of vulnerable people are given attention,
Women are empowered through ABET and TVET training, in towns and rural areas, to provide for themselves,
Informal traders enjoy a more favourable regulatory environment and
infrastructure support to grow their businesses without harassment,
Youth employment which is a key to inclusive development and broadening economic participation will be promoted through the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator by –
targeting employers who are reluctant to place young first-time workers due to perceived risks and shifting their perceptions and fears and encouraging them to contribute to national development,
providing effective support for first-time young work-seekers who perform well and recruit via social media, community radio stations, word of mouth and other community-based recruitment strategies,
screening youth to determine their numeracy and literacy capabilities in order to direct them to seek employment in a suitable work sector.
presenting youth with different bridging programmes depending on industry requirements and workplace readiness,
facilitating engagement between employers and various participants for the selection and evaluation of employees on the strength of feedback from employers,
reporting a higher retention rate of 75% than placement agencies for recruits staying in their jobs for at least 12 months,
addressing the supply and demand situation in the labour market regarding young people.
The impact of this programme will be assessed in coordination with stakeholders,
Special attention will be given to people with Disabilities, Rare Diseases, and Terminal Diseases by making sure that we look into health care systems and social security system in order to determine what special needs are overlooked within the vast variety of challenges these citizens face on a daily basis and remedying them, and
The LGBTIQ community is supported to realise their constitutional rights.
15. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - ENSURING THAT SOCIAL SECURITY IS SUSTAINABLE
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
Quality and appropriate education is accessible for those who are receiving grants as an integral part of securing social stability.
Training and education will help to break intergenerational cycles of poverty and inequality in SA and
this regard ABET and TVET colleges in both rural and urban areas will play an important role in partnership with various government departments, NPO's, church groups, universities and training colleges,
Viable programmes for the employment of youth will be devised urgently and implemented to address the very serious issue of unemployment in this section of the population,
The management of social security grants that include grants to older persons, War veterans, people with disability and grants such as care dependency grants, foster child grant, child support grant, and social relief grants during periods of distress are professionally and transparently managed so that corruption is cut out,.
Our country's levels of education and skills are raised so that we can have the kind of skills pool that will attract investors to our country,
The allocation of resources to vulnerable groups will continue to uplift the unemployed, youth, women and disabled, many of whom are African,
Proposals for the budget from the PSET (post-school education and training) will be given serious consideration to enable these groups to access appropriate skills training and
job opportunities,
Group learning programmes, parent support and welfare services in rural areas will be used to assist with child care,
Farmers, be they women, youth or men will be supported through land reforms by the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), in the following way –
the Siyavuna project will continue to assist in the development of successful micro-enterprises.
(COPE will create awareness of Siyavuna and ensure that it assists farmers in all provinces).
economic opportunities will be created for farmers to be involved in the local economy so that they can have financial independence and sustainability, and
a pro-poor approach is taken to draw small farmers into the value chain through continuous development and
cooperation with other neighbouring farmers to produce quality products that will merit special branding.
Social security will be deepened by helping small farmers to become selfsustainable and financially independent wherever they are based in South Africa.
16. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START- CLIMATE CHANGE IS HERE AND ENERGY ISSUES MUST TAKE CLIMATE CHANGE SERIOUSLY INTO ACCOUNT FOR OUR SURVIVAL
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
The population is continuously reminded that climate change threatens our very survival and
that we have a very narrow window of +/- 12 years to arrest greenhouse gas emission which is causing the planet to heat up and thereby influencing dramatic climate change with serious consequences for the planet,.
The following happens to achieve energy security and affordability while ameliorating climate change–
Eskom will be divested of its electricity generation function and left with its distribution function only,
A massive uptake of rooftop solar will be supported to increase the daylight supply of electricity to support industry and businesses not only with security of supply but
lower electricity costs as well,
All coal fired power stations in RSA will be retrofitted so that they can utilise solar energy to heat water to the extent that is possible on any given day before that water enters the boiler and in that way reduce the quantity of coal that has to be burnt and
in addition to that PV panels will be used to the extent that is possible to power machinery within the power station and
thereby further reducing the cost of electricity generation with the help of the sun,
Residents of informal settlements will be supplied with mini PV solar grids, managed by the residents, to obtain free electricity during the day for cooking and during the night for lighting, telephone charging and television viewing.
An increased awareness is created of the advantages of the use of energy from the sun for their daily usage,
The private sector is encouraged to invest in clean renewable energy generation
because of the extreme pressure that climate change is exerting on the planet and
the need for electricity supply to be guaranteed and
for the price to come down so that economic activity can be stimulated and
new jobs in industry created,
The development of the green economy is stimulated because that and that alone is going to be the economy of the future,
Sound environmental practices, with an emphasis on recycling and environmental sustainability are widely implemented in our country,
Organic farming will be supported to replenish depleted soils and
to protect both consumers and
the environment,
carbon emissions continue to be progressively and meaningfully reduced through various interventions like tax incentives and
in keeping with South Africa's moral obligation to honour international commitments on climate change,
Radical community-wide programmes are instituted to build awareness about climate change and
to empower people to take initiatives that contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change,.
Comprehensive school, TVET and university programmes are developed to help spread the knowledge that is essential in keeping the planet habitable for us and for posterity seeing that the time to act is diminishing by the day,
Programmes are put in place to enforce the preservation of all our natural resources including the diminishing water resources by strictly monitoring demand and supply.
17. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START– TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP MUST PLAY A BIGGER ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY RURAL DEVELOPMENT
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
The systems and processes of traditional leadership do not impinge on the rights of traditional communities to enjoy the gains of democracy in their totality,
Traditional leadership is depoliticized,
There is an urgent necessity to work cooperatively with traditional leaders so that the 17 million people living in former “banstustan” areas can benefit from sustainable development and benefit from proper social and economic integration with adjacent towns and cities.
People living in rural areas are on the Constitution and
their respective rights, .
Proper recognition is given to the Khoi San leadership and an integration of their systems of knowledge, culture and traditional practices into the national framework is completed,.
Speedily work with Khoi San leadership and communities is undertaken to address their needs and aspirations within the constitutional framework and
to put in place programmes to advance and develop their languages and cultures
as well as address their land aspirations,
The recommendations of the High Level Panel Report be implemented to uplift rural communities,
Rural and traditional communities obtain security of tenure over their land through a formal distribution of land process and receipt of title deeds
without any delay so that they will have the collateral to raise loans,
Responsible rural land reform is undertaken to help develop and empower new as well as small farmers and entrepreneurs through training at Agricultural Colleges and field officer support,
Continuous professional development (CPD) occurs for larger scale farmers through supervisory programmes and field officer support,
Programmes are developed to encourage existing farmers who are highly skilled and experienced to share their knowledge and skills with emergent farmers,
ABET and TVET colleges design courses encompassing issues regarding land reform, housing and other infrastructure development,
New and modern measures are put in place to ensure enhanced safety and security for the farming community.
18. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - URBAN SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT - :
Special attention is given to challenges presented by growing urbanization so that access to serviced land, housing and public services can be speeded up,
Urban spatial inequality is corrected by the development of housing close to jobs and economic services,
The development of new integrated urban nodes is undertaken to satisfy the growing need,
Our public transport systems are improved, made safer and affordable in partnership with municipalities in the metropolitan areas,
With all concerned role players and developers,
the countrywide conversion of townships in our cities and towns can be speedily undertaken to make them into regular towns and villages with a new spatial design, viable town and village centres and upgraded land usage zones.
Sustainable programmes are put in place to improve the economic conditions in townships
in order to achieve social cohesion,
employment creation and
environmental improvement and sustainability,
The transfer of all metro rail operations to their respective metros is immediately effected and
private sector and community business sector partners will be invited to jointly improve and expand metro rail services,
Residential developments on the site of stations and in close proximity to these sites will be undertaken so that rail users have to walk short distances and all can enjoy greater security because of the greater number of people living close to the station,
Land for settlement will be speedily identified so that legitimate claimants can be provided with serviced sites and title deeds to develop for their housing and or business needs,
Community members who so wish are encouraged, empowered and supported, to build their own houses on serviced stands thus restoring pride in ownership, affirming dignity and
reducing massive corruption generally associated with housing, and
A policy is in place to expand accessibility to housing with special attention being paid to the poorest, the youth, and the disabled, those living in in rural areas and in urban informal settlements.
19. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - THE 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IS ALREADY HERE AND WE NEED TO KEEP PACE WITH OTHER NATIONS TO GROW OUR OWN ECONOMY
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
The advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution which poses a steep challenge to our nation because of the poor quality and nature of the education our children will be addressed through education reform,
Investments in innovation will have to be made to bridge the digital divide through an expansion of the Information communication network and
the adoption of new technology as a significant driver for socio economic development,
Meaningful economic transformation takes place through the widest availability and use of computers and Information Communication Technologies and
as such COPE will facilitate the local manufacturing of computers to supply the market with affordable computers
to achieve socio-economic transformation,
Support is sought from all players in the economy to recruit as many as 10 000 suitably qualified graduates for training so that they can form the vanguard leading our country's charge in capturing high ground for the Fourth Industrial Revolution to feature prominently in South Africa's economic development,
The presence of high tech firms in South Africa is supported as these provide the dominant business model in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
They have the necessary capital and human resources to adopt technological innovations rapidly as they occur.
These tech firms can then produce at scale at low costs and
make new tech products available to the market at affordable prices
so that all of us can keep pace with technological change.
20. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START- CONTROLLED IMMIGRATION AND EFFECTIVE BORDER REGULATION ARE NECESSARY TO ATTRACT PEOPLE WITH THE RIGHT SKILLS AND EXPERTISE INTO THE COUNTRY
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
Protect and control our borders and all ports of entry to better manage migration.
Review and implement the previous recommendations of the investigations panels on the social integration of refugees and migrants in order to reverse and control xenophobia and other attitudes of intolerance.
Ensure that South Africa truly complies with its international obligations with regard to migration and
Human Rights.
Educate all our public servants on the constitutional requirements to protect and serve refugees and other migrants with dignity and respect.
Ensure the orderly, controlled, lawful and documented movement of people and goods;
Protect our economy and industries from the dumping of goods and products.
21. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START - HUMAN RIGHTS BASED INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
A COPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT -:
Our International relations are returned to a Human Rights-based approach,
Our international status is rehabilitated so that we regain the trust and respect we formerly enjoyed,
Our international relations are used as a force for progressive change for a stronger South Africa,
a progressive SADC region,
a better Africa and
a more humane world,
Our work and cooperation with all countries on our continent will be enhanced to accelerate the development and unity of Africa.
This will include addressing the challenges of poverty,
development,
peace,
stability,
democracy,
constitutionalism and
human rights.
It will also seek to expand trade among African countries,
Together with like-minded countries, we will seek to address global challenges such as the reform of the United Nations and other institutions of global governance, and
advance action on ameliorating climate change,
combatting transnational crime, and
preventing international terrorism, and
South Africa complies with its international obligations and
cooperates with multi-lateral institutions.
22. SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS A FRESH START- COPE'S VALUE PROPOSITION
The Congress of the People was formed in defense of the Constitution.
COPE remains committed to the values and principles that informed its establishment.
We promise that where we govern, we shall do so ethically, honestly, diligently, competently, and progressively,
mindful that our responsibility is to secure the well-being of all the people of South Africa in keeping with the prescripts of the Constitution
so that we can ensure a better life for all;
and free the potential of each person to contribute to the nation's wellbeing.
The ACDP has identified 7 giants we believe stand in the way of national unity,
building our infrastructure and
economy, and
experiencing growth, happiness and well-being:
GIANT ONE
High unemployment and too few job opportunities
To build a South Africa where jobs and opportunities are in abundance and
everyone – especially our young people – benefit, the ACDP will:
Create an enabling environment through infrastructure development,
a professional and streamlined public service,
good education and vocational training relevant to global trends and technological advances;
Encourage beneficiation and global branding;
Promote investment in innovation, research and development; and
Foster a culture of entrepreneurship by funding education and training, as well as small business incubators.
We will focus on curbing youth unemployment by:
Linking business needs and education, and
ensuring that young people have the relevant skills by funding degrees and diplomas that are needed;
Reinstating the apprenticeship model; and
Expanding the Employment Tax Incentive for businesses and
encourage businesses to provide paid internships for young people.
GIANT TWO
Poor economic growth
We all want a South Africa with a vibrant, healthy economy;
where jobs and opportunities are in abundance, and
where everyone is able to benefit.
The ACDP supports an open market economy with a social conscience, and will:
Protect property rights within existing Constitutional provisions;
Ensure ease of starting business by reducing unnecessary red tape and quickly and efficiently processing applications by having dedicated one-stop business registration centres;
Enable unskilled labour and youth to more easily enter the job market without compromising the health, safety and well-being of workers within a framework of fair labour practices;
Remove policy uncertainty, such as that relating to land, which deters foreign direct investment;
Promote and develop industries where there is a competitive advantage, such as tourism, mining and related industries; and
Focus on further developing agriculture by helping commercial and subsistence farmers to be more profitable, better trained and resourced.
GIANT THREE
Substandard education and skills development
Everyone should have access to quality basic education in safe, well maintained facilities;
where parents are central to the education of their children;
where quality tertiary education is accessible to all who have achieved entrance requirements and
where skills training is linked to market needs and career opportunities.
For this reason, the ACDP will: Adopt a world-class education system such as the Cambridge system;
Protect freedom of religion within schools;
Introduce career-focused education;
Re-open and equip training colleges and re-introduce school inspectors;
Ensure teacher salaries are competitive and fair, and
that an educator teaches no more than 25 pupils per class;
Introduce training programmes in schools to promote reading and support after-school initiatives;
Provide for special education needs through ‘special’ and mainstream schools;
Strengthen and support school governing bodies and their independence;
Restrict union activities that hinder the effective education of our children, and in certain areas, unfairly influence the appointment and promotion of educators and principals;
Place children’s health and safety first in terms of school infrastructure, nutrition and transport;
Deal decisively with gangsterism, firearms and drugs in our schools;
Ensure Grade R is available at all schools and Early Childhood Development facilities are available in all areas;
Facilitate age appropriate sex education workshops for both parents and their children;
Build more higher education institutions;
Improve the quality of technical and higher education institutions; and
Encourage students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and the application of these fields in manufacturing;
Introduce computer coding as a subject at schools in addition to the existing Information Technology (IT) subject for grades 10 to 12; and
Encourage tertiary institutions to increase the availability of inter-disciplinary degrees to cover financial innovation, information systems and information technology, big data analysis and innovation technology.
GIANT FOUR
Inadequate health service
To enjoy a South Africa where good health and well-being is the norm, and
where access to quality health care and relevant social services are readily available to all, the ACDP will:
Ensure that proper sanitation and clean water are provided to all;
Maintain the private sector and regulate anti-competition practices;
Oppose government’s proposed nationalisation of private health care;
Ensure that public awareness campaigns promote abstinence and fidelity;
Budget for hospital revitalisation;
Invest more in medical innovation, research and development;
Improve management and accountability in government hospitals and clinics by having medical business specialists review systems and organisation;
Support public/private health initiatives such as contracting the private sector to supply services and hospital beds;
Reduce queues and waiting times in hospitals and clinics through better management, and by boosting the number of nurses and medical staff;
Improve access to digital and telemedicine, especially in rural areas;
Make sure that orders for medicine, supply and budget are well managed to avoid shortages at public clinics and hospitals;
Increase numbers of trained community-based primary health care workers;
Ensure referrals for mental health services are followed up and that patients are treated with care and respect;
Support initiatives that promote healthy diet and lifestyles, and physical exercise; and
Amend laws and policies that undermine family values, such as those that grant access to contraceptives and abortion for young girls without parental consent, teach inappropriate sex education in schools, attempt to ban moderate parental chastisement, and legalise prostitution, pornography and abortion-on-demand.
GIANT FIVE
Escalating crime
We all want to live in a South Africa where we feel safe; whether it is in our homes or playing in recreational spaces; going to work or school; or surfing the Internet.
To achieve this, the ACDP will: Implement a comprehensive anti-crime strategy to ensure that criminals are swiftly arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced;
Review political appointments, promotions and qualifications in police, the NPA, the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies, and
expedite outstanding disciplinary and criminal proceedings;
Reintroduce specialised police units and improve the training of police officers to ensure that investigations result in successful convictions;
Increase the number of specialised courts, such as Sexual Offences Courts, and services for victims of sexual offences, domestic violence and human trafficking, particularly those involving vulnerable women and children;
Ensure that police stations, forensic laboratories and courts are well-equipped and staffed with skilled and trained personnel;
Shut down organised crime, including drug and human trafficking syndicates;
Increase the number of law enforcement officers and sniffer dogs at all ports of entry into South Africa and in police operations to prevent the influx of drugs and other contraband;
Ensure heavier minimum sentences are imposed for more serious crimes;
Review the parole system and deny bail for murder, rape, armed robbery, human trafficking and car hijacking accused;
Implement restorative justice programmes for those who commit minor offenses;
Broaden prison labour programmes which help develop skills and provide opportunities for prisoners to contribute towards the costs of their incarceration;
Build relationships of trust in communities,
encourage community participation in crime prevention and
strengthen community police forums;
Review the National Rural Safety Plan to improve the protection all rural dwellers, farmers and their workers; and
Create public awareness for individuals and businesses to adopt good cybersecurity practices and
train and source skilled technicians and engineers to fully implement the Cybercrimes Bill.
GIANT SIX
Corruption within the public and private sector
Corruption will only be eradicated when South Africa has competent, trustworthy, servant leaders, who take seriously the stewardship of state resources and are passionate about improving the lives of all South Africans.
We want to feel safe in the knowledge that our taxes are being used transparently, economically, effectively and efficiently so that we can realise our dream of a shared future for all.
For this reason, the ACDP will: Strengthen investigation and prosecution capacity and increase the number of courts to deal with crime in general, and corruption in particular;
Strengthen the Special Investigations Unit, Auditor-General, Public Protector and similar institutions, with both funding and enabling legislation and ensure that they are protected from political interference;
Ensure that swift action is taken to freeze assets and recover stolen state funds and assets as well as ensure that they are returned to the organisations and individuals from which they were stolen;
Ensure private sector offenders such as those implicated in the Steinhoff and VBS Mutual bank scandals are held criminally and civilly accountable, and that illicit capital flows out of the country are reversed;
Take decisive action to stop state capture and root out corruption in state departments and state-owned companies (SOCs);
Make sure that auditing is not compromised and ensure efficient oversight by professional umbrella organisations;
Ensure that whistleblowers are better protected, by ensuring that current laws are fully implemented;
Implement life-style audits for senior public servants and employees of SOCs, and
prohibit them and elected politicians from conducting business with the state or SOCs; and
In addition to hefty sentences of imprisonment,
ban politicians who are found guilty of bribery and corruption from standing as candidates in any subsequent election.
GIANT SEVEN
The threat to property rights and rural development
To realise a South Africa in which food is affordable and in abundant supply;
where land reform benefits people and addresses past injustices;
where title deeds are in the hands of those who live on their land; and
just compensation is paid where expropriation is needed,
the ACDP will: Protect all property rights and
ensure that just and equitable compensation is paid for any land that is expropriated;
Strengthen access to security of tenure as well as the freedom to acquire, utilise, rent and sell property, including land;
Conduct a comprehensive land audit of all land;
Ensure that state land that is not being fully utilised is allocated for the residential and agricultural needs of communities;
Ensure that the ownership of tribal or trust land is negotiated between the relevant traditional authority and the community in order to extend land ownership for the benefit of everyone connected to the land.
Where citizens wish to remain within a tribal community land regime, they will have the right to do so;
Guided by principles such as fairness and equity, finalise outstanding land restitution claims as the process whereby a land owner who was illegally dispossessed of their land, is compensated or has their land restored to them;
Provide to the rural poor, labour tenants and entrepreneurial farm workers an opportunity to access land through a system facilitated by government’s own land assets and that of other willing land owners;
Protect the rule of law by ensuring that law enforcement agencies stop illegal land invasions.
The availability and usage of land will enjoy high priority to prevent the necessity for land grabs;
Prioritise agricultural development and food security and
assist small and emerging farmers to become commercially viable by having better access to finance and markets; and
Promote rural development through incentives for industries to relocate to rural areas and
the building of better infrastructure, roads, housing, schools, recreational facilities.
The ACDP is committed to implementing these policies to ensure that, together, we can all enjoy a safe, healthy and prosperous South Africa.
PUT SOUTH AFRICANS FIRST
Founding Provisions and Objectives
The ATM is a faith-based National Political Party, established to create and develop a decolonised, modern, healthy, happy, functional, democratic, fair and prosperous society that prides itself on integrity and inclusivity
It is thus established to a, contest National, Provincial and Municipal Elections, and assume political power all over South Africa.
Our political ideology is Humanism in general and African Humanism in particular.
The philosophical understanding of the ATM behind this Humanism ideology is that: “There is Only One God and Only One Race, the Human Race”.
The aims and objectives of the ATM are to: offer all South African citizens a good quality of life,
including, but not limited to, a peaceful life free from crime,
a good health,
food security,
compulsory and free quality education, and
sustainable employment and/or self-employment;
promote Ubuntu [African wisdom],
African languages,
religious diversity,
unity and
patriotism among South African citizens;
protect and advance the interests of vulnerable people like children, the elderly, disabled people and women;
work for total liberation of the people of South Africa from all forms of racism, sexism, oppression, discrimination, poverty and ignorance, and
promote Decolonised Economy that is redistributive and empowering in nature; and
promote a prosperous nation that supports environmentally sustainable development,
world peace,
disarmament and
friendship among nations
as well as unity of and close cooperation among African countries.
Amend the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, decolonise it to be people centered & people driven.
It must reflect the spirituality, culture and morality of Africans.
The Constitution MUST serve the people of South Africa not the other way round.
Political Principle
The Political Principle of the ATM is to transform South Africa into a peaceful,
ethically- governed and
economically viable State
that upholds values entrenched in the supreme law of our country, the Constitution, as amended from time to time,
supported by Ubuntu and
Divinity,
while embracing our hard-earned Human Rights,
respecting one another and embracing diversity through non-racialism,
for the benefit of all citizens.
This will be achieved by uniting South Africans, who have different beliefs, religions, life- styles and ideologies;
build a progressive democratic State, which addresses the needs of all those who live in it.
Core Values [PUT South Africans 1st]
The ATM subscribe to the following core values: PEACE: Create a society that is at peace with itself through active social dialogue and decisive
UBUNTU: "Umntu ngumntu ngabantu" (People is people because of other people; I om because you are; Humanity of the human being) - to live and breathe the values of Ubuntu on a daily basis as a people of the land
TRANSFORMATION (African): Be forward thinking and innovative in the running of the affairs of the state;
ACCOUNTABILITY: Build a state governed with ethics and integrity to guarantee good governance and curb criminal activities in the public office.
PEACE, JUSTICE, SAFETY AND SECURITY, NOW
While crime continuously increases in South Africa, fear rises and trust in criminal justice system drops.
Murder increased during the past three years both in terms of the total number of incidences (Victim of Crime Survey) and the number of cases reported to the police (South African Police Services).
The level of satisfaction with the police and courts continued to decline, more rapidly in the case of courts.
South Africa has become a nation at war with itself.
We are no longer living in a peaceful society and this threatens the social and political stability of this beautiful country of ours.
We believe that this is due to lack of ethical and servant leadership, and proper implementation of policy of the State,
which led to the abandonment of the divine values
and Ubuntu.
Alarmingly high victims of assault and rape in South Africa are faced with a police system that is not bringing any hope into their lives.
Many women do not report rape incidents because of fear and a lack of faith in the policing and judicial systems.
Apart from limited training, police officers are also unable to create an encouraging and friendly environment for victims to express their domestic suffering and rape ordeals.
The process is not victim friendly.
Generally, safety and security in South Africa has always been a thorny issue that needs a decisive government to deal with it.
The establishment of ‘neighbourhood watch’ groups and other community fora to protect communities speaks volumes about people’s need to feel safe.
The ugly face of lack of safety and security in our country also manifest itself repeatedly in our parliament where serious decisions about safety and security of our communities are supposed to be taken.
Democracy has minimal value if criminals are in control of our country.
Even the economy will never grow in an environment that lacks peace, justice, safety and security.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Educating and empowering communities towards a law-abiding culture.
Ensuring that police are well trained and given necessary resources to combat organised crime, focusing on crimes relating to drugs, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, vehicle theft, hijacking, corrupt public officials, and organised commercial crime including cyber- crimes.
Reducing South Africa’s unacceptably high levels of serious and violent crime through development and implementation of effective strategies  to:
counter the proliferation of firearms, as this fuel high levels of violent crime;
improve safety and security in high-crime  areas;
combat specific crime generators such as taxi and gang violence, and faction fighting;
and maintain security at major public events.
Eradicating the incidence of crimes against women and children.
Full rehabilitation of current prisoners through workshops and awareness programmes.
Improving service delivery at local level to restore the dignity of our people.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Ensure that, in prisons, soft crime offenders are not mixed with hard-core criminals.
Introduce a Justice based Capital Punishment to deal with repeated serious cases like murder and rape and ensure that prescribed sentences are imposed for deserving categories of crime.
Review the parole system and deny bail for certain categories of crime such as murder, rape, armed robbery and car hijacking.
Include criminal psychologists and other related experts in the correctional services.
Transform our justice system by elevating components of the African-Customary Law to the same level as Roman-Dutch Law especially in rural areas.
Depoliticise judicial appointments and recruit relevant experience and skills set.
Ensure full integration of all former liberation movement soldiers (MK & APLA) into the security cluster to assist in combating crime.
We will make use of labour convicts as a means of them earning their way back into society by contributing to the welfare and economy of the country.
Maintain proper immigration to ensure borders are protected and all foreign nationals are in the country legally.
DECOLONISED ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS (Entrepreneurship & Jobs)
The economy of South Africa is the second largest in Africa, after Nigeria.
It is one of most industrialized countries in Africa.
South Africa is an upper-middle-income economy, one of only four such countries in Africa (alongside Botswana, Gabon and Mauritius).
Since 1996, at the end of over twelve years of international sanctions, South Africa's Gross Domestic Product almost tripled to peak at $400 billion in 2011, but has since declined to roughly $295 billion in both 2016 and 2017.
In the same period, foreign exchange reserves increased from $3 billion to nearly $50 billion creating a diversified economy with a growing and sizable middle class, within two decades of ending apartheid.
In year 2016 the top five challenges to doing business in the country were reported to be inefficient government bureaucracy,
restrictive labour regulations,
a shortage of skilled workers,
political instability, and
corruption,
whilst the country's strong banking sector was rated as a strongly positive feature of the economy.
The nation is amongst the G-20, and is the only African member of the group.
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: $400 billion to $295 billion
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES: $3 billion to $50 billion.
South Africa, unlike other emerging markets, has struggled through the late 2000s recession, and the recovery has been largely led by private and public consumption growth, while export volumes and private investment have yet to fully recover.
The long-term potential growth rate of South Africa under the current policy environment has been estimated at 3.5%.
Per capita GDP growth has proved mediocre, though improving at a slow rate.
The high levels of unemployment, at over 25%, and
inequality are considered by the government and most South Africans to be the most salient economic problems facing the country.
These issues, and others linked to them such as crime, have in turn hurt investment and growth, consequently having a negative feedback effect on employment.
Crime is considered a major or very severe constraint on investment by 30% of enterprises in South Africa, putting crime among the four most frequently mentioned constraints.
Because of the continuous political tensions, S&P Global cut South Africa’s credit rating to junk status on Monday 3 April 2017.
Fitch Ratings followed suit on Friday 7 April 2017 and cut the country’s credit status to the sub-investment grade of BBB-.
The South African rand lost more than 11% in the week following the cabinet reshuffling.
South Africa is rich with natural resources such as gold, diamond, iron, copper, petroleum, uranium, salt and platinum.
However, the country is still faced with major interconnected bottlenecks such as poverty,
inequality,
marginalisation, and
lack of sustainable economic development.
The country is still confronted with the task of turning grand words into deeds.
It remains important that people in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, mostly in rural areas have access and usage of affordable and quality financial services.
It is through usage of financial services in most rural areas of the SADC region that poverty and inequality can be reduced.
This does not only have microeconomic benefits through improved lives but also has macroeconomic benefits through promotion of economic growth.
In the SADC region access to financial services has not been complemented by usage.
Access has been given prominence however, it is usage of financial services that uplifts the lives of people.
Policy makers have been pleased with the first phase (access) and have not measured usage.
It can be found that most countries in the SADC region women make more than 50 % of the population however; they are excluded from the financial services.
South Africa has seen many ups and downs in its economic growth performance over the years.
In the decade before the first democratic elections, sanctions on trade and capital flows, together with political turmoil, contributed to weak economic growth in the country.
After 1994, economic growth trends began to improve, helped by a more liberal trade regime, which included the elimination of various trade barriers (Du Plessis & Smit, 2007).
However, in recent years, the global financial crisis and changing global alliances and market requirements have made the business of exporting from South Africa more challenging, which has taken its toll on economic growth.
Clearly, export promotion has to be taken to a new level if the country is to meet its growth and development goals.
However, an increase in exports is usually accompanied by higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
This runs contrary to the idea of responsible growth.
The Economy of South Africa continues to be characterised by market dominance of a just a few oligopolies in virtually every sector.
There is more inequality in 2018 that there was in 1994 and even greater intra-race inequality amongst black people probably due to disproportionately high levels of unemployment in this group.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Taking an advantage of shift of global power towards developing countries by maximising South African regional and international influence over the next 20 to 30 years.
Policy- making should be driven such that it grows the economy,
reduce poverty and inequality, and
improve quality of life of all South Africans.
Decolonise the economy by promoting ownership of our economy by locals and
building a strong Industrial base to beneficiate all our commodities, particularly our minerals.
Decolonisation of our economy will result in sustainable livelihoods of the majority of the population.
Deliberately promote those who previously had unequal access to opportunities because of gender, religion, race, colour and other points of disadvantage.
We will do this mindful that creating opportunities requires the construction of a stable and growing economy.
Ensuring that the government pay service providers within stipulated time frames, especially the small and medium businesses.
Prioritising economic growth that integrates environmental, economic and social objectives.
Promotion of SMME’s
Strengthening of Competition Policy
Strengthening of State-Owned Monopolies to enable cross subsidisation of the poor
Engendering a Development and Empowerment focus on the Development Finance Institutions (DFI’s)
State Owned Enterprises must have a development focus and become a skilling ground for graduates from various tertiary institutions
The efficacy of the Independent Power Producers (IPP’s) must be reviewed and
cleaner coal burning technologies must be investigated including nuclear power.
Transform the banking sector to be more responsive to the requirements of a developing state
Prioritise the review/repeal of economic legislation such as Public Finance Management Act (PFMA); Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) etc to ensure that the disadvantaged people are not locked out of the mainstream economy.
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) cannot be aloof to the transformation project of the country.
ATM will nationalise the SARB without compensation as directed by the Freedom Charter.
The SARB will capitalise the State Bank to enable the state bank to fund Mortgages, SME’s and targeted sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing amongst others.
ATM will introduce a fiscal policy that is sensitive to the material economic conditions affecting the citizens.
A fair and equitable system of taxation will be introduced commensurate with the turnover of companies such that smaller companies pay lesser percentages.
Ordinary citizens are faced not only with Pay As You Earn but also have to contend with other secondary taxes.
The ATM Government will lower the income tax threshold of individuals in lower to middle income tax bracket to stimulate the economy.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Develop and implement policies that aim to boost much-needed economic growth through a more focused export promotion effort
that would also be gentler on the environment and
create jobs.
Create conditions and structure the economy such that it industrialises through manufacturing and beneficiation or processing of raw materials within South Africa instead of largely dependent on exporting raw materials,
thereby creating much needed jobs.
Exporting raw materials is a recipe for poverty.
South Africa must move away from being a price taker on strategic commodities
Establish community-co-owned mining companies that will enable the poor to benefit equally and fairly from these minerals.
Give priority to the disadvantaged people to have ownership in emerging /new and established sectors of the economy including mining and manufacturing.
Establish a state-owned bank linked to communal banks as one way of changing the structure of the country's banking sector and
also give the marginalised communities ownership and access to financial services like insurance companies.
Structure the economy of the country, both formal and informal sectors to prioritise and protect the citizens of the country.
Give financial and other support to SMMEs including subsidisation of the Taxi Industry and training and funding of community-based entrepreneurs.
Compel government to procure from local SMMEs.
Develop and implement policies that incentivise and support export sectors that simultaneously encourage stronger economic growth
while decreasing greenhouse gas emission.
All tenders must carry a quota of livelihoods (subcontracting & jobs) that must be created.
LAND, RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY
The ATM believes that land is a very essential component of any country, which without it no ownership, development and production can be claimed.
In all its facets and faces, development like agricultural development, residential development, Industrial development, commercial, technological development, infrastructural development and economic development, all depends on land and can only be done on land.
All necessities like food, water, shelter, clothes, fresh air, etc. come from the land.
ATM acknowledge the imbalances of land ownership in South Africa and fully agree that an effective policy including amending section 25 of our Constitution should be put in place to correct this colonial dispensation and provide the necessary clarity to avoid ambiguities
ATM believes in Expropriation Without Compensation for public good, including restitution, redistribution and building necessary infrastructure e.g. roads, rail etc.
ATM supports that farm workers must be co-owners of the farms where they work.
ATM supports that mine workers must be co-owners of the mines where they work
ATM supports the view that Traditional Leaders must be the custodians of the land in rural areas on behalf of the people.
ATM believes that State Bank in conjunction with Development Bank of South Africa and Land Bank must provide financial support to the emerging farmers and
property developers
ATM believe that Ocean Economy is part of our land heritage and must belong to the state for the benefit of all
ATM does not support arbitrary expropriation of land particularly residential.
Rural Development may be defined as a positive advancement of existing human capacity, practices and potential of (rural) people in rural areas through improvement of rural institutions and systems,
expansion of rural infrastructure, and
growth in rural economic activities for better rural life and its continued contribution to lifestyle development.
Rural development should include the provision of Infrastructure, Roads, Sanitation, Water
including the incorporation of the indigenous knowledge and
natural resources management to achieve development in rural areas.
There is a growing recognition that past and present rural development initiatives have not translated into concrete delivery within rural localities with the required adequate scale and impact.
The current food insecurity situation has a gender bias, with women-headed households more vulnerable than male-headed households; and girls under six years of age more prone to stunting due to poor nutrition than boys.
There is a clear racial bias, with Black South African households making up the vast majority of food insecure homes.
There is also a glaring rural bias, with rural households being far more prone to food insecurity than urban homes.
The widespread inequality and grinding poverty affecting half of our population results in inadequate food supply, poor nutrition, unstable food supply and weak emergency food management systems.
Inadequate social safety nets,
high unemployment and
high prevalence of HIV/AIDS further exacerbate food insecurity.
The chronic lack of food security experienced by more than a third of the country's population highlights severe, threatening inequalities in South African society.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Eradicating rural poverty by ensuring that rural communities have equitable access (the opportunity to reach, use or visit) to basic services like infrastructure, education health care, sanitation, etc.
Making rural communities vibrant and rural villages sustainable and economically sound.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas by investing more on rural enterprises, small- scale farmers, agro-industries, agri-parks, rural infrastructure, rural health care facilities and other initiatives that seek to eradicate rural poverty.
Prioritise a policy intervention that support land reform which redistributes the land to dispossessed and landless people,
along with investment in farming equipment and
technical skills transfer to beneficiaries.
We believe that rural land belongs to the custody of traditional leaders on behalf of the people and must be handed back in a sustainable and systemic manner through our Land Reform Policy.
This land reform policy must be done in a manner that does not tamper with the peace and stability of the country.
Support Rural Development and Food Security by introducing “Green Revolution” in rural areas and ensure that it is integrated with other rural development initiatives (e.g. village business malls).
Rural Development must not just be about agriculture.
Enhance the land tenure security in communal areas, prioritising women.
Resuscitate agricultural colleges and reintroduce agriculture and entrepreneurship as subjects in lower levels of basic education.
Also, modernise agriculture to be the career of choice for youth.
SUSTAINABLE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND BASIC SERVICES
Section 26 of the Constitution of Republic of South Africa states that Everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing.
The state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right.
The demand for housing in South Africa requires a high level of government intervention and investment.
South Africa faces a challenge regarding the acceleration of housing delivery.
Many plans and programmes regarding this issue are currently in place; however, the pitfall exists in the implementation.
The Current South African Government has failed to meet the many challenges facing the nation, such as the housing backlogs and social and economic segregation.
The need for additional funding and land unavailability adds to these challenges.
Mechanisms for housing are pointers for sustainable communities.
The nine (9) mechanisms of the Comprehensive Plan for Sustainable Development are: supporting the entire residential market, from housing to human settlements; instruments; institutional arrangements; institutions and capacity; financial arrangements; creating jobs in provision of housing; awareness; communication; and monitoring and evaluation (Centre for Development Support, 2010).
The Department of Housing states that the most critical threats to the sustainability of settlements in South Africa are water scarcity, crime and the fear of crime, HIV/AIDS, growing poverty, institutional complexity and the underperformance and inefficiency of parts of the public sector.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Advancing the point we make that delivering public and basic services is not a favour, it is a democratic right and a legitimate expectation, which our leadership should respect and endeavour to fulfil.
Dealing with housing and basic services backlog so that the demand does not exceed the supply.
Backlogs are increased by national population growth, trends of urbanisation, corruption and inadequate delivery to address the historical backlog.
Promoting flexibility in design so that house designs may be altered according to land availability, preferences and affordability.
Setting realistic targets of eradicating informal settlement and ensuring that every South African has a decent housing.
Where they still exist provide clean water, sanitation and affordable electricity.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Creating Integrated Sustainable Human Settlements through, mixed land uses, mixed-use of housing options, sufficient services and infrastructure, open areas and recreational facilities, proper access to social and economic amenities.
A place for employment should be integrated with housing.
Provide decent homes instead of “RDP type” houses.
Housing should be inclusive and integrated with simultaneous provision of social and economic amenities like schools, community halls, health care facilities, parks, recreation facilities, transport facilities, places of worship, community halls, job opportunities, etc.
Introduce larger stand areas, which promotes future additions to existing structures,
and rental rooms that may provide a source of income to beneficiaries.
Use provision of housing and basic service to create jobs for local communities and promote local procurement without compromising quality.
Review housing requests list annually as means of verifying if the need for a house still exists and prioritise those who are in desperate need for a house.
Drive economic development in rural areas so that people are not compelled to move to cities in search for the better opportunities.
Social Housing programme to be properly funded and made more accessible to all those who qualify.
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Education and skills development are a major aspect of any country and can be viewed as catalysts for dynamic and decolonised economic growth, yet South African education is in crisis.
Children attending South African schools fare poorly on almost every metric and are ill-prepared for the world after school.
More tragically, those who suffer the most from poor schooling are disproportionately black children.
This has major implications for transformation and solving issues such as unemployment and poverty in South Africa.
More recent data from the World Economic Forum’s 2017/18 Global Competitive Index report ranked South Africa 114th out of 137 countries for the quality of its education system.
A more insightful measure of a country’s education system by Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SACMEQ) placed South Africa’s average student mathematics score eight (8th) out of 15 countries and average student reading score 10th out of 15 countries.
Also, a recent internal analysis from the Department of Basic Education found that 32.4% of learners born between 1990 – 1992 “dropped out” of the secondary education system.
The London based publication reported that South Africa has one of the world’s worst education systems.
The publication reported that South Africa ranked 75th out of 76 countries, in a ranking table drawn by OECD in 2015.
South African results were worse than even poorer countries in other parts of Africa, e.g. Zimbabwe, Kenya and Swaziland.
A shocking 27% of pupils who have attended school in South Africa for six years cannot read, compared to 4% in Tanzania and 19% in Zimbabwe.
Research reveals that South Africa spends more on education than the Unite States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK), yet its education system often produces clueless learners.
The education system in South Africa is a victim of the colonial legacy where African languages have not been developed enough to handle advanced content, in addition the embedded belief system & culture is Eurocentric.
The education system inculcates a culture that promotes a view that Africans are primitive people that are not capable of leading strategic 4th Industrial revolutions projects.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Ensuring quality education system, which is free, decolonised, compulsory and transformative (applied knowledge), and able to respond to our markets, our needs and resources.
Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge systems
Inculcate African culture in all the curriculum and
install national pride in being African
Decisively deal with crime in schools and ensure that they are safe and secured.
Prioritising education for self-reliance and livelihoods for the youths.
Dealing with high rate of teacher absenteeism and reward the best performing teachers.
Dealing with widespread corruption and abuse of learners by teachers at schools.
Bring back the inspectorate system.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Investment in human capital by educating a critical mass of the citizenry,
building and developing the skills demanded for a transformed economy,
and to put a premium on meritocracy (government by people selected according to merit) in the education systems.
Adopt the curriculum and models used by independent schools or at the very least investigate the idea of collaborating with them.
Investigate from other African countries that have better education rankings than us.
What is that they are doing that we are not doing.
Prioritise education qualifications and re-open teacher training institutes that were closed post 1994.
Create systems that focus on supporting learners who drop out and/or stay stuck in certain grades or fail.
Create a balanced education space that integrates a higher level of relationship between schools and parents thereby encouraging a culture of reading and a learning mentality.
Improve school infrastructure including water and sanitation facilities especially in rural areas.
Compulsory provision of meals to all public schools in the country.
De-commercialise and depoliticise education with the intention of moving towards making education an essential service.
Reintroduce and professionalise sports, arts and culture from lower levels of education.
Promoting African languages (including Khoi and San) in educational institutions of higher learning.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
South Africa (SA) was ranked last among 19 countries in a global survey that measured healthcare system efficiency – the ability to deliver maximum results at the lowest possible cost.
Healthcare services in SA are set to undergo drastic reforms with the recent promulgation of the long-awaited National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill and Medical Schemes Amendment Bill.
These reforms are meant to address what has seemingly become a national outcry over inefficient public healthcare services and inaccessible private healthcare.
Accessing quality health services is almost impossible for many South Africans, as they have to contend with generally poor services in the public sector or unaffordable medical bills from private health facilities.
Public health facilities remain the only option for the more than 42-million citizens who do not have private health insurance, who are evidently growing more ill by the day.
SA has the highest level of HIV prevalence in the world, TB remains the leading cause of death and lifestyle diseases are on the rise.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Ensuring universal access to healthcare and social services.
Delivering quality and affordable healthcare and quality social services to all citizens.
Dealing with the lack of governance and accountability, and
corruption that has led to several provinces going into chronic budget deficit.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Reopening of nursing colleges that were closed down, structuring PPPs to allow more nurse training, opening additional medical schools (with private sector participation, funding, etc.) and increased funding for academic medicine in order to train more nurses, GPs and specialists.
The existing medical schools should increase its intake of students.
Disease prevention strategies such as education on disease screening and lifestyle changes, which can significantly reduce these growing epidemics.
South Africa’s disease burden is weighted heavily towards conditions requiring long-term treatment, such as TB, HIV, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc.
Decentralisation of authority for staffing, financial management, procurement and disciplinary decisions to hospital level, accompanied by clear accountability at the same level, so that hospital managers are motivated to make choices that improve the operation of their facilities.
Ensuring universal access to quality health care and improve the services offered by current health institutions.
Creation of a new regulatory category of medical scheme aimed at lower income individuals that would increase access to private care and reduce the burden on the public health system.
Supporting the social wage, which includes the provision of sufficient social welfare grants and pensions, linked to cost-of-living increases.
TRADITIONAL AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Section 212 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and legislation is not explicitly clear on the role of Traditional Leaders in this country and that needs urgent attention as it is an anomaly in an African country.
Furthermore, it signals persistent colonialism.
In South Africa, official state law consists of a Western and an African component.
The Western component entails common law, which is Roman-Dutch law, as influenced by English law and adapted and further developed by court decisions.
The African component consists of that customary law which has been incorporated into legislation and the decisions of courts.
This constitutes the official legal pluralism in South Africa.
It should be clear from human history that religion and politics cannot be separated and anyone who claims it can and should be done is either aiming to mislead or hasn’t thought it through.
The Church is the only institution in the world that works for those who did not establish it.
It is a Church of others.
South Africa is a secular state with a very diverse religious population.
Section 15 of the Constitution of Republic of South Africa guarantees freedom of religion, belief and opinion.
Christianity is the dominant religion in South Africa, with almost 80% of the population in 2001 professing to be Christian.
In South Africa there is no equal recognition of traditional and religious institutions and they are not given equal space in the public domain for nation building.
Ensuring full recognition, respect, dignity and support to all our kingdoms, kings, chiefs & traditional leadership.
Promoting equitable recognition, respect and support to all religious formations.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Protecting freedom of religion and family integrity.
Put systems in place that will ensure all traditional kingdoms that were destroyed by the colonial regime are put in place and formally recognised (e.g. Mpondomise, Khoi and San, etc.).
Promote and create conditions for the development and use of the Khoi and San languages.
African traditional law to be respected and constitutionalised.
Establishment, recognition and support of African Kings and chiefs by the government to ensure that they participate meaningfully in the governance of the country.
Full recognition and support for all African Independent Churches and provide them with land and necessary support to build places of worship as they play an important role in nation building.
YOUTH AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
No country can pride itself to have a brighter future unless it invests on its youth educationally, economically, socially and otherwise.
Majority of the youth of this country is unemployed.
The education of this country produces a vulnerable youth that is unemployable even after acquiring tertiary education qualifications.
All other ATM Anchors prioritise Youth, Children and Women.
With respect to youth and children, the reason for that is because they are the future of our country.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Protecting and advancing the interests of vulnerable people like youth and children, the elderly, people with disabilities & disabled and women.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Prioritise access to early childhood development facilities from 0-7 years;
Train and fund our youth to be entrepreneurs instead of becoming job seekers.
Standardisation of one year post matric career orientated National Service Programme designed to orientate the youth into their preferred career choices based on nationally identified critical and scarce skills.
The programme may be compulsory in certain careers and voluntary as a gap year for others.
The youth will be redeployed into the relevant academic institutions and labour market with appropriate financial assistance where required.
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Societal inequality is a chronic problem in our country.
South Africa is experiencing a paradox of a reportedly caring country and when it comes to injustices targeting people living with disabilities, these injustices perpetually manifests themselves in different forms.
Women and people with disabilities are vulnerable groups.
Any society that cares for its citizens needs to support and empower these groups economically and socially so that they participate in the economy and governance of the country meaningfully.
Women were previously marginalised by the apartheid government and sometimes by our own societal norms and standards, yet they are the majority of our population.
When you empower women, you empower the nation.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Economic, social and political emancipation of women cannot remain a slogan, it has to become a reality.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Reducing the incidence of crimes against women and children.
Identify and eradicate barriers and bottlenecks that hinder women owned small micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) from accessing finances and financial services.
Encourage young girls to prioritise education in order to pull themselves and their families out of poverty and hopelessness that many have come to accept.
Dealing with the stigma that women belongs in the kitchen by raising awareness that women and people with disabilities deserve to be treated with respect they more than deserve.
Making it compulsory for businesses to employ people with disabilities and create a conducive working environment for them.
BUILDING A CORRUPT-FREE AND A RESPONSIVE, PEOPLE CENTRED DEVELOPMENTAL STATE
Building a corrupt-free and
responsive developmental state, and
service delivery are topical in the South African politics.
Responsive developmental state can be defined as a state that enjoys the trust of the people, being committed to working with communities to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs to improve the quality of their lives.
In addition, the state must act with authority, credibility and legitimacy to meet the needs of their people in social justice, accountability, job creation, and promote human capacities, private investment and industrialization.
A responsive state includes functional political arrangements, sound policies, the requisite technical and scientific skills, well-structured institutional access to finance and competent  local government.
A sound people centred Constitution as a bed-rock and progressive laws are essential in a developmental state.
However, some laws from the Apartheid dispensation are unfortunately still recognised.
Furthermore, laws in the economic cluster continue to favour big corporates and those with unassailable market dominance.
The efficient implementation of these laws has unintended consequences of closing out new entrants and thus disadvantage the majority of the emerging businesses with consequential job losses.
And creation of poverty and inequality.
Poverty is the social injustice and it is what leads to all other injustices.
God destroyed Sodom because of poverty; poverty that led to moral degradation.
Growing inequality is both practically and morally dangerous, and can foster bitterness and animosity between classes of society, threatening democracy and destabilising economy and peace.
Democratic governance are two sides of the same coin.
Above all, growing inequality violates the cherished moral principle of equality.
In addition to these, our state is threatened by corruption.
Corruption is a manifestation of poor governance, lack of ethics and greed.
Corruption erodes stability and trust, and it damages the ethos of democratic governments.
Its macro-economic and social costs are immense.
Worst of all its felt more by the poorest of the poor.
ATM will therefore Put South Africans First by: Transforming South Africa into a peaceful,
ethically-governed and
economically viable State
that upholds values entrenched in the supreme law of our country, the Constitution,
supported by Ubuntu and
Divinity,
while embracing our hard-earned Human Rights,
respecting one another and embracing diversity through non-racialism,
for the benefit of all citizens.
Ensuring South Africa is a tolerant,
competent and
consulting state in which power is accountable to its citizens.
Structuring our economic growth agenda such that it is decolonised equitable, inclusive,
people-centred .
and sustainable.
Placing poverty reduction,
access to well-being and health,
education and training,
research and development, innovation,
human security and
socio-economic transformation at the forefront of government policy priorities and
capable of designing instruments to implement effective public policies to achieve these objectives.
Strengthening of internal resource mobilization – including through managing natural resources endowment;
development of youth employment and taking advantage of the demographic dividend;
launching of sound policies and development of infrastructures that can improve the private sector and boost investment, entrepreneurship and SMME’s;
strengthening of local governance;
strengthening of strategic planning and robust statistics;
launching of an industrialization strategy taking advantage of South African core products.
Embark on a structured legislative reform to ensure that all our laws play a pivotal part in our transformation journey.
In this next term of Parliament ATM Commits to: Focus on building a responsive state and a skilled and professional public service that diligently serves the government and which is insulated from problems associated with political patronage.
Political-administrative interface is clarified to ensure a clearer separation between the roles of the political principal and the administrative head.
Ensure that there is greater stability in State Owned Enterprises, clear public interest mandates, and straightforward governance structures that enable them to balance and reconcile their economic and social objectives.
Striking a balance between outsourcing and insourcing provision of goods and services such that job creation is prioritised without negatively affecting state efficiency and effectiveness.
Introduction
A quarter of a century under ANC governance – nothing but deterioration and despair
South Africa is teetering on the edge of ruin.
Crime is out of control with 57 South Africans murdered every day.
According to the most recent data available, South Africa has the fifth highest murder rate in the world.
At present, our murder rate is 36 people murdered per 100 000 of the population every year.
If one compares this figure to war-torn countries, then South Africa verges on being a war zone.
In a country like Somalia where war is currently raging, the murder rate is 38 and in both Iraq and Afghanistan it is 40.
No economy will grow while violent crime is comparable to a war zone.
According to the United Nations (UN), the healthy norm for the ratio of citizens per police officer is 220 people.
In South Africa, however, there are currently 383 citizens for every one police officer.
It means that we have a shortage of 62 000 police officers.
At present, we have only 194 000 officers for a population of 57,3 million.
These figures exclude the nearly 11 million undocumented migrants.
Farm murders are a national crisis.
More than 150 farmers per 100 000 of the population are murdered every year.
So even though we are paying taxes, we have to spend extra money on private security to ensure our own safety.
Corruption is rampant on all levels of government.
Billions of rand are stolen every year.
It is a daily occurrence – it ranges from fraud and bribes of a few thousand rand to billions of rand.
Contractors exploit the government as it does not pay market-related prices for goods and services.
The ANC government tolerates this.
Its cadres are enriched while the poor become even poorer and our taxes become higher and higher.
It is estimated that South Africa lost R470 billion of the Gross domestic product (GDP) over the last five years due to corruption, mismanagement and thoughtless policy directions.
At present, the government must borrow R1,2 billion every weekday to make up its budget deficit which comprises 4,7% of the Gross domestic product (GDP).
The interest on the debt already amounts to R209,4 billion annually.
The government's wage bill is exorbitant and
South Africans' social needs are increasing year after year because economic growth is inadequate.
More than 17 million South Africans are dependent on social grants at the moment.
There are more people dependent on these grants than there are people who have a job in South Africa.
This unsustainable dependence increased with 328% from 2001 to 2016.
Unemployment has reached a critical point with 27,2% of the population being unemployed and
unemployment among the youth is a national disaster.
Approximately 52% of our country’s youth is unemployed.
South Africa's youth unemployment rate is the highest in the world.
The government's labour-restrictive legislation and policies are the root cause of large companies taking their factories and other business abroad, which results in fewer job opportunities in South Africa.
South Africa has the ninth highest tax-to-Gross-Domestic-Product-burden in the world.
South Africans are being overtaxed to make up the budget deficits caused by the government's mismanagement and
corruption.
Affirmative Action (AA), quotas and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) are being implemented with increased vigour.
Race-based appointments and quotas threaten economic freedom and reduce the criteria used for appointments to nothing but race while expertise, abilities and experience are disregarded.
Using skin colour as the criterion for empowerment is a manifold injustice.
Our natural resources and environment are being destroyed by an incompetent government with misguided priorities.
South Africa is also burdened by poor service delivery.
Our towns and cities are dirty.
There are very few competent public officials left who can actually do the work.
And that is why health care, infrastructure, state-owned entities, departments and municipalities are all failing
Expropriation without compensation threatens every South African's right to owning property and
it reduces white South Africans, particularly farmers, to thieves who stole the land or property currently in their possession.
After Parliament adopted a motion in favour of the process of making expropriation without compensation possible, the agricultural sector contracted with 29,2 % during the second quarter of 2018.
The ANC and EFF's populist approach to land is destroying South Africa's agricultural sector and food security.
The ANC is looking for a scapegoat to blame for everything that is wrong in South Africa; for all its own failures and for the country's overall deterioration.
The party uses white people as the scapegoat and is trying to retain its supporters by blaming white people and apartheid for all the crises in the country.
Racial polarisation is used for short-term political gain.
South Africa deserves better
The ANC government has shown over the last 25 years that it does not deserve to govern this beautiful country and its people.
Its recipe for nation building since 1994 flopped.
South Africans truly deserve a new South Africa that will benefit all its people.
Premise: "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps"
The FF Plus aspires to a political system based on Christian values that is characterised by the principles of justice, truth, love of one's neighbour, respect for life, loyalty and a peaceful co-existence.
There is hope
The people of South Africa should unite in a new vision for the future.
A vision where you once again take control of your future.
A future based on the values of integrity, honesty, hard work, mutual respect and neighbourly love.
Such values have always been the steady foundation for the creation of a future of peace, safety and prosperity.
The FF Plus's 2019 Election Manifesto proposes feasible solutions that offer hope to build a better future.
A new dispensation
Build rather than redistributing and discriminating
At present, the government's objective is to try and relieve poverty and create wealth merely by distributing wealth; it will not work.
And owing to the policy directions associated with this objective, economic growth does not take place and
poverty and
unemployment are on the rise.
Affirmative Action, or rather race-based action, is leaving a trail of economic destruction behind.
The FF Plus admits that some people who have abundant potential were unable to reach their full potential due to shortcomings in the systems.
These people deserve active support, but it should not be to the detriment of other people.
To blindly enforce racial quotas is a manifold injustice.
Skin colour cannot be used as a generalised indication of being disadvantaged and therefore, skin colour can also not be used as a condition for empowerment.
Socio-economic conditions, like poverty, unemployment and a lack of access to quality education should rather be used as the criteria for empowerment.
Some people are currently appointed in positions for which they are simply not equipped.
It puts those people under immense pressure and leads to unproductiveness.
And then there are also extremely competent black people who would excel in any environment, but they have a cloud of distrust hanging over their heads: was this possibly an Affirmative Action appointment?
A new generation of embittered individuals is forming among Afrikaners, coloured and other nonblack people.
People who qualify for support according to any means test and exhibit the potential to perform well are overlooked based on their race.
It was a similar bitterness that provided the impetus for the ANC's power struggle.
The FF Plus does not want to see the significant lessons learnt from the past come to nothing and
that is why the party strives to prevent history from repeating itself by advocating for equal opportunities for all South Africans.
While the ANC is intensifying the conditions of "Affirmative Action", with the support of other opposition parties, the FF Plus stands firm in the belief that it must be abolished.
The obvious victims of Affirmative Action are white and coloured people who have lost their jobs or who cannot find a job because their skin colour is wrong.
The victims who go unnoticed are all those who would have been able to get a job or get a better job,
who would have benefited from better service delivery and
improved living conditions
if the economy as a whole performed better and
if competent people were appointed to ensure improved service delivery for all.
The government's objective and policy directions must be focused on building a better future rather than on transformation and redistribution.
Economic growth must the number one priority.
If there is sustainable economic growth, there will be more funds available to meet social needs,
but because economic growth also results in more job creation, less people will be dependent on the state's social functions.
At the moment, though, economic growth is restricted by the government's policy directions, mismanagement and poor service delivery.
In order to ensure policy certainty, effective government and adequate infrastructure development
it is imperative to create a favourable environment for the private sector to invest,
to create jobs and
to stimulate economic growth.
A small, effective government
South Africa's public service is huge, clumsy and according to international standards, public officials are paid too much.
It is the result of centralist thinking founded on the ANC's communist ideology.
We must fight back and demand good governance.
A small, effective government characterised by hard work and appointments based on merit.
An FF Plus government would be much smaller.
In accordance with international best practices, the present Cabinet will be condensed to 16 portfolios, each with only one minister and at most one deputy minister at the steer of things.
President, Deputy President, Minister of Finance, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence, Minister of Health, Minister of Labour, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Minister of Police, Minister of Community Development and Land Affairs, Minister of Water, Sanitation, Human Settlements and Environmental Affairs, Minister of Transport, Public Services and Administration, Minister of Telecommunications, Science and Technology, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Each member of Cabinet will be an expert in his or her field.
The ministerial textbook needs to be revised in order to restrict the costs related to ministers and deputy ministers.
Cost-savings measures must be implemented even on the lowest level.
The current situation where the public service is the greatest employer in the country and employees are paid more than those in the private sector is simply not sustainable.
Ultimately, the state coffers will not be able to carry the costs and that brings us closer to the fiscal edge of ruin.
Authority resides on the lowest possible level
A federal characteristic of the South African Constitution is our country’s nine provinces.
Little of it realises, though, because the tone for ANC provinces is set by Luthuli House and not by the province itself.
A province governed by opposition parties finds that national departments often overstep their jurisdiction there.
The FF Plus supports the principle of subsidiarity.
It means that all authority should reside and be executed on the lowest possible level of government.
Provinces only perform those tasks that municipalities are unable to and national government performs only those tasks that provinces are unable to.
It serves to promote participation and enrich democracy.
Service delivery must be handled on local and provincial level,
while the national government is only responsible for setting the minimum requirements and coordinating activities.
Poor governance and infighting, characteristic of the ANC-controlled provincial governments, must be eradicated.
The FF Plus representatives in every Provincial Legislature will endeavour to either bring the ANC to a fall by means of a coalition or to keep a very close watch on things.
The key point of the FF Plus's policy is to transform South Africa from a territorial state to one where communities are the fundamental units and
where the government acts merely as a commonwealth of communities.
In order to achieve that, republican thinking must be revived.
A true democratic republic cannot be a large state where elections are the only form of public participation.
The republic must be structured in such a way that it facilitates a citizenry with shared values that can govern the commonwealth in a meaningful way.
Decisions are made on the lowest possible level, while higher governmental levels are responsible for corrections – it will, therefore, be possible to appeal against a decision on a higher level if a citizen feels that all the relevant factors were not taken into consideration.
Revise local government
The local government system must be revised.
The local community must be the most basic level of government.
The ANC government's greatest failure is the terrible condition of our municipalities.
Service delivery has collapsed and most municipalities are basically bankrupt and unsustainable.
Towns and regions have been merged to form large municipalities or metro councils, but the only thing that has improved is the remuneration of councillors and top officials.
It will be nearly impossible to realise the FF Plus ideal of subsidiarity as long as municipal councils remain the most incompetent of all levels of government.
The problem is not that too much authority resides on local level, but too little.
Municipal regions have become so large that there is no real governance on ground level.
And on top of that, the ANC is using municipalities for the deployment of cadres.
Local municipalities should comprise a single town.
There is no evidence to show that the system of merged municipalities that was implemented since 2001 is in any way beneficial, except for the small elite consisting of councillors and top officials.
Communities
Communities should become more locally focused and more "homeish" – a concept referring to a rich community life where public participation entails much more than periodic elections;
where community members are able to directly participate in government activities.
This type of community would be strengthened by, for instance, having ownership of and managing its own energy provision locally.
It would stimulate economic activities that are aimed at local wealth creation rather than generating profits for worldwide corporations.
In regard to self-determination, the FF Plus endeavours to establish autonomy for a cultural community across the entire country concerning matters like education, elderly care, sport, heritage conservation and the like.
Community councils, for example an Afrikaner Council, must be established for communities that are spread out across the country.
Such a council must have control of the relevant community's education, heritage conservation and social care.
Worldwide, these are considered the basic aspects in which national minorities can exercise self-determination.
A legal framework must be established for purpose-driven communities.
In practice it would mean that the governing bodies of all schools, social institutions (for example, oldage homes and children's homes) and heritage institutions (for example, museums and heritage sites) can decide whether or not it wants to reside under the authority of the government or the community council.
This is not racial segregation.
A traditional Afrikaner school may not be interested in falling under the administration of the Afrikaner Council, but a coloured school might.
Everyone has the right to choose.
Such a Council will enable Afrikaners to exercise their cultural rights regardless of where they live.
In this way a republican government can be re-established over time in the face of the current tyranny of the majority.
Self-determination
We are desperately in need of a new dispensation where diversity in South Africa is recognised as the true building blocks of true unity in diversity.
A dispensation founded on mutual respect, without discrimination and racism, with equal opportunities and recognition for that which is our own and that which is shared.
Thus, a dispensation where self- determination is correctly implemented.
As evident in the rest of the world, this approach is not in conflict with a constitutional or liberal democracy.
Quite the contrary, it is considered to be the latest and most modern political trend.
Federalism, locality, subsidiarity and self-determination, as it is implemented internationally, are all essential building blocks for such a political model.
Regionally bound autonomy, such as in provinces, must be expanded.
Policy that offers solutions
State expenditure, taxes and the economy
South Africa currently finds itself in an unprecedented economic crisis due to the ANC government’s mismanagement and transgressions.
Due to limited job opportunities and
little economic growth, there is a small tax base and
yet great social expenditure.
This coupled with the government's exorbitant wage bill leads to excessive government debt along with interest on that debt and ultimately it is pushing the country closer and closer to the fiscal edge of ruin.
The fiscal dilemma is that everyone wants to pay as little tax as possible while benefiting from as much state expenditure as possible.
These opposing needs move governments to spend more than they collect; and then they borrow the deficit from the capital market.
In this way government debt keeps increasing and ultimately it can consume the entire budget.
With regard to tax collection, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) narrowly escaped death, so to speak.
The FF Plus policy of making appointments based on merit will prevent this from happening again.
The FF Plus is convinced that only the free market can fully unlock, create, promote and protect economic value.
The cornerstone of the free market is private property rights, without which there will be no incentive for trade.
State expenditure must be curtailed in the following ways: All state-owned entities must be privatised through a mix of partial sales and full sales.
The SAA and Eskom are the first on the list to be privatised;
public service appointments must be made solely based on merit;
revise the salary scales of senior management positions;
limit public officials' performance bonuses;
limit salary increases to no higher than the inflation rate;
eradicate corruption; and
reduce the size of the public service and have fewer offices of ministry.
The government may not spend more than it collects through taxes.
This will force the government to implement policies that will stimulate the economy to grow.
Any deficit in the budget can only be supplemented with debt if the deficit is at least equal to capital expenditure.
The FF Plus will establish a fiscal commission that will function very much like the South African Reserve Bank does at the moment.
An upper limit for state expenditure will be formulated.
When that limit is reached, the fiscal commission will have the capacity to increase VAT.
Once the threat passes, the VAT rate can be lowered again.
No one wants to pay more tax, but just as interest rates can either stimulate or restrict private expenditure, VAT can do the same for state expenditure.
VAT must rather be used as a fair instrument to supplement budget deficits.
VAT broadens the tax base and VAT is fair precisely because everyone will pay more.
On the other side of the company spectrum though, more funds will be made available to better provide for social needs.
Personal and
company tax need to be lowered
in order to stimulate investment in the economy and
create jobs.
The fuel levy must be decreased significantly and may only be used for road and other means of transport infrastructure development.
The Road Accident Fund must be done away with.
Every motor vehicle owner must be compelled by legislation to take out third-party insurance.
Other tariffs and levies must also be adjusted downwards to stimulate consumer expenditure and the economy.
The same goes for the controversial e-toll system in Gauteng.
The FF Plus is of the view that the e-toll system was characterised by poor agreements, which lead to unnecessarily large payments being made to foreign service providers.
Although the improved roads promote the economy on the one hand,
the e-toll system suppresses it again on the other hand.
The FF Plus maintains that this system must be abolished.
The collection of taxes may possibly be undermined in the future by the rise in private currencies (sometimes referred to as cryptocurrencies).
Thus, the government will have to earn its revenue rather than collect it.
Limit state expenditure.
Privatise state-owned entities, like the SAA.
Offer tax relief to individuals and businesses.
Establish a fiscal commission that will, among other things, adjust the VAT rate.
Appoint experts at SARS.
Do away with the Road Accident Fund and
replace it with legislation that compels motor vehicle owners to take out third-party insurance.
Decrease the fuel levy and use it only for transport infrastructure development.
Abolish e-toll.
The government must earn tax; not collect it.
Economic empowerment, social development and poverty eradication
The policy of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) resulted in black elite empowerment whereby wealth was redistributed rather than created.
The FF Plus is of the opinion that wealth cannot be created by distributing it.
BEE resulted in assets being handed out to specific black individuals instead of stimulating entrepreneurship and community upliftment.
Economic empowerment in South Africa must not be aimed at the enrichment of certain individuals, but rather the true empowerment of entire communities.
Skin colour cannot be used as a generalised indication of being previously disadvantaged and
therefore, skin colour can also not be used as a condition for empowerment.
Socio-economic conditions, like poverty, unemployment and a lack of access to quality education must rather be used as the criteria for empowerment.
Growth and development are the only sustainable methods of empowerment.
Poverty is a national problem that affects a very large part of our society.
Through the years, it has become evident that involving an entire community in eradicating poverty is the most effective form of poverty relief.
Thus, the FF Plus strives to promote community-based social services.
The party rejects the use of racial quotas and
recommends that a means test must be used in the allocation of state funding to social service organisations.
Development of independent local economies.
Poverty as basis for empowerment.
Using growth and development, rather than racial targets, as methods of empowerment.
Special economic zones that are not subject to Affirmative Action, empowerment and restrictive labour laws.
Community-based social services.
Women and children rights and people with disabilities
The FF Plus supports women's rights but knows that these rights can only be exercised in practice if women are empowered by means of training and the creation of equal opportunities.
The FF Plus is committed to this.
Most victims of rape, molestation and domestic violence are too afraid to report these incidents to the police due to intimidation.
In many cases, the police's handling of these cases falls short and victims are not offered proper protection.
The criminal justice system has failed many victims as they are often expected to testify in an open court.
Due to the poor handling of these cases, the errors made in transferring dossiers between the police and the National Prosecuting Authority, the incompleteness of investigations, die integrity of evidence and testimonies that are not handled properly or with the necessary care, the prosecution of these cases are often unsuccessful.
These shortcomings in the system cause a low report rate for these offences and, thus, many sexual offenders are on the loose and gender-based violence is endemic.
The FF Plus supports all measures aimed at protecting women, children and other vulnerable citizens against abuse and mistreatment.
The inadequate funding of non-profit organisations, like children's homes and homes for people with disabilities, constitutes a violation of the basic human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
The state subsidies paid to children's homes are particularly inadequate.
In some provinces, the subsidy comes down to only R17 per child per day.
Seeing as these children's homes are tasked with taking care of homeless children who have been placed in the state's care by the court, it is unacceptable that many of these homes are on the verge of closing their doors.
People with disabilities must be empowered through appropriate training opportunities and
their rights must be protected.
Granting blind and deaf individuals access to education and
communication with state institutions by means of braille and sign language must be a priority.
Actual equal opportunities must be promoted and not an artificial system of empowerment.
Measures that will encourage the reporting of incidences of gender-based violence and that will offer victims proper protection must be implemented.
The policing and prosecution of violence against women and children must be prioritised.
State funding of non-profit organisations, like children's homes and homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, must be increased.
Job creation
Rigid labour legislation is one of the biggest obstacles on the road of economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
Not only is it difficult to dismiss incompetent individuals, but transformation targets must also be continually met.
The FF Plus will abolish transformation targets and Black Economic Empowerment.
That will encourage the private sector to appoint the best person for the job,
which will in turn promote economic growth
The demand for schooled labour, as found in the open market, is the best mechanism to ensure that all citizens are empowered with expertise, skills and work ethics.
Unemployment must be addressed at once.
No government can sustainably keep creating jobs on its own.
Thus, the FF Plus is convinced that unemployment can only be overcome if government policies are amended to create an environment that is conducive to job creation and investment.
Jobs cannot be created by means of legislation.
Legislation aimed at limiting unemployment will only result in further over-regulation,
which is not at all favourable for sustainable job creation.
The FF Plus has a five-point plan to combat unemployment, and in particular youth unemployment:
Labour legislation must be amended so as to promote job creation while still maintaining fair labour practices.
Strikes and particularly illegal strikes that lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of job opportunities must be prohibited.
Trade unions' power must be restricted and
any irresponsible actions that lead to the loss of jobs must by prohibited by legislation.
Race-based Affirmative Action and unfair Black Economic Empowerment must be terminated.
These polices have failed all South Africans and the youth in particular.
Only a small elite benefits while poverty and
unemployment are rife.
The FF Plus is in favour of a youth wage subsidy, implemented correctly and fairly, as it will help to address these challenges effectively.
The FF Plus proposes the following conditions for the implementation thereof: The subsidy must not be subject to Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment measures.
Unemployment does not discriminate based on race.
A balance must be maintained between the funds allocated for these subsidies and those allocated for bursaries and training.
The youth wage subsidy must also make provision for promoting in-service training.
The dismissal of older, experienced employees must be avoided.
5. Education and training must equip the youth for the workplace.
At present, more than 80% of learners who have completed their school training are not properly trained or prepared for the workplace.
Training institutions that train professionals must be accessible and have the necessary resources to equip the youth to enter the labour force and
must also encourage entrepreneurship.
This policy is aimed at transforming the South African population from one that is dependent on social grants
to one that functions as the drive behind the country's economic growth.
Our country and the rest of the African continent possess a demographic dividend that will pay out in the next few years as we have a young population that can be employed to bring about large-scale growth.
So, let us employ our youth to ensure growth –
let us leave racial discrimination in the past where it belongs and let us focus on the future and development.
Education
Quality education depends on a new educational culture; a culture of hard work, high standards and honesty is what is needed.
The FF Plus also considers good work ethic among teachers and lecturers to be of the utmost importance.
The trade unions with a tradition of destruction must be brought under control.
Trade unions for teachers in the basic education environment must be replaced by a conciliation and arbitration system with the aim of addressing the problems of mass strikes and undisciplined teachers, particularly in less affluent schools where learners need more focused attention.
Schools must be places of safety.
The FF Plus believes that all forms of protest actions and marches in the immediate vicinity of schools must be prohibited.
Teachers who are willing to work at less affluent schools must receive higher remuneration and
all teachers must be eligible for performance bonuses, with higher bonuses for teachers working at less affluent schools.
The FF Plus proposes a system of parent- and community-driven mother-tongue education.
Communities must be enabled to establish community schools with the support of the relevant authorities.
According to the education budget, the projected cost per learner must be paid to the school preferred by the parent.
This can be administrated by means of a system of educational coupons that are issued to parents who can then hand the coupons in at the school of their choice.
Such a system will ensure that learners, and not schools, are subsidised and it will afford their parents the opportunity to choose between public schools, more independent community schools or even home schooling.
Community councils that can demonstrate the ability to do so, must be given the right to act as an education department across provincial boundaries.
Every school must be able to exercise the right to choose whether it wants to fall under the administration of the provincial Department of Education or the administration of a community council.
Every school must also be able to exercise the right to choose whether it wants to follow the assessment guidelines as put forward by the Department of Education or the guidelines of any one of the two registered assessment bodies in South Africa.
Parents who prefer to home school their children must have the right to do so as long as they can prove that they possess the necessary skills, knowledge and learning aids.
External exams written at the end of Grade 9 and Grade 12 can be used to monitor the quality of home schooling.
Neglecting mother-tongue education contributes to poor performance and a high drop-out rate.
The fact that Afrikaans- and English-speaking learners receive instruction in their mother tongue explains why a larger percentage of these Grade 1 learners go on to complete Grade 12.
Even on tertiary level, mother-tongue education has measurable benefits.
Thus, the foundation of the FF Plus's educational policy is that all learners must have access to mother- tongue education – it will, of course, not be forced on anyone.
Early childhood development is of the utmost importance and must be the responsibility of the Department of Education and not the Department of Social Development.
At present, South Africa's expenditure on this phase of education is one of the lowest in the world.
The most important formative years in a child's life are between the ages of zero to four years as that is when the brain develops the fastest.
If proper development does not occur during these formative years, children may struggle in school later on.
Quality early childhood development training will improve learners' performance in school and address the problem of a poor throughput rate.
Bursaries for learners who perform well must be allocated based on merit and financial need in cooperation with various private industries on the condition that for every year of study, the student must work one year for the relevant company.
Offer mother-tongue education up to the highest possible level.
Subsidise learners rather than schools.
Prioritise early childhood development.
Community schools with the support of the relevant authorities.
A high standard of education that is internationally competitive.
Prohibit all forms of marches and protest actions near schools.
Language rights and multilingualism
The FF Plus views every language as infinitely more than just a medium of communication.
A language is like a home.
If one is deprived of your mother tongue, you are essentially left homeless,
your human dignity is affected and you are left disorientated.
The fact that our official languages are not used publicly constitutes a violation of our Constitution and
it is detrimental to race relations.
Thus, the FF Plus advocates the recognition and development of all South Africa's indigenous languages.
It is a myth that a language will survive as long as it is spoken.
The reality is that there are languages that disappear on a daily basis because they do not have the power and the means to hold their own in the face of more dominant languages.
The conservation and development of the higher functions of South Africa's 11 official languages must be prioritised.
Thus, for example, the mediums of education, should be expanded to include more languages instead of being reduced or anglicised.
Educational experts from across the world agree that mother-tongue education promotes academic performance.
At present, Afrikaans as medium of instruction is under severe attack.
Afrikaans is one of the few languages that went through the entire process of modernisation during the twentieth century and it can, therefore, offer valuable support and guidance to other language communities that want to do the same.
The survival of Afrikaans paves the way for the survival of other indigenous languages.
The FF Plus condemns the creeping language imperialism of Anglophiles who want to subdue indigenous languages to English in the name of global trade and traffic particularly in the field of education, but also in public institutions and state departments.
More schools and universities must be built and
measures must be implemented to execute the Constitution's provision that everyone has the right to receive instruction in the official language of his/her choice.
Language rights must be clearly formulated in legislation because the interpretation of vague provisions results in the violation of constitutional rights, which are then only symbolic.
Agriculture
Agriculture in South Africa is threatened by an unreliable climate;
increasing production costs;
a lack of government support in the form of relevant research, disaster relief and sensible tariff protection;
excessively violent and cruel farm attacks
as well as the policy direction of expropriation without compensation.
The FF Plus's policy is that the utilisation of biological resources must be approached in keeping with how the world unfolds.
The cultural value that various cultural groups (including the Afrikaners) ascribe to land, forests and fisheries must be recognised.
At the same time, the need for food security and the role that commercial agriculture plays in it must also be recognised.
Tariff protection, research, disaster relief and the creation of infrastructure must benefit all these groups.
The FF Plus supports greater state expenditure on agricultural research to ensure that institutions like the Agricultural Research Council and the Water Research Commission place South Africa at the forefront of research relating to scarce resources.
As a primary industry in the economy, agriculture plays an important role in job creation, food production and the generation of revenue so it should be valued by government.
The agricultural sector must be protected against tariff and subsidy benefits of international role players and
the dumping of substandard imported agricultural products.
Disaster relief, like drought relief, must be properly managed and must be used to assist all food producers during natural disasters.
Land Bank must offer all producers interest-free short-term loans in times of financial need caused by such disasters.
The FF Plus insists that a social, economic and political environment that will help commercial farmers ensure food security must be established.
Tariff protection, research, disaster relief and the creation of infrastructure to benefit all farmers.
Land Affairs
The FF Plus understands the emotional impact that landownership has on all South Africans.
Thus, land must not be viewed through a commercial lens.
Afrikaners want the assurance that a part of African soil belongs to them too.
The FF Plus is strongly opposed to expropriation without compensation and
is of the opinion that there is enough land available for redistribution, but that administrative stalling is causing delays to the detriment of the country.
The FF Plus holds the view that land that has been beneficiated through land reform projects, of which 90% have failed and unused state-owned land should be redistributed immediately and
after that, the principle of "willing seller, willing buyer" must be followed.
In the case of expropriation in the public interest, the compensation must be market related.
The FF Plus opposes the notion that the Minister of Land Affairs has the power to expropriate property and believes that such power should reside with a high court seeing as there are fundamental constitutional rights at play.
Land claims must be finalised as soon as possible because it creates uncertainty which hinders development in the agricultural sector.
Land is used as a populist political weapon.
The myth that owning land creates wealth is rejected by the FF Plus.
South Africa cannot allow arable fertile land to become unproductive because our population increases every year and quite soon approximately 70% of our population will be urbanised and will need food on a daily basis.
Food security is a cornerstone of stability.
Land reform projects have become a breeding ground for corruption.
The FF Plus is of the opinion that land that is redistributed in the aforementioned ways must be transferred to the beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries must be in possession of the title deeds of the land.
The government's involvement in these projects must be kept to a minimum and
partnerships between emerging farmers and commercial farmers should rather be established.
Use unused state-owned land for land reform.
Beneficiaries of land reform must actually own the land
Protect private property rights.
The power to expropriate must reside with a high court and
expropriation in the public interest must be accompanied by market-related compensation.
Policing
Crime remains a serious threat to us all.
For that reason, the police service must be headed by professionally trained officers.
Under ANC rule, top positions in the service were often filled by people from outside the police force to the detriment of South Africa and all its citizens.
It is discouraging to have to admit that young police officers will never reach the top rung, regardless of their competence.
However, the FF Plus honours all police officers who are loyal and fearless in carrying out their duties, despite the difficult conditions and poor prospects.
The party strongly condemns the behaviour of certain police officers (often deployed cadres) who consider themselves to be above the law and
who abuse their position for personal gain
as well as the brutality that often accompanies these transgressions.
The party insists that the police service must be allowed to serve and protect without any political interference but still within proper disciplinary norms.
The police service is responsible for maintaining law and order in a fair and decisive manner; preventing crime; tracking down offenders and bringing them before the court; protecting and calming the community should law and order be disrupted and in carrying out all these duties, it must demonstrate that it is a professional organisation characterised by integrity, common sense and good judgement.
Ineffective policing results in citizens having to pay extra for a basic service that ought to be provided by the authorities.
More and more private security companies are springing up.
Violent crime, aided by the trade in illegal firearms, occurs on a daily basis and claims thousands of lives each year.
Better policing of illegal firearms is needed.
The FF Plus remains steadfast in its belief that competent and properly trained citizens have the right to own firearms and that they may use these weapons for self-defence should the situation warrant such action.
Farm murders remain a crisis and the death rate shows that at present, it is more dangerous to be a farmer in South Africa than a police officer.
The agricultural community is left vulnerable as the government's rural safety plan is failing due to a shortage of human and other resources.
Rural safety must prevent farm attacks and other rural crimes, like the theft of livestock.
The massacre of innocent children, caught in the crossfire of gangs, has reached shocking levels and the police can no longer merely promise to take action while gang violence rages on.
Drug trafficking is a great source of income for gangs and, therefore, decisive action must be taken to eradicate it.
Well-coordinated cooperation between the police and the prosecuting authority is vital for ensuring that arrests for gang-related offences are followed by the successful prosecution of the offenders.
Due to the poor handling of criminal cases, the errors made in transferring dossiers between the police and the National Prosecuting Authority, the incompleteness of investigations, die integrity of evidence and testimonies that are not handled properly or with the necessary care, the prosecution is often unsuccessful.
The FF Plus believes that the causes of poor policing must be resolved.
The solution lies in the institutionalisation of effective policing, in other words, the optimisation of all the existing processes, functions and resources to achieve the overarching goal of good policing.
That does not require more and more resources, but rather the improved distribution and utilisation of resources which will result in a better outcome.
Restore the integrity and functionality of the police service by getting rid of corrupt official,
not making politically-motivated appointments and
by offering promotions based on expertise and experience.
Private expenditure on safety must be deductible from tax.
Establish an effective crime intelligence unit focused on the prevention of crime without infringing on citizens' rights.
Specialised units for violent crime and
to address the illegal firearms trade.
Protect competent citizens' right to own a firearm.
Farm attacks must be declared a priority crime and adequate resources must be allocated to rural safety.
The police's rural safety plan must involve and empower private rural safety networks.
Well-coordinated cooperation between the police, local authorities, specialist units and the NPA is needed to combat gang-related violence.
Decisive action must be taken against drug trafficking by, for instance, effectively intercepting drugs smuggled across our country's borders.
Investigative units must be empowered with the necessary expertise and care must be taken to ensure that the prosecution of offenders is not unsuccessful due to the incorrect handling of evidence.
Health
At the moment, South Africa has a public health care sector that has a footprint in even the smallest of settlements, but that is characterised by poor provision and a lack of expertise.
On the other hand, the private health care sector maintains world-class standards, but is expensive and inaccessible.
The FF Plus believes that the biggest challenge in public health care is not a lack of money but a lack of expertise.
Mismanagement and
corruption have destroyed our health care institutions.
The obsession with transformation means that even more expertise is forced out of the sector – so much so that thousands of our health care practitioners are working abroad.
The FF Plus will establish cooperation between the public and private health care sectors so that expertise and facilities can be shared.
The main objective will not be transformation, but good, accessible health care for all citizens.
Sound management practices must be implemented at all hospitals and clinics.
Only people with managerial experience must be appointed as chief executive officers at hospitals.
The FF Plus condemns the over-regulation of the medical aid industry whereby the funds are taxed excessively and the nett tax burden on individuals is increased.
The medical aid industry and private medical services industry are crucial partners in offering good quality health care services in South Africa.
The FF Plus will endeavour to establish a national partnership between private and public medical services that will still leave enough space for both of these industries to function without any unnecessary restrictions in the interest of a healthier population.
Public health care infrastructure must first be upgraded before a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHI) can be considered.
The NHI cannot be used for these upgrades.
In the short term, the planned NHI must be terminated at once.
The FF Plus believes that the HIV/AIDS pandemic can only be effectively addressed if medical interventions are accompanied by comprehensive social re-orientation.
Terminate the process of implementing a NHI.
Upgrade public health care infrastructure.
Appoint experts.
Stop the over-regulation of the medical aid industry.
Establish a mutually beneficial partnership between private and public medical service providers.
Foreign affairs
The FF Plus is committed to preserving human rights not only in South Africa, but also worldwide.
The FF Plus insists that South Africa's foreign relations may no longer be influenced by the countries that loyally supported the ANC before 1994.
If one considers those countries' own human rights track records, it is clear that they were more interested in holding sway over South Africa
than in the democratic rights of South African citizens.
The ANC government's foreign relations exhibit numerous contradictions.
The FF Plus demands clarity and guidelines that the government itself is also willing to follow.
Africa must obviously play a central role in South African foreign policy,
but not to such an extent that diplomatic or military influence is used to keep governments that have no merit in power.
The foreign policy should reinforce South Africa's central role in Africa.
The FF Plus will build foreign relations on mutual respect
with preference for countries that promote self-determination within their own borders and
countries with which South Africa already has or can establish strong trade ties.
A two-state solution is proposed for Israel and Palestine.
It is, after all, irrational to advocate selfdetermination for Palestinians but not for Israelis.
New alliances must be formed without destroying the ones already in place.
A clear foreign relations policy based on mutual respect that will benefit South Africa.
Reinforce South Africa's central role in Africa.
Support a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Form new alliances without alienating exiting allies
Defence
The quality of a defence force is determined by its equipment and its people.
South Africa falls short in regard to both of these.
The country's military force deteriorated significantly as a result of longterm financial shortages and neglect due to poor maintenance.
However, an even more serious problem is the lack of expertise and discipline in the defence force.
At the moment, the only thing that counts in South Africa's favour is the fact that there is no obvious and immediate foreign threat.
The FF Plus will combine the difficult task of re-establishing competence in the military force with enforcing strict discipline.
The aim is to have a professional defence force that has the will and the ability to effectively defend our country.
Within fiscal limitations, equipment and weaponry will once again be procured.
Establish a competent and disciplined defence force.
Procure equipment and weaponry within fiscal limitations.
Border control and immigration
The FF Plus demands effective border control.
The integrity of our country's borders must be restored.
"Soft" borders result in an influx of people when there is an increase in economic pressure elsewhere in Africa.
It also means that domestic goods, like rhino horns, and foreign goods, like firearms and drugs, can move across our borders.
It also makes it easier for ruthless traders to avoid tariffs that are implemented to protect the local economy.
Immigration is a natural process and every country tries to manage it in such a way that it is beneficial.
For that to happen, immigrants must possess knowledge and skills that are scarce in the recipient country.
However, due to poor border control, including corruption, South Africa is the recipient of large numbers of illegal immigrants whose potential to contribute to the country has not been assessed.
These illegal immigrants put immense pressure on already scarce resources, such as, water, health care, job opportunities and other social services.
This is to the detriment of South African taxpayers.
Effective border control that restores the integrity of our country's borders.
Effective consequence management with regards to corrupt officials.
The movement of drugs, rhino horns and illegal weapons across our borders must be stopped.
Address illegal immigration.
Sustainable development and the environment
Climate change is a reality and the increase in the intensity of droughts and floods is detrimental to South Africa.
Whatever the cause may be, the solution is not only to limit carbon emissions, but also to increase the binding thereof.
Here the FF Plus's policy on energy plays a central role.
The country must move away from utilising energy sources that are destructive to the environment, like coal.
The harvesting, storing and distribution of renewable energy must be our focus.
Under- developed parts of South Africa, like the Northern and Western Cape, are ideally positioned for an energy revolution.
Our policy not only entails substituting coal power stations with renewable energy power plants,
but also replacing petrol- and diesel-powered transport with electric transport.
Under the leadership of the FF Plus, South Africa will be on the forefront of renewable energy development.
Households and businesses that convert to using alternative energy sources, like solar panels, must enjoy tax discounts.
The environment must also be protected through the effective policing of pollution and other violations of the relevant legislation.
The law enforcers (the Green Scorpions) must be properly equipped and empowered to fulfil this function.
At the moment, the government itself is responsible for the greatest pollution of our water sources because sewage plants are not functional as a result of mismanagement.
South Africa is also losing billions of litres of water because water infrastructure was not maintained.
Infrastructure must be urgently upgraded and regular maintenance work must be done.
When government is responsible for pollution or when it violates legislation, the relevant official who is accountable must be criminally prosecuted.
Prioritise the utilisation of renewable energy.
Tax discounts for individuals and businesses that make use of alternative energy sources.
Utilise the under-developed parts of South Africa, like the Northern and Western Cape, for harvesting renewable energy.
Reinforce the Green Scorpions.
Conclusion
Summary of solutions
The FF Plus's Election Manifesto and its Policy Framework propose the following solutions for South Africa's most pressing problems: Abolish race-based Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment;
use socioeconomic conditions as criteria for empowerment and promote equal opportunities for all.
Exercise the internationally recognised constitutional right to self-determination.
Establish community councils.
Establish a smaller local government system with more locally-focused functioning.
Afford provinces more autonomy.
Cut state expenditure;
privatise state-owned entities;
increase state revenue by stimulating growth;
offer tax relief;
establish a fiscal commission.
Develop independent, local economies
where poverty serves as the criterion for empowerment and
growth and development are seen as the only sustainable methods of empowerment;
establish special economic zones.
Address the shortcomings of the criminal justice system to bring endemic rape to an end.
Amend restrictive labour legislation so as to promote job creation while still maintaining fair labour practices;
create a favourable environment for the private sector to create more jobs;
put an end to the unsustainable practice of the government creating jobs.
A high standard of education where mother-tongue education is accessible to all;
mothertongue education must be parent and community driven and must be offered on the highest possible level.
Promote language rights and multilingualism.
Tariff protection, research, disaster relief and the creation of infrastructure must benefit subsistence and commercial farmers.
Protect private property rights.
Quality health care where expertise rather than transformation is prioritised;
stop the over-regulation of medical aid schemes;
upgrade public health care infrastructure;
establish cooperation between the public and private health care sectors.
Build foreign relations on mutual respect and give preference to countries with which South Africa already has or can establish strong trade ties.
Effective border control that restores the integrity of our country's borders and that brings the movement of illegals goods, like firearms and drugs, across our borders as well as illegal immigration to an end.
The country must move away from utilising energy sources that are destructive to the environment;
prioritise renewable energy;
tax discounts for individuals and businesses that make use of alternative energy sources.
Five focus areas
This Manifesto proposes solutions relating to the five focus areas of the FF Plus's election campaign.
Fight back against expropriation without compensation
Stop the ongoing process to amend the Constitution so as to make the expropriation of property without compensation possible.
Protect everyone's right to private ownership of property.
Protect the rights of farmers.
Oppose the myth that white people stole all the land in their possession.
Fight back against discrimination
Equal rights and equal opportunities for all.
Abolish Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment.
Empowerment must be based on socio-economic conditions and not skin colour.
Replace the current policy direction of redistribution with one focused on economic growth and development.
Promote nation building by recognising community, language and cultural rights.
Equal rights for minorities.
Consistent action must be taken against hate speech, regardless of race, community etc.
Realise communities' constitutional and internationally recognised right to selfdetermination.
Fight back against crime
A government that takes the safety of its citizens seriously.
Fight back by restoring the integrity and the functionality of the police service.
Address the efficiency of the National Prosecuting Authority.
Prioritise rural safety.
Fight back against corruption, misappropriation and
excessive taxes and levies -
Expose and eradicate all forms of corruption and misappropriation.
Prosecute officials and politicians implicated in corruption and other transgressions.
Limit state expenditure.
Privatise state-owned entities.
Increase state revenue by stimulating growth.
Limit tax and levy increases so as to stimulate economic growth.
Establish a fiscal commission.
Fight back against poor service delivery
Establish a smaller local government system with more locally-focused functioning.
Appoint public officials based on merit and address the lack of expertise in the public service.
Prioritise infrastructure development and upkeep
Let us build a future together
OUR PLAN
In our free democratic society, our votes determine our fate.
The results of this election will have a far-reaching impact, affecting this generation and the next.
With the stakes so high, the IFP asks you to partner with us to secure the best possible future.
With our proven track record of service, delivery and integrity, we ask you to Trust Us.
We ask for your vote.
We hold South Africa to be one indivisible nation; a diverse society with a shared destiny.
There is no secure future for one segment of society, while another remains disempowered.
There is no urban future that excludes rural communities.
There is no industrialist future that excludes labourers.
Our common destiny demands a high degree of common purpose.
The IFP considers ubuntu/botho the foundation of all human interaction.
Accordingly, we have respect, compassion and empathy for everyone,
recognising that human dignity is intrinsic to all.
As political leaders and representatives, we are the servants of the people.
The IFP seeks to serve because we know, from experience, that we are better able to administer governance, manage resources and address needs than those presently at the helm.
Our country has accomplished much since 1994.
But political freedom has not delivered social and economic justice for all our people.
We have the most pronounced levels of inequality in the world, and because of our history our inequalities have a strong racial undertone.
Our economy has stagnated over a number of years, reducing the ability of government to raise revenue and
causing devastating levels of unemployment, especially amongst the youth.
Corruption, especially in government,
coupled with inefficiency and apathy,
has eroded the capacity of government to deliver on its most immediate mandates.
As a result the most vulnerable amongst us have been robbed of opportunities for development and advancement.
Levels of crime and violence are staggering, particularly against women and children.
Indeed there are endless challenges facing South Africa.
As a starting point to get this country working again, the IFP is focussing on key areas, based on the most pressing needs.
There is no one better equipped to understand the needs of the people than the people themselves.
The IFP is a champion of federalism because we believe in putting power directly into the hands of the people.
It is because of the IFP’s firm stand during negotiations for democracy that South Africa has provinces at all.
Ours is a culturally diverse society and pluralism can be our greatest strength.
Because we are one nation, constituted of many different parts, we need everyone’s contribution to create a shared future of security, justice and hope.
The IFP exists to serve you.
We are your partners in building that future.
A GROWING ECONOMY
The development of an inclusive economy is an absolute priority.
This is about human dignity.
We need to get our nation working,
to alleviate poverty,
redress inequality,
empower families,
and fulfil the rightful aspirations of all our people and future generations.
The IFP will champion: SMME development and
local economic development.
Inclusive economic growth with a sectorial focus.
Encouraging foreign direct investment that is needed in specific sectors.
Public private partnerships with a focus on State-Owned Enterprises and government services.
More efficient and transparent government fiscal management.
Establish a State-Owned bank.
Establish A Department of Youth and Job Creation.
Implement transport strategies that address the needs of job-seekers and our workforce.
Introduce an Unemployment Register in every municipality.
SAFETY, SECURITY AND JUSTICE - A CRIME-FREE SOCIETY
No society can achieve its full potential while its people live in fear.
Development is only possible when individual rights and liberties are secured.
Thus safety and security, and access to justice, must be guaranteed.
South Africans must feel safe and be safe.
The IFP will champion: Professionalising the SAPS and reprioritising its budget in areas such as public order and visible policing in order to improve accessibility to the Police.
The decentralisation of policing powers from national to provincial and local authorities.
The creation of specialised courts and specialised Police units to deal with corruption, sexual and gender-based violence, gangs and drugs.
Building partnerships with communities to fight crime.
Increased minimum sentences with hard labour for prisoners.
Bolstering the independence of the judiciary.
Opening a national debate on the reinstatement of the death penalty as a means to deter violent crimes.
The empowerment and deployment of the SANDF along our borders to curb human trafficking, cross border and illicit trade in weapons and drugs, and wildlife trafficking.
The restoration and empowerment of traditional leadership in civil dispute settlements.
ACCESS TO LAND
The resolution of the land issue carries with it the promise of healing the wounds of the past.
Land has social, spiritual and economic value.
It has the potential to be the foundation of the renewed economy our country so critically needs.
The IFP will champion: The allocation of all unused land that is in the hands of the State, to assist the poor.
Allocate specific support for modern agricultural and
other developmental initiatives to redress imbalances of the past.
Create a training infrastructure by introducing agricultural science at school level, and
reopening agricultural training colleges.
A high-rise housing approach where land is limited.
Administration of communal land will remain in the hands of the people,
under the custodianship of traditional leadership,
with the provincial governments providing support to traditional leaders
and emerging farmers and elevating them to a state of commercial farming.
Finalise outstanding land claims and reopen the window for further applications and claims.
Land expropriation with compensation.
EDUCATION
Education is a necessary condition for sustainable, effective development.
It is the most potent tool with which to bridge the inequalities in our society,
place our people at the centre of our move into the future, and
secure our rightful place in the global community.
The IFP will champion: Free, quality Early Childhood Development, Primary, Secondary and Higher Education, and training for all our people.
Prioritise Early Childhood Education under Basic Education.
Re-evaluate and capacitate rural and township schools that were previously closed, due to non-viability or non-performance.
Free scholar transport and effective nutrition schemes in all public schools
Better pay and better working conditions for all teachers, including Grade R teachers.
The development of high-tech classrooms-of-the-future where all learners are introduced to the skills needed for future work placement.
Reopening teacher training colleges.
Regular maintenance and additional school infrastructure for development - including sport, libraries and facilities for the arts.
Provide security at all schools.
Provide adequate facilities and support for learners with special needs.
Enforce discipline in schools through schools codes of conduct.
A SOCIAL CARE PACKAGE - HEALTH AND WELFARE
Good health and well-being is integral to the overall socio-economic success of our nation.
All South Africans deserve access to quality, innovative healthcare.
We strongly support social grants,
within the framework of self-help and self-reliance.
Our primary goal is to empower people, while assisting the vulnerable in times of distress.
The IFP will champion: Maintenance of existing health infrastucture.
Reduce the high-cost of medicine for all South Africans.
Establish provincial centres for medical innovation and research.
Additional capacity for the training of more South African medical professionals.
Improve service delivery and additional infrastructure in the National Health Laboratory Services.
Increase accessibility for complimentary and traditional medicines.
Increase support for mental health services.
Improve working conditions for all health care workers.
Implement Cancer policy in the workplace as we recognize and support the need for greater Cancer awareness and
assistance through legislation and regulation for Cancer patients still active in the workplace.
One social worker per ward in each municipality to address social ills.
A special focus will be placed on ensuring that unemployed social work graduates are absorbed into the system and not only deployed to each ward in each municipality but also deployed to schools where school bullying is rife.
Encourage greater support for non-governmental organisations (NGO) and non-profit organisations (NPO) who deliver vital services on behalf of the State
Prioritise the fight against gangsterism and drug abuse and
increase the number of rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse.
Support an increase to the Old Age Grant.
GENDER EQUALITY
Achieving true and meaningful gender equality is of utmost importance to the IFP.
We know that women still bear the brunt of poverty, remaining on the fringes of the economy.
Women still earn less than men for doing the exact same job.
Women face war on our streets, at home and in the workplace.
Ours is one of the most dangerous countries for women and children to live in.
This must change.
The IFP will champion: The roll-out of free sanitary pads to vulnerable children in need in all provinces.
Increase financial support to Chapter Nine Institutions such as the Commission for Gender Equality.
Enact legislation to enforce equal pay for equal work.
Prioritising of the salaries of Banyana Banyana players.
Special courts to deal with Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Specially-trained SAPS officers to deal with GBV must be available at all police stations.
Gender equality module must be introduced as part of the school curriculum.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
There is a dire need to redress apartheid-spatial planning.
Millions are currently living in sub-standard houses, in 21st century ghettos.
The IFP believes that a new approach is needed which puts local communities at the forefront of the design and construction of house building schemes.
The IFP will champion: Establishing Housing Support Centres in communities.
Build quality, dignified single and family units.
Ensure that profits from housing projects are reinvested in the community.
The involvement of young people and women in construction of housing development projects.
Ensure contractors produce work of acceptable quality and use materials of approved standards.
Punish contractors for poorly built houses.
Root out corruption on the housing waiting list.
Build integrated community housing developments especially in informal settlements.
Improve access to low-cost subsidised housing for people who earn between R3 500 - R15 000 per month.
ENVIRONMENT
A healthy, sustainable environment is crucial to the achieving socio-economic development goals in a transitioning economy, both for current and future generations.
South Africa needs authentic, courageous political leadership in the environmental arena
to ensure that socio-economic transformation is built on a sustainable base.
The IFP will champion: Effective environmental governance and climate resilient development measures
Support and enable legislation and regulation that provides for the sustainable use of natural resources through sector specific planning in the marine, terrestrial and aerial ecosystems
Support greater protection of flora and fauna,
as well as the increase and further allocation of marine and terrestrially protected areas,
whilst taking into account the unique needs of subsistence communities within such protected areas.
Ensure that renewable energy sources are fully developed as a part of South Africa’s energy supply’ mix in order to sustainably contribute to the increasing energy requirements of our developing country.
Criminalize the practice of ‘canned’ or ‘captive bred’ lion hunting in all manner and form
Create specialist wildlife courts staffed with skilled magistrates and prosecutors in order to more effectively adjudicate and prosecute wildlife crime such as trafficking in rhino horn.
Ban single use plastics.
“A People’s Charter for inclusive development”
“WORKING TOGETHER PURPOSELY FOR INCLUSIVITY”
1. Preamble
As traditionally understood in South Africa, the immediate and long term objectives of our organization will have no meaning without the mandate of the electorate (voters).
True to our traditions, we will continue to place ordinary South Africans at the center of our programmes.
Where we co-govern currently –i.e. in the successful Ekurhuleni Metropolitan (Gauteng); the Rustenburg Municipality (North West); and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan (Eastern Cape), we have accelerated massive social infrastructure projects – in the form of desalination plants, sewer systems and roads – as well as employing unskilled, ordinary South Africans.
Except for their poor service delivery track record and corruption, there is nothing new that other discredited political parties are offering.
Our three (3) representatives in Parliament have been enraged by the governing party’s dictatorship over the demarcation of municipal boundaries, without the will of the people – in areas such as Motse, Matatiele, Vuwani and Malamulele);
the pit latrines that our communities have to contend with;
the endless abuse of women and children;
the increasing cost of living because of high tax and fuel levies;
and the lack of agency and coherent planning in managing South Africa’s porous borders.
Through our dully inclusive Manifesto, we shall make these lived and people centered commitments:
2. Addressing Unemployment and Job-Creation
Unemployment remains stubbornly high in South Africa at 27.2%.
Most hard-hit are young people of the poor and the working class families – approximately 52.04% of the youth population in South Africans is not employed.
Tackle the entry-level job requirements, such as experience, which have not only worsened the plight of young people but also excluded them from participating in mainstream economy;
Prioritize youth, woman and people with disabilities empowerment by creating local municipal-business partnerships so as to in-source within the municipal-demarcated areas where people live;
Promote local producers, suppliers and distributors of goods and services, especially women, youth and people with disabilities through direct procurement by retail conglomerates, mining entities, Banks etc.;
Link University students with the closest companies –during the winter holidays to gain practical work experience
Create enabling environment for SMME sustainability through set-asides, preferential procurement and funding programs
Absorb Grade 12 under achievers through voluntary military conscription, in order to re-skill them in the areas of defence and security;
Absorb Grade 12 under achievers into artisans skills development programs to be employable or take up self employment opportunities in the vast Growing second economy.
Promote partnerships with the private sector to increase the size and quality of vocational Training Centres;
Underscore equitable employment, income primarily for the semi-skilled workers.
3. Economic Growth for Inclusiveness
Our economy is not growing and continues to bleed high levels of unemployment, poverty, inequality and rural land injustice.
Revising our growth projections from 1.8 percentage points to 1.3, the World Bank has yet again confirmed the structural deficiencies of our economy.
We have solutions.
Where we co-govern, we: Have empowered Small Medium and Micro Sized Enterprises (SMME’s) through supplier development schemes, such as funding and BEE partnerships;
We will therefore: Develop Preferential Policy Framework, where we co-govern, to force contractors to subcontract at least 35 % of the actual work for the benefit of women-led SMMEs;
Lease public land to foreign investors to generate revenue for the state;
Create co-operatives and small scale farmers to boost local economy and development
Lessen the costs of doing business and reduce red tapes.
Create platforms in the rural areas to empower communities on income generating activities practiced in their areas
Develop policy framework on introduction of Agri-parks and
small industries at community level.
4. Land Reform for Agricultural Production and Human Settlements
To restore the human dignity of South Africans it is only fair to level the playing field, and have an equitable share of the land amongst the people.
How the land is used will be monitored on an on-going basis by the state.
Our views are that land should be expropriated without compensation, for the following reasons:
Agricultural Production
Land so acquired will be earmarked for cutting-edge agricultural projects, like co-operatives and community agri- parks, so as to widen the pool of food producers and, by and large, create local employment in the farming communities;
Investment on agro-processing value chain will be backed by infrastructure support systems to empower agri- producers to beneficiate on their own terms;
To promote access to markets both domestically and internationally for our local farmers, we will partner with agri- centric lobby groups, the international co-operations and agri-business to advance the interests of the African farmers and producers;
Since land belongs to all the people, we will ensure that it is used most productively and that those who will be working the land generate income; and
Most significantly, we will augment the profit margins of their anchor sheets;
Human Settlements
Social housing is a realistic challenge in South Africa –under our people’s government decent houses to all qualifying South Africans over the age of 18, irrespective of their gender, race or political affiliation, will be made available;
No person will own more than 1 RDP house, and should this be detected the confiscation route will be inescapable;
To improve human settlements, we will maintain our sanitation, sewer and drainage infrastructure to bring about decent and hazard-free houses; and
The size, quality and architecture of the RDP houses will have to affirm the human dignity of our people.
5. Health
The South African public health care system is in the state of paralysis.
Not only does it excel in poor health care services,
it also brags of old dilapidating infrastructure.
As an organization, we have identified the following key challenges that we will address, as soon as our people are inaugurated into government: Clinics will open 7 days a week, 24 hours and
all of them will have designated memorandum of understanding and Chronic Management Center’s
Clinics will also have Referral Mandates, applicable to all the district, provincial and national hospitals
will incorporate therapy and offer ongoing counseling progammes within the regime of health care services; this will solely be extended to chronicle-prone patients.
Their immediate families will be earmarked for annual education sessions, especially for the purposes of creating immediate patient support and raising awareness about the role of family support systems and the community support at large.
To make public health care accessible, we will rezone fully-fledged and effective rural clinics to be available at each Ward.
In addition, Mobile Clinics will be an added facility to strengthen the clinics and they will be monitored and evaluated to maximize efficiency, accountability and the quality of their service.
We will have partnerships with the local Non-governmental organization’s at the rezoned clinics to ensure efficiency, responsiveness and to maximum impact in achieving targeted goals.
The Packaging, distribution and selling of consumer products will be managed via a dedicated health Inspectorate Unit, in order to foster compliance with the health regulations.
We will improve professional services both at the public hospitals and clinics by employing qualified and professional people.
Healthcare workers play a critical role in ensuring improved health of our patients within our communities.
They become the necessary engine to motivate and assist those who are bed-ridden and chronically ill.
For this reason they need to be correctly remunerated;
be trained and capacitated to ensure effectiveness.
We will increase the number of Emergency medical Services employees and avail more ambulances in our communities.
6. Education
Our education system is designed to perpetuate the inequality gaps seen everywhere in the country.
It is designed not to empower our people but rather continue their oppression by not equipping them to become problem-solvers, critical thinkers and productive leaners.
It is unacceptable that the pass rates are continuously lowered by the ministry of Basic Education.
By the time they reach the tertiary phase, these students are not prepared to cope with the complexities of the universities’ curricular.
Basic Education
We will decolonize basic education and teach our children about our own indigenous knowledge systems, culture, governance and Africanism;
do away with the rationalization of schools’ policy.
Mega size schools do not always address the structural, socioeconomic issues affecting our learners;
Our education system produces poor- learner outcomes.
As a result we will establish one, solid education system in the country - with a curricula alive to the lived conditions of our communities;
As an alternative, we will revamp mud schools, properly equip them and attract competent staff complement.
We will further provide allowances at these schools to incentivize teachers.
We will have accreditation exit classes at the end of each phase in high school.
In this way we will be able to document students who leave the education system before grade 12
The Scholar transport and Feeding Scheme systems are non-negotiable.
We will roll-them over to benefit children in the most rural, poverty-stricken areas, as well as those living with disabilities
We will ensure employment of professional teachers with special expertise to handle children at foundation phase.
Higher Education
Free education is non-negotiable.
All former NSFAS beneficiaries’ outstanding loans will be cleared off;
We will demarcate housing residences for tertiary students upon receipt of their application.
We will convert NSFAS loan into Bursary, so as to alleviate the burden of over-indebted graduates;
We will work on improving Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.
These include recapitalizing them, revising their curricular content and equipping them sufficiently to produce employable graduates
align Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges curricular with universities’ curricular.
7. Safety and Security
All South Africans deserve to live without fear of reprisal, victimization and crime.
The governing parties’ lack of coherence, of planning and of managing our porous borders remains a great impediment to achieving secured and safer communities.
To turn the tide, we commit to: Root out corruption in all our borders;
This includes policing our borders 24/7 repatriating undocumented immigrants,
and tightening our laws in relation to what is acceptable under international law in terms of accommodating political immigrants in the country;
Increase police visibility in our communities by makes police services (police stations) closer to the people.
Fight crime, gender-based violence and gangsterism by stationing more police in our communities,
including social care workers and family advocates to help combat the scourge of social decay
Protect the independence of IPID from political interference, in order to promote high ethical standard within the police service.
Increase police capacity and improve their competency
Engage communities by ensuring that community policing forums exists in every ward
Establish Victims of Crime Support Center’s, which will be overseen by professionals, such as Psycho-therapist, Counselors, Clinical psychologists and skilled Detectives.
We will also ensure protection and safety of our schools and hospitals.
Law of Evidence will be emphasized by the organization as the main area of focus when training police officers hence most cases are jeopardized the lack of evidence when presented in court.
8. Corruption and Maladministration
South Africa is a cesspool of corruption.
Taxpayers shouldn’t be bailing out a corrupt- infested state.
Corruption creates a toxic-riddled society with no values, rule of law and order.
At the state level it affects service delivery, diverts resources meant for the poor and development and stunts socio-economic inclusion.
To address all these, the AIC believes that tender system is the root of corruption in this country, therefore this organization will totally do away with tender system and instead replace it with permanent public works programmes with capacity to maintain services provided.
Will ensure public participation (people taking centre stage in governance) through human rights education to eliminate maladministration and ill-treatment by government officials so as to have more accountable government officials to the constituencies we are serving.
Introduce lifestyle audits to all senior government officials
Create Corruption-bust Units, more similar to the Scorpions, as corruption-negating weapons.
These Units will be depoliticized and independent.
Self-monitor the deployment of so-called cadres in government.
9. Social Development and Cohesion
South Africa has to transform into a fully-fledged, social welfare state.
We recognize that our family structures are in a bad state.
The use and abuse of drugs by the youth is alarming.
Our social relations with other races are at an all-time low.
Public morality is in the state of decline.
The greatest challenge is that the church which is ideally the vanguard currency for moral regeneration has lost its rightful position and voice within our fractured communities.
We will intervene as the people’s party, by doing the following: Our social grants programmes will be extended to include unemployed graduates.
Old age homes will be state-sponsored to place the constitutional obligation on government functionaries to care, maintain and advance their functionality
Engage and assist indigenous and traditional churches to grant them advisory status to government
Create regulations to regulate church operations to affirm the human dignity of our people.
It takes a village to raise a child, the organization is seriously concerned about the street kids in this country, therefore it will ensure that these kids are placed in places of safety
where they will be rehabilitated and trained in various technical skills, so that they become useful and benefiting the country.
Those families that are getting social grants on behalf of these street kids should be investigated to take responsibility.
Mentally- challenged people are also the concern of the organization, therefore we will ensure that they are placed in mental health hospitals under strict monitoring
10. RECOGNISING ALL HUMAN RIGHTS
The African Independent Congress recognizes and respects all human rights as enshrined in the constitution, but we strongly direct our focus on water and sanitation as it affect both people in urban and in rural areas.
WATER AND SANITATION
Water is a basic human right and no one must be deprived the right to access clean and habitable water.
Sanitation on the other hand is a means to entrench human dignity.
In addition we need to control the use and management of water resources in the country.
This government doesn’t have control of its water resources; during droughts, it relies on the mercy of the private sector to salvage its encountered problems.
Moreover its sanitation infrastructure is disastrous; it feeds water-borne diseases and creates stench- ridden communities.
To fix all this mess, we will Take control of all water resources both private and unoccupied and place them under the new ministry of Water and Ecosystem Affairs;
Fix all Water Boards and demarcate their line functions
Ensure that all communities (urban and rural) access clean purified water in every household.
11. Supporting the System of Traditional Authority
The authority of traditional monarchies and royalties is the backbone of rural communities.
Traditional Authorities existed long before the birth of democracy that we now enjoy.
There was rule of law amongst us although it was not documented in paper.
It’s time that the traditional leaders as custodians of our culture collectively needs inclusion to development activities, they carry a developmental responsibility to materially change their communities.
Their role in Municipal Councils must go beyond endorsements to include active participation.
Traditional leaders to be part of the custodians of the (IDP) local integrated development plan.
Their role is often subverted and undermined, solely because they rely on government to fund their rural projects.
This must change.
This change will include: Creating an independent national Office of the Traditional Leaders, similar to the Office of the Chief Justice with budgeting, administration, procurement and shared services powers.
This is to safeguard their independence, institutional autonomy and largely to make them regain their standing as paramount leaders.
Affording Traditional Authorities well-paid up benefits and salary packages
Making a point that Indigenous law is upheld and only appealable through the traditional councils.
12. Electoral system
Our electoral system is but one main factor that creates unresponsive, corrupt and unaccountable government.
When our people are denied the right to elect their preferred representatives, in order to give them the direct mandate and instruct them to uplift their communities, the strength of their civic duty is diminished.
We will therefore change the current electoral system, which is against the will of the voters, and establish a people- centred electoral democracy.
14. POVERTY ERADICATION PROGRAMS
We will employ an integrated approach that would espouse the following: Community development where communities are capacitated to create their own wealth through various community projects like cooperatives, income generating projects, etc.
Assist these community projects by developing their business plans, funding proposals and even in identifying potential funders, all the above will be accompanied by training them on the above to be self-independent.
15.TOURISM
South Africa is one the most beautiful countries with natural resources to attract tourists.
Tourists are important in any country to boost economy of that country.
The African Independent Congress will ensure safety and protection of these resources and of tourists when travelling around the country, by employing and training tour guys.
We duly present these commitments in the spirit and hope of gaining your support to achieve an inclusive development,
economic growth and
integration for our communities.
……..END…..
“A People’s Charter for inclusive development”
Which party will make a real difference to my child's education?
Our aim: To make Britain the world's foremost learning society by 2010.
The problem: This country's education has been underfunded and undermined by repeated shifts in policy.
Standards are too low, especially in core skills such as reading and maths.
Britain is too low in the world league tables.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will make education the next government's top priority.
We will invest an additional £2 billion per year in education, funded by an extra 1p in the pound on the basic rate of income tax.
Our first priority is to:
- Give children the best start by providing high quality early years education for every 3 and 4 year-old child whose parents want it.
Key priorities are to:
- Increase funding for books and equipment in schools.
In the first year, we will double spending on books and equipment to overcome the effect of recent cuts.
- Reduce primary school class sizes so that within 5 years no child between 5 and 11 I will need to be in a class of more than 30.
- Tackle the backlog of repair and maintenance to buildings with £500m additional investment over 5 years.
- Boost chances for all adults to improve their skills and get better qualifications.
Making the best start
Early years education is the essential building block for higher standards and achievement later on.
Every £1 spent on high quality under-fives education raises standards in later life and adds up to £7 of value to the nations economy.
We will:
- Give children the best start by providing high quality early years education for every 3 and 4 year-old child whose parents want it.
This will be the first call on our £2 billion annual programme of extra investment in education.
- Promote high standards in early years education.
We will set minimum standards for care, curriculum and premises.
We will ensure that those in early years education are supervised by qualified staff.
- Provide choice in early years education.
We will scrap the bureaucratic voucher scheme.
We will ensure a variety of provision from a wide range of public, private and voluntary providers.
- Raising standards in schools.
We will raise standards in schools, especially in literacy and numeracy, which are still far too low.
We will:
- Improve teaching standards.
We will set up a General Teaching Council, charged with improving teaching standards and making teaching a profession to be proud of again.
We will provide more opportunities for professional development and reward excellence in teaching.
We will help poor teachers improve, but if they cannot, we will ensure they do not continue to teach.
- Encourage schools to succeed.
We will strengthen the inspection system so that it helps schools and we will extend inspection to monitoring Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
- Strengthen discipline in schools.
We will support teachers in maintaining discipline and provide them with the means to do so - for example, by providing better access to special referral units.
We will require every school to develop a policy to tackle bullying and truancy.
We will launch a national Truancy Watch scheme.
We will oblige LEAs to fulfil their responsibilities to educate pupils excluded or suspended from school.
- Measure achievement in pupils and schools.
We will give every pupil a Personal Record of Achievement which will enable them to build up a set of nationally accredited qualifications and record their other achievements.
We will require schools to publish meaningful information on their standards, achievements and plans for the future.
- Improve the National Curriculum.
We will replace the National Curriculum with a more focused and flexible Minimum Curriculum Entitlement.
We will ensure that religious education provides pupils with an understanding of the major traditions of belief in this country.
- Boost literacy.
We will establish special literacy programmes involving parents with teachers in a drive to ensure that 90 per cent of all pupils reach their expected reading age by 2005.
Investing in schools
Extra investment for well-equipped classrooms and better-maintained buildings is essential if standards are to improve.
We will:
- Increase funding for books and equipment in schools.
In the first year, we will double spending on books and equipment to overcome the effect of recent cuts.
A typical primary school of 250 pupils will get an extra £16,000.
A typical secondary school of 1,000 pupils will get an extra £110,000.
- Reduce primary school class sizes so that within 5 years no child between 5 and 11 will need to be in a class of more than 30.
- Tackle the backlog of repairs.
We will invest an additional £500 million over 5 years in repairing crumbling and unsafe buildings.
- Support children with special needs.
We will fully fund the implementation of the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs.
A new partnership for schools
Involving parents in the education of their children and ensuring schools are supported by local communities are both essential to achieving higher standards and a better use of resources.
We will:
- Increase the role of parents in education.
We will extend home/school/pupil links, develop home-school partnership arrangements and support parents with information and resources to help them help their child.
We will require the schools inspection service to report on home-school partnerships as part of school inspections.
We will promote school councils and guarantee automatic representation on governing bodies to staff and, where appropriate, students.
- Open up schools to the whole community.
We will encourage schools to develop courses for parents, build links with local leisure organisations to open up school sports facilities to the community and work with local businesses to provide improved computer education.
- Give all schools more independence and allow them to develop their own styles and strengths.
We will devolve as many powers as possible to schools and give them more control over their budgets.
We will make new 'light touch' LEAs responsible for those functions that cannot be undertaken by individual schools on their own, such as coordination, planning and monitoring standards.
We will bring grant-maintained schools and City Technology Colleges into this new framework and scrap the Funding Agency for Schools.
Liberal Democrats are opposed to selection, but believe that decisions on this should be made by local communities through their local Councils and not by politicians at Westminster.
- Recognise the valuable role of church schools in the maintained sector.
We will initiate a dialogue with all the major faiths about the role they wish to play in education in the future.
Where any of the major faiths wish to establish publicly funded voluntary schools we will enable them to do so, provided that they enjoy substantial community support, offer acceptable programmes of study, provide equality of opportunity and are able to deliver the Minimum Curriculum Entitlement.
- Forge a new partnership with the independent sector.
We will encourage independent schools to work with state schools.
We will phase out the Assisted Places Scheme
and use the money saved to enable LEAs, if they wish, to enter into local partnership schemes.
These could include assisting the funding of pupils at independent schools.
Pupils currently covered by the Assisted Places Scheme would, however, be protected until they finish their studies.
We will require independent schools to offer the Minimum Curriculum Entitlement.
We will extend charitable status to all schools without affecting total Council funding and maintain the VAT exemption on school fees.
Extending life-long learning
In the information age, education must be a life-long activity from which people can benefit anywhere and at any time, rather than being something that only happens in school.
We will:
- Widen access to further education.
We will give every person an Individual Learning Account as the basis for life-long post-school education with contributions made by the state, individuals and employers.
Our aim is that the state contribution will be at least equivalent to the cost of fees on approved courses.
We will replace the Student Loans Scheme with a fair repayment scheme linked to salaries in later life.
We oppose top-up fees for tuition.
Our aim is to ensure that students on approved courses (including part-time courses) up to first degree level are treated equally.
- Promote flexible learning.
We will create a higher standard credit-based system for all post-14 courses, including the current A-levels and degree courses.
We will work with the private sector to link all schools to the Information Super Highway and ensure that they have the equipment and skills to take advantage of this.
- Promote training in the workplace.
To support companies that invest in education and training, and to encourage others to do so, we will introduce a 2 per cent remissible levy on company payrolls.
This would be deductible against the cost of providing accredited training or making contributions to the Individual Learning Account.
Small businesses will be exempt.
We will give Training and Enterprise Councils the leading role in forging local partnerships to meet youth training and employment needs.
- Expand training opportunities for young people.
Our aim is to ensure that 16-19 year-oIds receive the equivalent of at least 2 days a week education or on-the-job training.
- Boost chances for all adults to improve their skills and get better qualifications.
We will ensure that all adults on approved courses or training have access to financial support, either through their Individual Learning Accounts or from their employer using our new remissible training levy.
- Improve the quality of tertiary courses.
We will create a new Quality Council to ensure high standards and value for money in all post-16 education and training courses.
- Secure academic freedom.
We will ensure the funding of university teaching and research, safeguard academic freedom and standards.
Which party will be best for my job and our firm?
Our aim: To end the cycle of boom and bust and equip Britain's economy to compete in the global market-place.
The problem: Despite the current pre-election mini-boom, the fundamentals of Britain's economy remain weak.
We continue to be held back by instability in economic management, an underskilled labour force and chronic under-investment.
Britain continues to consume too much and invest too little.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will lock in economic stability, encourage saving and promote enterprise.
We will raise the quality of Britain's workforce through additional investment in education and training.
As part of our strategy to build a sustainable economy, we will shift the burden of taxation from employment to the depletion of natural resources.
Our priorities are to:
- Provide stability in economic management to encourage long-term investment.
- Raise the quality of Britain's workforce and get people back to work.
- Promote enterprise and small businesses.
- Begin to shift taxation from jobs, wealth and goods to pollution and the depletion of natural resources.
Investing in Britain's future
Long-term investment and economic stability are crucial to future economic success.
We will:
- Secure stable prices and low interest rates.
We will turn the Bank of England into a UK Reserve Bank, free from political interference.
We will charge the Bank with keeping inflation low and make it accountable to Parliament for achieving this goal.
Lower inflation and greater exchange rate stability can be better secured by working with Britain's European partners.
The best framework for this is a single European currency and it is in Britain's interests to take part in this.
However, three conditions must be met before this can happen.
First, the single currency must be firmly founded on the Maastricht criteria.
Second, Britain must meet those criteria.
Third, the British people must have said yes' in a referendum.
If these conditions for a single currency are in place, Britain should join.
- Ensure responsible economic management.
We will keep to the 'golden rule' of public finance: over the economic cycle, total borrowing should not exceed total investment.
We will make the government accountable to Parliament for keeping to this rule, and subject it to independent monitoring.
We will cut wasteful spending and ensure new spending delivers value for money.
- Build up Britain's capital assets.
We will distinguish between capital and current spending in the national accounting system.
We will promote effective public/private investment partnerships at both national and local levels, with Councils' borrowing carefully controlled.
- Put Britain's people back to work.
We will enable long-term unemployed people to turn their unemployment benefits into 'working benefits' paid to an employer to recruit and train them.
We will break open the poverty traps that stop unemployed people from working.
Our plans for boosting investment in infrastructure, promoting small businesses and encouraging energy conservation will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
- Invest in a highly-skilled workforce.
Our investment of an additional £2 billion a year in education and training will improve skills and increase the nation's knowledge base.
- Promote environmental sustainability.
We will begin a long-term shift in taxation, reducing taxes on jobs, wealth and goods and shifting them to pollution and resource depletion.
We will use new national indicators of progress which include measures of quality of life and environmental sustainability.
- Encourage people to save.
Our aim is to extend the advantages of TESSAs and PEPs to a wider range of savers by developing a new save-as-you-earn scheme.
We will encourage personal and portable pension plans.
Investing in enterprise
Small business, enterprise and self-employment are the engine of a modern dynamic economy and a vital source of new jobs and growth.
We will:
- Support small and medium-sized businesses.
We will encourage the banks to develop new sources of private finance, including grants, equity finance and mutual guarantee schemes.
We will seek to expand the sources of 'seed-corn' capital.
We will legislate for a statutory right to interest on late debt payments.
We will require the banks to develop new codes of banking practice for small businesses.
We will cut red tape, for example by stopping European institutions interfering where they shouldn't and by preventing Whitehall departments 'goldplating' European regulations with extra rules.
We will, in the long-term, abolish the Uniform Business Rate and bring in a new, fairer local rating system.
We will ensure that government purchasing gives special emphasis and easier access to small and medium-sized firms.
- Boost regional and local economies.
We will set up regionally-based Development Agencies to build new partnerships between small businesses, local Councils, Business Links, TECs and local Chambers of Commerce.
We will encourage these bodies to come together to provide 'one-stop shops'.
We will enable Councils to raise capital for local infrastructure investment, where they work in partnership with the private sector.
We will encourage industrial development by promoting geographical centres of industrial excellence.
- Invest in research and innovation.
We will expand support for science and research by shifting government funds away from military Research and Development and into civil science and research,
and improve specialist research facilities for industry.
We will encourage regional technology transfer centres to bring together the resources of industry, universities and government laboratories.
- Promote tourism.
We will bring together the marketing and infrastructure work of government, local Councils and tourist boards.
We will ensure that local communities are involved in the planning of tourist developments from the earliest stages.
- Build new partnerships at work.
We will give employees new rights to consultation and participation in decisions and give companies and their employees access to advice on the forms of partnership which best suit them.
We will promote profit-sharing, mutual structures and employee share-ownership schemes.
We will extend the benefits of the Social Chapter of the Maastricht Treaty to all UK employees, while resisting the adoption of new rules that unnecessarily harm job opportunities.
- Encourage a culture of long-term business investment.
We will require companies to publish information on their long-term investment achievements,
including environmental performance,
research and development, and training.
We will introduce greater shareholder control over directors' pay and appointments.
- Promote British exports.
We will make export promotion and commercial activity a higher priority for British Embassies.
Making Britain more competitive
A competitive domestic economy is essential if British companies are to succeed in the global market.
We will:
- Strengthen the law on competition.
We will tighten the rules on monopolies and adopt a pro-competition stance on take-overs and mergers.
We will, combine the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and the Office of Fair Trading into a single powerful body, independent of government and charged with promoting competition.
- Give consumers more power.
We will promote the establishment of industry-wide Ombudsmen schemes to improve complaints procedures and consumer redress.
We will strengthen customer guarantees, improve product standards and labelling, especially for environmental purposes, and encourage products that are easier to repair, reuse and recycle.
We will insist on clear labelling for food products which include genetically modified ingredients.
- Reform the privatised utilities.
We will combine the existing regulators into a single Office of Utility Regulation, reporting to a Cabinet Minister responsible for consumer affairs.
This new office will contain a regulatory board for each industry and will be, charged with protecting the consumer and ensuring that excess profits are used to reduce prices and increase investment in improved services.
Starting with the water industry, we will encourage utilities to involve their consumers in ownership and control of their company, through mutual structures.
- Reinforce consumer and investor protection.
We will introduce independent regulation of financial services and improve processes for redress (e./ g./ for mis-selling).
We will protect pension and life assurance savings from fraud.
We will work to maintain the City of London's pre-eminence as a financial centre and promote effective international banking standards.
Which party is serious about making our environment cleaner and safer?
Our aim: To make clean air, pure water and a decent environment a central priority of Government.
The problem: For too long, the environment has been damaged by greed and indifference.
This cannot go on.
From global warming to polluted rivers and asthma in children, everyone is already paying the cost of environmental damage.
The longer action is delayed, the higher the cost will be.
Our commitment: To save energy, cut traffic congestion, stop the unnecessary destruction of the countryside and stem the tide of pollution.
Our priorities are to:
- Cut taxes on things we want to encourage, like jobs, by taxing pollution instead.
This will not mean more tax, it will mean taxing differently.
- Build environmental objectives into every government policy.
- Set tough targets to cut energy waste, reduce traffic congestion and control pollution.
A greener economy
Environmental protection must be built into every economic decision and every area of government policy.
We will:
- Set tough new targets for the reduction of traffic pollution and waste.
This will help reduce global warming, cut air pollution and prevent waste.
Our targets include cutting carbon dioxide emissions (the main cause of climate change) by 30 per cent from the 1990 level over the next 15 years.
- Cut VAT and taxes on jobs, and make up the difference by taxing pollution instead.
This will help create more jobs and a better standard of living.
- Adopt a Green Action Programme.
We will set targets for sustainability and biodiversity, to be met by central and local government.
We will measure these by using new indicators of quality of life, progress and wealth.
The Prime Minister will report to Parliament each year on the country's success in meeting these environmental targets.
- Protect the local environment.
We will pass stronger laws to conserve the countryside.
We will cut road congestion and help local Councils make Britain's towns and cities healthier and cleaner places to live.
- Improve the way environment policy is made.
Environment policy is currently buried, with housing and local government, in a huge single Government Department.
We will put environment and energy policy within a separate, new department and ensure that all government departments and agencies pursue environmentally-friendly policies.
We will give the Environment Agency stronger powers to enforce compliance with environmental laws.
Transporting people, tackling pollution
Travel delays and road congestion cost billions of pounds, and pollution damages the health of millions of people.
We will:
- Invest in public transport by building new partnerships with the private sector.
We will enable Councils to introduce road pricing in the most congested urban areas and use the money to support clean and rapid public transport, and to improve cycle and pedestrian access.
We will retain London Underground in public ownership and give it the right to seek private finance for new investment without an assured government guarantee.
- Treble the freight and double the number of passengers carried on Britain's railways by the year 2010.
We will strengthen the powers of the rail regulators.
We will require Railtrack to meet targets for greater investment and increased passenger and freight traffic.
We will withhold public subsidies from Railtrack if the targets are not met and, in the case of persistent failure, use the funds to reacquire a controlling interest in Railtrack.
We will provide for legislation enabling this.
- Encourage people to drive more fuel-efficient cars by cutting the annual car tax, from £145 to £10 for cars up to 1600cc, over the period of the next Parliament,
funded by gradually raising the duty on fuel by approximately 4 pence per litre.
Under our proposals, a person with a typical family car could drive up to 23,000 miles per year and still be better off - even in rural areas, where the average motorist only drives 11,700 miles a year.
We will reform tax relief on company cars to encourage smaller cars and give people new incentives to use public transport for getting to work.
- Reduce the need to travel.
We will reform the planning system so that people have easier access to shops, offices and facilities,
and promote the use of information technology to decentralise work.
Warmer homes, saving energy
Official government figures show that half the energy used in Britain is wasted.
This pushes up fuel bills, worsens pollution and speeds up global warming.
We will:
- Cut fuel bills and make homes warmer.
We will launch a National Homes Insulation programme to end fuel poverty starting with the 2 million lowest income households.
Our proposals will be funded by the Energy Saving Trust and the energy supply companies.
This will save these households an average £85 per year
and reduce global warming emissions.
By contrast, cutting VAT on fuel bills to 5 per cent would save the average household only £19 per year.
- Cut taxes on people by taxing pollution instead.
To encourage energy saving, we will gradually introduce a 'carbon tax' on fossil fuels, using the funds raised to cut VAT and employers' National Insurance Contributions (the tax on jobs).
This is a tax switch, not a tax rise, and will be phased in gradually.
- Improve energy efficiency.
We will bring in new minimum standards for the energy efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles.
We will cut VAT on energy conservation materials to 8 per cent - the same as for energy supplies.
- Promote renewable sources of energy and combined heat and power schemes.
We will shift funds from nuclear research into decommissioning and nuclear waste management, and support research for renewable energy sources.
We will not provide any government subsidies for nuclear generation.
We support on-site dry storage of nuclear waste, pending the long-term development of safe alternatives.
Nuclear stations will not be replaced at the end of their design life.
Protecting Britain's heritage
Britain's natural environment and heritage are being gradually destroyed.
We will:
- Clean up Britain's rivers and beaches and ensure that the costs of investment are spread fairly.
We will require water companies to contribute to the cost of national environmental projects.
We will reduce the need for new water developments by setting targets to reduce leakage and by promoting efficiency in water use.
We will introduce a fairer system of charging for water and require water companies to share excess profits with their customers through rebates or investments in environmental improvements.
We will end, within 10 years, discharges that cause unnecessary water pollution.
- Tackle marine oil pollution.
We will implement tougher rules on shipping safety and bring forward the designation of marine high risk areas.
- Reform land use planning.
We will make protection of the natural environment a major feature of the planning system through a new Wildlife Act.
This will improve protection of National Parks, Heritage Coasts, Sites Of Special Scientific Interest and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Green the countryside.
Our proposed new Countryside Management Contracts will help farmers to protect vital habitats and convert to more environmentally-friendly farming methods.
We will use tax and planning reforms to protect rural areas,
encouraging development on derelict land sites rather than green fields.
Thinking globally, acting locally
Most people understand the importance of thinking globally and acting locally.
They want to play their part in protecting the environment.
Government should help them do so.
We will:
- Encourage the manufacture of products that are easier to repair, reuse or recycle.
We will introduce deposit refund schemes and back EU-wide standards for product design, energy efficiency and reuse.
- Help people to choose environmentally friendly products.
We will press for comprehensive and understandable EU-wide ecologically friendly and energy efficient labelling schemes.
Promoting animal welfare
The way a society treats animals is a measure of its civilisation.
We will:
- Promote animal welfare.
We will set up a compulsory national dog registration scheme.
We will halt the trade in endangered species as pets.
We will promote and extend training and qualification for those who work with livestock.
We will insist on the enforcement of maximum time limits and for transporting live animals in the EU, a stricter timetable for banning veal crates and improved rearing conditions for pigs and chickens across the EU.
We will create an Animal Protection Commission to enforce animal welfare laws and improve animal welfare standards.
We will ban animal testing for cosmetics, weapons and tobacco products.
We will review the law in order to reduce the use of animals in scientific experiments and seek the development of alternatives.
- Protect wild animals.
We believe that the issues of hunting with hounds and coursing should be decided by free votes in the House of Commons.
We will ban snares and leg hold traps.
We will press for stronger international laws to protect endangered species.
We will ban the importation of products derived from threatened wild animals.
Which party will make me feel safe on the streets and secure in my home?
Our aim: To give every person in Britain the security of a decent home in a safe, strong community.
The problem: Crime, homelessness and insecurity now threaten the very fabric of British society.
Many people feel too frightened to leave their homes.
Many do not have a decent home.
Our country is becoming more and more divided, our sense of community is being lost and our shared values are being undermined.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will pursue practical measures to rebuild Britain's communities,
tackle the causes of crime,
reduce homelessness,
and make people safer in their homes and on the streets.
Our priorities are to:
- Put 3,000 more police officers on the beat.
- Build more affordable and secure housing.
- End, by the year 2000, the scandal of people being forced to sleep rough on the streets.
- Revive Britain's sense of community.
Housing
Boom and bust house prices, a shortage of decent homes and poor housing have wrecked the lives of millions and damaged Britain's economy.
We will:
- Build more houses.
We will encourage partnerships between the public sector, the private sector and housing associations to build high quality homes to rent and buy.
We will, within strict borrowing controls, give local authorities more powers to go directly to the market to raise finance for building new homes.
We will begin the phased release of capital receipts from past sales of Council houses and allow the money to be used to build new homes.
- Give financial security to all, whether they rent or own their homes.
We will introduce a new Mortgage Benefit for first time buyers.
They will receive this instead of Mortgage Interest Tax Relief.
Those holding current mortgages will retain Mortgage Interest Tax Relief.
Our aim is, over time, to merge the new Mortgage Benefit and the current Housing Benefit into one system of housing cost relief, available to those who buy or rent and focused on those most in need.
- End the scandal of people being forced to sleep rough on the streets.
We will ensure that by the year 2000 no one is forced to sleep on the streets.
We will require every Council to set up self-funding rent deposit schemes to help homeless people take up private tenancies.
We will fund more shortstay hostel places as the first rung on the ladder to permanent accommodation.
- Take action to tackle homelessness and raise housing standards.
We will give Councils greater power to act on unfit private housing, where the landlord has failed to do so.
We will strengthen tenants' rights to repair and, in the public sector, give them rights to take part in the management and development of their homes and estates.
Our Empty Homes Strategy will enable local authorities to work with, and as a last resort require, landlords to bring empty properties back into use.
We will end discrimination against those under 25 by scrapping the 'shared residency rule' when assessing housing benefit.
- Bring confidence back to the housing market by targeting low inflation and low interest rates.
Crime and policing
Crime and the fear of crime affect almost every person and every community in the country.
We will:
- Put 3,000 more police officers on the beat.
Within one year, we will give police authorities the resources to put an extra 3,000 police officers on the beat.
We will increase the time the police spend on preventing and detecting crime by reducing unnecessary paperwork and making greater use of new technologies.
- Tackle youth crime.
We will widen the use of schemes that require offenders to repay their debt to society and to confront the consequences of their actions.
We will, where appropriate, require parents to participate in support projects where their children have been involved in juvenile crime.
We will develop schemes that target disruptive children from an early age.
We will reserve custodial sentences for more serious and persistent offenders.
Our voluntary Citizens Service will enable young people to get directly involved in crime prevention schemes.
- Strengthen the criminal justice system.
We will make the justice system work more quickly and effectively and review sentencing policy.
We will overhaul the Crown Prosecution Service.
We will encourage the use of community sentences, as an alternative to prison, where the result is likely to be less reoffending, and use prison sentences where they are essential to public protection or to make punishment effective.
We will concentrate resources on crime prevention and on increasing conviction rates, rather than spending billions on building prisons.
- Focus on crime prevention.
We will require Councils to take the lead in establishing cross-community partnerships against crime, setting specific targets for crime prevention.
We will give Councils powers and resources to support high-quality, targeted crime prevention initiatives.
- Wage war on drug abuse.
We will give the Police and Customs and Excise the support they need to stop drugs coming into Britain.
We will set up a Royal Commission charged with developing policies to tackle the drugs problem at its roots.
- Give victims a new deal.
We will promote restorative justice, under which offenders can be required to compensate victims for the damage they have caused.
We will ensure that the Victim Support movement and the Witness Support schemes play a full role in the criminal justice system.
We will provide victims with the practical support they need to prevent repeat attacks.
- Strengthen public confidence in the police.
We will make police authorities more responsive to local communities by increasing their elected membership and creating an accountable police authority for London.
We will improve co operation between police forces and work more closely with Britain's European partners to combat international crime, terrorism, drug trafficking and fraud.
We will ensure that the police take further steps to reduce the level of racial and homophobic violence.
Rural communities
Britain's rural economy and communities have been transformed over the last fifty years.
The challenge for the next fifty years is to protect and enhance the richness of rural life, while developing a thriving rural economy.
We will:
- Seek further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
We will work to replace the CAP, which currently subsidises production, with Countryside Management Contracts - a targeted system of direct payments to support economic, social and environmental goals in rural communities.
Countryside Management Contracts will enable farmers and landowners to choose from a wide range of options, for example, to improve the rural environment, maximise food quality, protect natural habitats or move to less intensive or organic farming methods.
- Help rural economies through a period of change.
We will, in partnership with the agriculture industry, draw up a national strategy for farming in order to provide a framework for public policy and private decision-making over the next 10 years.
We will promote agricultural research and development, and assist farmers wishing to diversify.
We will promote local processing of agricultural products and expand support for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas.
- Tackle rural crime.
We will put more police into rural areas, support Farm and Neighbourhood Watch schemes and give Councils the duty to set up crime prevention schemes with the local police.
We will enable rural police authorities to introduce mortgage incentive schemes to encourage rural beat officers to live in the areas they serve.
- Enhance rural services.
We will support smaller village schools through greater use of information technology and specialist teaching teams.
We will encourage schemes that enable local communities to make use of school buildings and equipment.
We will promote community hospitals and use them for more out-patient consultations.
- Provide more affordable rural housing.
We will encourage housing authorities, Parish Councils and housing associations to set up partnership schemes with the private sector in order to build low-cost homes for first-time home buyers and social needs.
- Improve rural transport.
We will give local authorities the power to improve the co-ordination of local bus services and to reopen closed railway stations, in co-operation with Railtrack.
- Strengthen the network of rural sub-post offices and village shops.
We will encourage the Post Office to invest in new point of sale technologies, in order to provide access, through sub-post offices, to a wide range of customer services.
Where post offices and village shops which are vital to their local community are threatened, we will enable local Councils to support them with up to 100 per cent rate relief.
- Protect the countryside.
We will help landowners meet the environmental costs of increased access to the countryside.
We will take action to reduce the use of chemicals in farming.
- Protect rural areas from urbanisation.
We will penalise the use of greenfield sites, set and enforce targets for greater use of brownland sites and encourage over-the-shop accommodation in market town centres.
We will review the excessive housing totals in the current structure plans and scrap the 'predict and provide' approach to housing development.
- Work to preserve fish stocks and protect the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Our aim is to scrap the Common Fisheries Policy and replace it with a new Europe-wide fisheries policy based on the regional management of fish stocks.
We will take firm action to end quota-hopping, begin the phased abolition of industrial fishing and strengthen decommissioning incentives.
- Promote safe food.
We will set up a Food Commission, independent from MAFF and accountable to Parliament,
maintain strict controls on the use of bio-technology
and press for higher common food standards across the European Union.
Urban communities
Britain's towns and cities offer civic pride, accessible facilities and, potentially, a high quality of life.
However, many suffer from alienation, joblessness, high crime rates, a run down environment and loss of population.
Urban areas should offer excitement, security and a strong sense of community.
We will:
- Boost local economic development and job opportunities.
We will support local development corporations.
We will build new partnerships between local government and the private and voluntary sectors, to regenerate local economies and promote community enterprise.
We will link local training to local jobs.
We will encourage the establishment of community banks and credit unions.
- Tackle urban crime.
We will expand community policing, ensure that all new planning takes account of the need to deter crime and focus on crime prevention.
- Encourage public transport.
We will enable Councils to co-ordinate bus and train services and give them powers to introduce urban road pricing schemes, using the revenue raised to invest in better public transport.
- Reform and strengthen elected local government.
We will give local Councils greater control over their own affairs.
We will create a strategic authority for London.
We will encourage the use of 'planning for real' strategies, in which local people can make a direct input into major planning projects in their community.
Arts and media
Flourishing arts and a diverse culture are essential for a lively and open society.
They can be engines of innovation that bring life to the economy.
At the same time, the world is experiencing an information revolution as important and far-reaching as the Industrial Revolution.
Britain must maintain a free and effective media capable of being a check on the abuse of power, and of giving people the information they need to make informed decisions.
We will:
- Tackle the concentration of media power.
We will act to prevent media mergers or take-overs, except where these can be shown to advance quality, diversity and access.
We will require the Independent Television Commission to protect the position of smaller regional ITV companies, within the network supply agreement.
- Maintain the role of the BBC as the benchmark of public service broadcasting, committed to quality, diversity and universal access.
We will protect the independence and impartiality of the BBC through its Board of Governors and its licence fee.
- Improve access to information technology and the Internet.
We will ensure that everyone in Britain can have access, either individually or through a wide range of public access points, to a nationwide interactive communications network by the year 2000.
- Increase access to the arts.
We will use the National Lottery to endow, house and improve access to the arts.
We aim to move towards the European average for public funding of the arts.
We aim to restore the principle of free access to national museum and gallery collections, starting with the removal of charges for school parties.
- Promote Britain's culture.
We will promote film production in Britain.
We will actively support the British Council and rejoin UNESCO.
We will enhance the BBC World Service as a national asset.
Which party will care for the NHS and put my patients first?
Our aim: To make year-on-year improvements in the health of Britain's people and the quality of the National Health Service.
The problem: The NHS has been squeezed between rising demand and government underfunding, and disrupted by repeated changes in government policy.
Morale amongst NHS professionals is falling, and bureaucracy has grown at the expense of front-line patient care, while numbers of nurses and hospital beds have fallen.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will increase funding for the NHS and secure funding for the future.
We will maintain the NHS as a comprehensive service, free at the point of need and funded primarily from general taxation.
We will immediately tackle the crisis in the hospital sector make the NHS more accountable and begin a long term shift towards preventive medicine.
Our priorities are to:
- Halt all finance driven closures for 6 months, pending an independent audit of needs and facilities.
- Invest £200 million each year to recruit more staff for front-line patient care.
This would be enough, for example, for 10,000 extra nurses or 5,000 extra doctors.
- Cut hospital waiting lists to a maximum of 6 months over 3 years.
- End the two-tier system in the NHS.
- Restore free eye and dental checks.
Raising standards in the NHS
Whilst many of the recent reforms to the NHS have been beneficial, they have resulted in the creation of a two-tier health service.
The standard of health care a person receives is increasingly becoming a lottery.
The length of time people have to wait, the chance of treatment being postponed and the quality of health care vary enormously from one part of the UK to another.
We will:
- Match NHS facilities to needs.
We will place an immediate 6-month halt on the finance driven closure of beds and wards, and set up an independent audit of needs and facilities.
- End the built-in two-tier service in the NHS.
We will end the present system where treatment depends on the type of GP people go to.
We will treat all GPs equally, with a common basis for funding.
We want all GPs to have the benefits of flexibility and access to services currently enjoyed by fundholders.
Those who choose to manage their own affairs will be able to do so on their own or as part of a consortium.
Those who do not will be able to leave management to the local health authority.
- Raise standards of care in all areas.
We will set up a National Inspectorate for Health and Social Care to improve standards and promote patients' interests.
This body will work with the Audit Commission to ensure that all spending is monitored and results in real improvements in patient care.
Funding the Health Service
The NHS is underfunded.
Too much goes into bureaucracy and not enough into patient care.
There is a crisis in the NHS, especially in hospitals.
Morale is dropping, standards of care are at risk from underfunding and highly qualified doctors and nurses are leaving the profession.
We will:
- Invest more in the NHS.
We will invest at least an extra £540 million every year in the NHS to pay for our policy priorities.
This will be paid for by closing the loophole that allows employers to avoid paying National Insurance contributions on certain benefits in kind and by putting 5p on the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes.
We will use these extra funds to tackle the crisis in staffing, especially in the hospital sector, and begin a shift to preventive care.
We will ensure that the NHS budget keeps pace with increasing cost pressures.
- Shift money from unnecessary bureaucracy into patient care.
We will move from annual to at least three yearly contracts between Health Authorities and Trusts, and shift the money saved into front-line patient care.
We will replace time consuming local pay bargaining with a new national pay structure and a single NHS-wide Pay Review Body that covers all pay, from the cleaner to the chief executive.
Building on the best of the NHS
The NHS needs to be strengthened and improved.
We will:
- Cut waiting lists.
We will cut waiting times between diagnosis and treatment to a maximum of 6 months over 3 years.
- Improve the quality of care and raise morale.
We will recruit and train more professional staff.
Our carefully costed plans would, for instance, pay for the equivalent of 10,000 more nurses or 5,000 more doctors.
We will ban the use of gagging clauses in employment contracts which prevent professional staff from speaking out against unsafe standards.
- Tackle the crisis in NHS dental care.
We will require local authorities to ensure that the public has access to NHS dentistry in all areas.
Promoting good health
Britain has a health service that concentrates too much on curing illness rather than preventing it.
A healthier nation and a more cost-effective NHS depend on shifting the emphasis towards prevention, tackling the root causes of ill health (e./ g./ poverty and homelessness) and making people more responsible for their own health.
We will:
- Make prevention a priority.
We will immediately abolish charges for eye and dental check-ups and freeze prescription charges as the first steps in a radical shift of policy that emphasises the prevention of illness rather than treatment.
- Encourage people to take more responsibility for their own health.
We will improve health education and promote healthy living.
We will ban tobacco advertising and promotion and increase the duty on tobacco products.
We will make the Health Education Authority truly independent and free to criticise government policy.
- Ensure that food is healthy and safe.
We will create an independent and powerful Food Commission, separate from MAFF, and responsible to Parliament for food quality and safety.
- Put health promotion at the heart of government policy.
We will require all government departments to assess the impact of their policies on health.
Each year there will be an independent report, to be published and debated in Parliament, on the state of the nation's health.
Bringing health services closer to people
The local institutions of the NHS must become more accountable to those they serve and more responsive to patients' needs.
We will:
- Enable citizens to play a part in setting health policies in their area.
We will build on current pilot schemes to bring together Health Authorities and Social Services Departments, within the framework of elected local authorities.
- Give local people a stronger voice on NHS Trusts.
We will end the right of the Secretary of State for Health to appoint members of NHS Trusts, Authorities and Boards.
We will require at least half the membership of Trusts to be drawn from the population they serve.
We will open up meetings of NHS Trust boards to the public and press, and give local people, staff and professionals speaking rights.
We will guarantee direct representation from the staff of each Trust.
We will give Community Health Councils improved rights to consultation and greater access to information and meetings.
- Give the public more say in setting priorities within the NHS.
Difficult choices about priorities must be faced.
They cannot be left to bureaucrats and health professionals alone.
We will develop new ways of involving the public in setting health service priorities.
Giving patients more choice
Patients should have more choice over their type of treatment, who delivers it and when.
We will:
- Enhance the rights of patients.
We will strengthen the Patients' Charter and include rights to treatment within a specified time, a choice of GP, information about the options for treatment, guaranteed access to health records and better redress.
- Ensure that action is taken to improve poor quality services.
We will enable patients and staff to apply directly to our new National Inspectorate of Health and Social Care to carry out inspections and take action where deficiencies come to light.
Community care
Our aim is to create a society in which people, whatever their needs, can live their lives with dignity.
We will:
- Give people choice in the services they use and the way they are provided.
We will require Councils to extend to those over 65 the right to arrange their own care privately, if they wish.
This will promote independence and enable them to find better value for money.
- Care for carers.
We will introduce a new Carer's Benefit, in place of the Independent Living Allowance, in order to meet more of the financial cost of caring.
We will extend the Carer's Benefit, as resources allow, to those over retirement age and work to improve advice, information, training and counselling for carers.
We will seek to increase access to respite care and ensure that carers and users are involved in decisions about care.
We will draw up a Charter that sets out carers' rights and responsibilities.
- Establish high national standards for all community care services.
Our new independent Inspectorate of Health and Social Care will publish codes of practice for residential and nursing homes, and have the power to close any home that consistently falls short of national standards.
We will introduce national charging and eligibility guidelines to ensure a 'level playing field' of provision and charges.
- Protect people from the excessive cost of care.
We will, as resources allow, raise the threshold at which older people are required to make a contribution to their long-term care.
We are committed to working on a cross party basis, to establish a national agreement on a system for funding care services that does not penalise thrift.
Which party will clean up the mess in our politics?
Our aim: To restore trust in British politics.
The problem: People know that British politics isn't working.
Their politicians have lied to them, their Parliament has become tainted by sleaze and their government is out of touch and doesn't listen.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will modernise Britain's outdated institutions, rebuild trust, renew democracy and give Britain's nations, regions and local communities a greater say over their affairs.
Our priorities are to:
- Restore trust between people and government, by ending secrecy and guaranteeing peoples' rights and freedoms.
- Renew Britain's democracy, by creating a fair voting system, reforming Parliament
and setting higher standards for politicians' conduct.
- Give government back to the people, by decentralising power to the nations, regions and communities of the United Kingdom.
Restoring trust in politics
British politics remains far too secretive.
We cannot rebuild trust in politics without making government more open and accountable.
We will:
- Safeguard individual liberties, by establishing a Bill of Rights.
As a first step, we will incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law so that it is enforceable by the courts in the UK.
We will set up a Human Rights Commission to strengthen the protection of individual rights.
We will create a Ministry for Justice responsible for protecting human rights and overseeing the administration of the legal system, the courts and legal aid.
We oppose the introduction of Identity Cards.
- Break open the excessive secrecy of government, by passing a Freedom of Information Act establishing a citizens right to know.
- Cut back the quango state.
We will scrap unnecessary quangos, handing their functions over to elected bodies.
We will require those that remain to meet in public and to list their members' interests.
We will establish a fair, open and more representative appointment process for all quangos.
- Give people more say in decision-making.
We will make greater use of national referendums for constitutional issues, for example, changing the voting system or any further transfer of power to European institutions.
We will enable referendums to be held on specific local issues where there is public demand.
Renewing democracy
Britain's political institutions are outdated and unrepresentative.
We will:
- Modernise the House of Commons.
We will reduce the number of MPs by 200 (one third)
and introduce tougher rules for their conduct, behaviour and outside sources of income.
We will improve drafting and consultation on legislation, and strengthen MPs' ability to hold the government to account.
- Create an effective and democratic upper house.
We will, over two Parliaments, transform the House of Lords into a predominantly elected second chamber capable of representing the nations and regions of the UK and of playing a key role in scrutinising European legislation.
- Introduce a fair system of voting.
We will introduce proportional representation for all elections, to put more power in the hands of voters and make government more representative.
- Make politics more stable.
We will establish a fixed Parliamentary term of four years.
- Clean up party funding.
We will reform the way political parties are funded and limit the amount they can spend on national election campaigns.
We will make each party publish its accounts and list all large donors.
Giving government back to the people
Far too much power has been concentrated in Westminster and Whitehall.
Democratic government should be as close to ordinary people as possible.
We will:
- Introduce Home Rule for Scotland, with the creation of a Scottish Parliament, elected by proportional representation, and able to raise and reduce income tax.
- Introduce Home Rule for Wales, with the creation of a Welsh Senedd, elected by proportional representation, and able to raise and reduce income tax.
- Create the framework to make existing regional decision-making in England democratically accountable,
and enable the establishment of elected regional assemblies, where there is demonstrated public demand.
We will create a strategic authority for London.
Strengthen local government.
We will establish a 'power of general competence', giving Councils wider scope for action.
We will allow local authorities to raise more of their funds locally, give them greater discretion over spending and allow them, within strict limits, to go directly to the markets to raise finance for capital projects.
We will, in the long-term replace Council Tax with a Local Income Tax, and replace the Uniform Business Rate with a fairer system of business rates, raised through local Councils and set in accordance with local priorities.
Northern Ireland
Peace in Northern Ireland depends on containing and ultimately removing the entrenched hostility between the two main communities in Northern Ireland.
We will:
- Establish a power-sharing executive for Northern Ireland, elected under a fair and proportional system of voting.
We will press for a new constitutional settlement based on the protection of individual rights through a Bill of Rights,
incorporating the European Convention.
- Give individuals more power and political responsibility.
We will introduce a fair and proportional voting system for all elections, and
reform and strengthen local government in the province.
- Ensure respect for civil liberties.
We will introduce an independent procedure for investigating complaints against the security forces, and reform the Diplock system so that three judges instead of one preside over non-jury trials.
We will urgently implement the North Report's recommendations for an independent commission to supervise parades and marches.
- Promote economic growth.
We will strengthen the all-Ireland economy through the creation of effective cross-border agencies.
We will invest in education
and promote inward investment.
- Build on the Joint Declaration and the Framework Document, by working with the Irish Government to create agreement between as many of the constitutional parties as possible.
Sinn Fein can only be admitted to this process if, in accordance with the Mitchell principles, they and the IRA turn their backs on terrorism.
Meanwhile, we must remain vigilant and keep in place the present means for countering terrorism.
Which party will give me the opportunity to make the most of my life?
Our aim: To widen opportunities for everyone in Britain to make the most of their lives.
The problem: Poverty, lack of training, low pay and discrimination deny too many people the opportunity to make the most of their lives.
Meanwhile, the welfare system no longer meets the needs of a modern society.
It locks too many into dependency and, too often, penalises those who wish to work and save.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will promote individual self-reliance, strengthen equality for all before the law and in employment, and work for a society that cherishes diversity.
Our priorities are to:
- Ensure that, by the millennium, every young person has had the opportunity to work learn, train and make a positive contribution to society.
- Give women greater opportunities to play a full role in work and in society.
- Ensure dignity in retirement.
- Break open the poverty trap that makes people better off on the dole than in work.
- Modernise Britain's welfare state for the twenty-first century, building a new cross-party partnership for reform.
Breaking the poverty trap
Unemployment wastes the talents and denies people the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of their families and increase Britain's wealth.
We will:
- Help long-term unemployed people back to work.
We will establish a self-financing Benefit Transfer Programme allowing those who have been unemployed for a year or more to turn their unemployment benefits into an incentive for employers to recruit and train them.
The value of the benefit to employers will gradually be reduced.
- Break open the poverty trap.
We will take nearly 500,000 low earners out of income tax altogether by raising tax thresholds.
This will provide lower taxes and new incentives to work, while cutting the benefits bill and reducing tax for 99.
5 per cent of all income taxpayers.
This will be paid for by introducing a new top tax rate of 5Op on taxable income of over £100,000 per year.
We will replace Income Support and Family Credit with a simpler, more efficient Low Income Benefit that increases financial incentives for people going back to work.
- Modernise Britain's welfare system.
We will initiate a comprehensive review of the welfare system to build a new framework for welfare and opportunity, on a cross-party basis.
Our aim is to provide a more effective safety net for the disadvantaged, to encourage work, without compulsion, and to widen opportunities.
- Help parents to return to work.
We will develop a national childcare strategy, drawing on public and private provision.
We will, over time, extend tax relief on workplace nurseries to other forms of day nursery care.
- Establish a voluntary Citizens Service to give people, especially young people, up to 2 years' work on such projects as environmental conservation, crime prevention, housing renovation, social services and the armed services.
- Encourage a flexible labour market, while protecting the low paid with a regionally variable, minimum hourly rate.
- Crack down on social security fraud and tax evasion and shift the money saved into new policies to enhance opportunities.
We will tackle the high levels of fraud and overpayment in the social security budget.
We will stop tax evasion and close off tax avoidance loopholes.
Older people
Everyone in Britain should be able to look forward to a retirement of security, opportunity and dignity.
Old people feel that they are fast becoming Britain's forgotten generation.
We will:
- Guarantee everyone an acceptable minimum standard of living in retirement.
We will create an additional top-up pension for pensioners with incomes below the Income Support level.
This will be indexed to earnings and tapered as outside income increases.
The basic state pension will remain indexed to prices.
We will start to phase out the expensive, unfair contributory system and base the right to a state pension on citizenship and residence.
- Enable people to choose when to start drawing a pension.
We will bring in a flexible 'decade of retirement', between the ages of 60 and 70.
- Protect the rights of older people.
We will legislate against discrimination on the grounds of age.
- Expand private pensions and give people more control over their pensions.
We wish to see more people making provision for their old age.
We will replace the State Earnings Related Scheme (SERPS) with a scheme under which all employees have personal or occupational pensions.
Existing accrued SERPS will, however, be preserved.
We will expand occupational and personal pension schemes by giving all employees an entitlement to participate in a pension scheme of their choice, funded by contributions from employers and employees.
Pension rights will be fully secured if people change jobs.
We will treat pensions as deferred income over which pension-holders have full rights of security, control and portability.
- Abolish standing charges for water and create a fairer system of charging.
Young people
We propose a new deal for young people, in which new rights and new responsibilities go hand in hand.
We will:
- Expand opportunities.
Our aim is that every young person between the ages of 16 and 19 will have the opportunity to either work, learn, train or take a place on our new Citizens Service.
- Restore security to excluded young people.
The withdrawal of benefit rights has condemned thousands of young people to life out of work and on the streets, at great long-term public cost.
We will restore access to benefits for 16 and 17 year-olds.
In the longer term, we aim to scrap the lower rate of income support for those under 25.
- Ensure that young people can learn their rights and responsibilities, with citizenship classes in every school and parenting classes for young adults.
We will give children and young people access to information about their legal rights and obligations, review the age of majority and ensure that young people are represented on bodies that especially concern them.
- Expand local youth services.
We will require local Councils to provide a statutory youth service in partnership with the voluntary sector
Families
Families, in all their forms, are a basic building block of society.
But the nature of families is changing.
This has brought new stresses which must be addressed.
But it has also brought new attitudes, such as the sharing of family responsibilities, which should be encouraged.
We will:
- Give families more security.
We will take nearly 500,000 low earners out of tax altogether, by raising tax thresholds.
We will replace Income Support and Family Credit with a simpler, more efficient Low Income Benefit that helps people back to work.
We aim to improve the support for those caring for older people and people with disabilities.
- Introduce fair and workable child support legislation.
We will repeal the Child Support Act and abolish the Child Support Agency.
We believe that parents should financially support their children at an appropriate level.
Where there are disputes between the parents, these should be decided by the courts, not by an inflexible formula.
We will create a new system of unified family courts to decide these questions, after they have heard all the evidence.
- Promote good parenting.
We will encourage the provision of parenting classes for young adults.
We will increase the role of parents in education by extending home/school/pupil links, and develop home-school partnership arrangements, to assist in addressing the needs of the child.
- Expand parental rights.
We will introduce a statutory right to parental leave and develop Maternity Benefit into a new, flexible parental benefit to be shared between partners.
We will ensure that fostering and adoption law is based on the suitability of prospective fosterers and the needs of the child.
- Help parents to return to work.
We will, over time, extend tax relief on workplace nurseries to other forms of day nursery care.
We will develop a national childcare strategy, drawing on public and private provision.
- Encourage flexible working patterns.
We will encourage job sharing and family-friendly employment practices, especially in the public sector.
We will give private sector employees approaching retirement age, or with responsibili201ties for young children, the right to negotiate reduced hours or a career break.
Women
There is still a long way to go before women in Britain have equal opportunities.
We will:
- Promote equality in the workplace.
We will, over time, extend employment and pensions rights to part-time employees, on a pro-rata basis.
We will bring in tougher obligations on employers to establish equal opportunities procedures and pursue the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.
- Make pensions fairer to women, by working to replace the contributory system with pension rights based on citizenship and residence in the UK.
We will bring forward the introduction of pension splitting on divorce.
- Improve the services that women receive from the NHS.
We will promote equal treatment of the sexes within the Health Service.
We will set targets for the expansion of facilities which enable women to consult female health professionals.
- Make the legal system fairer to women.
We will strengthen the civil law remedies for domestic violence and improve the treatment of rape victims by the court system.
We will seek to improve the provision of refuge places for victims of domestic violence.
- Enhance the role of women in public life.
We will tackle the under-representation of women on public bodies by setting a target that within a decade at least one-third of all those on all public bodies should be women.
We will reform the procedures and facilities of the House of Commons to make them more accommodating to women and families.
Disabled people
Progress in equal opportunities for disabled people remains patchy and unacceptably slow.
We will:
- Guarantee the rights of disabled people.
We will ban discrimination on the grounds of disability and pass comprehensive legislation securing the civil rights of disabled people.
We will draw up a Charter of Rights setting out what our new Bill of Rights means for disabled people.
- Give disabled people more independence.
We will introduce a Partial Capacity Benefit, building on the Disability Working Allowance, to assist those in work who cannot fully support themselves financially.
We aim to increase financial support for disabled people who cannot find work and to make provision for the real costs of disability.
- Improve access.
We will publish a code of practice to improve access to buildings and transport.
We will require government departments, local Councils and public organisations to make their key public literature available in Braille or where appropriate tape.
- Make education inclusive.
As part of our £2 billion investment in education, we will increase funding for, and enforce implementation of, the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs.
Ethnic minorities
Despite progress over recent years, members of ethnic minorities are too often denied equal opportunities and have to face racism and discrimination on a daily basis.
Diversity, pluralism and a multicultural society are sources of strength for Britain.
We will:
- Strengthen action against discrimination.
We will create a new Human Rights Commission, combining the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission.
We will give statutory force to the Commission for Racial Equality's Code of Practice in employment, and ensure that Britain plays a leading role in strengthening anti-discrimination legislation throughout the European Union.
- Ensure equal opportunities for all.
We will require local authorities and housing associations to ensure equal opportunities in housing allocation.
We will expand access to mother-tongue teaching, for both adults and children, where this takes place through self-help and community groups.
- Free immigration laws from racial discrimination.
We will ensure that immigration policy is non-discriminatory in its application.
We will reform current immigration laws so as to enable genuine family reunions.
We will restore benefit rights to asylum seekers and ensure that asylum claims are dealt with swiftly.
- Increase ethnic minorities' confidence in the police.
We will encourage the recruitment of ethnic minorities into the police force and require action to be taken against discrimination within the force.
We will tackle any discriminatory use of police powers, such as stop and search, and enhance police action to deal with racial attacks.
We will encourage the use of aggravated sentencing for racially motivated crimes.
Lesbians and gay men
In a free and tolerant society, discrimination on any grounds is unacceptable.
Diversity is a source of strength.
We will:
- Ensure equality before the law for lesbians and gay men through our new Human Rights Commission and the Bill of Rights.
We will create a common age of consent regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
- Stop discrimination.
We will outlaw incitement to hatred and discrimination in housing and employment, including the armed forces, on grounds of sexual orientation.
We will repeal 'section 28' of the 1988 Local Government Act.
We will reform the law, ensure that the police and local authorities deal more effectively with homophobic attacks, and encourage police forces to be more representative of the communities they serve.
Which party has the vision to build the kind of world I want to live in?
Our aim: To recast Britain's foreign policy and enable this country to play a leading role in shaping Europe and strengthening international institutions.
The problem: For too long British foreign policy has looked backwards to its imperial past.
Britain's interests have been damaged by an attitude to Europe that has been, at best, ambivalent and, at worst, hostile.
This attitude has also cost Britain opportunities for influence and advantage.
Our commitment: Liberal Democrats will ensure that Britain plays a leading role in shaping Europe, democratising its institutions and strengthening its role as a framework for prosperity, peace and security.
Britain, with its world experience, expert armed forces and permanent membership of the UN Security Council, has a unique role to play in reforming international institutions for the next century.
Our priorities are to:
- Make the European Union (EU) work more effectively and democratise its institutions.
- Widen Europe to include the new democracies of central and eastern Europe.
- Create a strong framework for Britain's defence and security through NATO and European co-operation.
- Give Britain a leading role in reforming and strengthening the UN and other international institutions.
- Promote an enforceable framework for international law, human rights and the protection of the environment.
Positive leadership in Europe
Britain's interests can only best be pursued through constructive participation in an enlarged European Union.
Our vision is of a European Union that is decentralised, democratic and diverse.
A strong and united Europe, but one that respects cultural traditions and national and regional identities.
In seeking to reform the EU, our priorities are to:
- Give the British people a say.
Reform that fundamentally changes Britain's place in Europe should only proceed if it has the explicit support of Britain's people.
If there is any substantial change in Britain's relationship with the EU, the British people must give their consent through a referendum.
- Make EU institutions more democratic and accountable.
We will give the House of Commons a more effective role in scrutinising European policy.
We also want the Council of Ministers and the EC Commission to be more accountable to the elected European Parliament.
We will introduce a fair and proportional voting system for British MEPs in time for the 1999 European Parliament elections.
- Make EU decision-making more efficient and effective.
Europe cannot effectively enlarge without improving its decision-making.
We therefore favour the wider application of majority voting.
But we will keep the veto on all issues relating to the constitution, budgetary matters and regulations on pay and social security.
We support the use of the double majority', especially on matters such as foreign and security policy.
Each member state must retain the unfettered right to make its own decisions on the commitment of its national troops.
Pursuing Britain's interests in Europe
Britain has much to gain from EU membership.
This will take new leadership, a new approach and a renewed sense of national confidence.
Our aims in Europe are to:
- Enhance economic prosperity, by promoting the freedom of movement of people, goods, services and money throughout the EU and by completing the European Single Market, particularly in areas of financial services, pensions and air travel.
- Participate in a successful single currency.
Being part of a successful single currency will bring low inflation and low interest rates.
Staying out will result in less investment and a loss of influence.
However, three conditions must be met before Britain can join.
First, the single currency must be firmly founded on the Maastricht criteria.
Second, Britain must meet those criteria.
Third, the British people must have agreed to it in a referendum.
- Strengthen the European framework for peace and security.
Britain's security and national interests are best pursued in partnership with its European neighbours.
We will work to strengthen European Common Foreign and Security policy to enable greater scope for united European action.
Individual member states must be free to decide whether or not their national forces will take part in any particular action.
- Fight crime and protect citizens' rights through more effective co-operation between EU states' police and customs forces with greater democratic accountability.
We will work to improve European co-operation against cross-border criminal activity and allow free movement for Britain's people throughout Europe.
The administration of border controls should remain with individual member nations until they can be confident that the EU's external borders are secure.
- Reform the Common Agricultural Policy, converting it into a system of direct payments to support economic, social and environmental goals in rural communities.
- Reform fisheries policies, scrapping the Common Fisheries Policy and replacing it with a new Europe-wide fisheries policy based on the regional management of fish stocks.
We will take urgent action to end quota-hopping and begin the phased abolition of industrial fishing.
Strong defence in an uncertain world
The first decades of the next century are likely to be turbulent and unstable everywhere, including within and around Europe.
Britain must maintain an effective security capability.
This will best be achieved through NATO and European co-operation, and this country must continue to play a full part in both.
We will:
- Maintain a strong defence at home
and enable the UK to play a leading role in keeping international peace.
We will maintain Britain's overall defence capability at its current level, whilst ensuring UK forces meet current needs and are appropriate to potential threats.
- Retain Britain's basic nuclear capability through the Trident submarine force until such time as international multilateral nuclear disarmament can be achieved.
We will restrict the number of nuclear warheads on Trident to the same number as previously deployed on Polaris.
- Resist the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
We will press for the conclusion of a verifiable Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
We will ensure that Britain plays an active part in talks to reduce the holdings of strategic nuclear weapons.
- Support the principle of common security.
We support the extension of the security guarantees, from which western Europe has benefited, to the new democracies of central and eastern Europe.
We support NATO and its enlargement.
Working for peace, security and sustainability
In an increasingly inter-dependent world, the security of a medium sized nation like Britain is best preserved within a framework of international law that is effective and enforceable.
Reforming the United Nations
Playing a leading role in strengthening and reforming the United Nations should be a central aspect of Britain's foreign policy over the next decade.
We will work to:
- Strengthen the UN's peacekeeping capability so that it can take earlier and more effective action to prevent or suppress conflict.
This should include establishing fast track machinery for negotiations; permanent, on-call, peacekeeping forces made up from high-calibre troops provided by member states; the reinstatement of a Military Staff Committee; the establishment of a UN Staff College to train officers; and improvements to the UN's command control, communication and intelligence capabilities.
- Support the establishment of an International Criminal Court to deal with genocide and war crimes.
Protecting the global environment
Pollution and environmental degradation do not respect national borders.
Countries must work together if the world's environment is to be protected.
We will:
- Take a lead in international environmental negotiations.
We will press for tough and legally binding international targets for greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
- Develop a global system of environmental protection.
We will work for the creation of a global environmental organisation.
We will promote an environmental equivalent of the Geneva Convention, to outlaw gross acts of environmental destruction in times of war
Tackling world poverty
The elimination of global famine, pestilence and poverty is not only a moral challenge, it is also essential for the world's long-term stability and peace.
We will:
- Increase Britain's contribution to overseas aid.
We will set out a timetable for sustained progress towards achieving the UN target for overseas development aid of 0./7 per cent of GNP within the next 10 years.
- Promote a timetable for debt relief to the poorest states including a programme for cancelling debt and the creation of new and additional resources for debt relief.
- Target Britain's bilateral aid where it is most needed.
We will focus Britain's bilateral aid on the least developed countries and end the practice of tying aid.
- Require states that receive UK development assistance to respect the fundamental human rights of their people and suspend UK programmes where these standards are breached.
Controlling arms sales
The global arms trade fuels conflicts, hinders prosperity and robs the world's poor of resources.
Its growth must be diminished.
We will:
- End the sale of British arms, war material, and 'dual use' technologies to regimes which abuse human rights, and strictly control arms sales to regions of tension or potential conflict.
- Seek a new international regime to control the arms trade.
We will support tighter EU-wide restrictions on transfers of military technology to non-democratic regimes and press for the establishment of a mandatory UN register, in which all arms sales and transfers must be listed.
- Ban landmines.
We will place an immediate and total ban on the production, stockpiling and export of anti-personnel landmines and work towards a global ban on Iandmine production.
Free and fair trade
Free and fair trade benefits all.
The GATT Uruguay Round has successfully lowered barriers to international trade, but further reforms are needed.
We will seek action to:
- Enhance free trade by further reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, especially against the poorest countries.
- Improve global labour standards by permitting countries to discriminate against goods produced by nations that maintain practices such as child, slave and forced labour.
We will support the work of the International Labour Organisation in raising labour standards throughout the world.
- Advance environmental objectives.
We support the addition of an environmental sustainability clause to the GATT setting out agreed principles of environmental policy against which trade measures can be judged.
- Reduce trans-national corporations' ability to abuse market power, through the development of a framework for global competition policy.
The Liberal Democrats and your tax
A copy of our Annual Tax Contract will be delivered to each UK household following the Budget each year.
Some of the information which would be included is provided on the next page.
This Annual Tax Contract will be in keeping with our four Tax Pledges:
1.)
No taxation without explanation
Central Government should inform taxpayers of the ways in which their money is raised and spent, just as local councils now do.
2.)
No promises unless the bill is attached
People have the right to know the Government's priorities and how much they will cost.
When we make significant changes in our tax and spending priorities we will tell people where the money has come from.
We will ask the National Audit Office to make sure that additional expenditure earmarked for specific projects is spent accordingly.
3.)
No more tax without tackling waste
Each year we will set out the measures which we plan to implement in order to reduce wasteful expenditure and deliver best value for money to taxpayers.
We will never raise taxes without first scrutinising Government expenditure for waste.
4.)
Fair tax for all
Tax bands, rates and reliefs should ensure that everyone contributes according to their ability to pay and that the tax burden is fairly shared.
We will aim to take more of those on low incomes out of tax completely.
We will clamp down on tax avoidance and evasion.
We will provide a mechanism for people to give their views on tax and spending priorities.
Costing our commitment
- We have issued alongside this manifesto a Costings Supplement to show in detail how our proposals will be financed.
- We will raise the basic rate of income tax by one penny in the pound - from 23p to 24p - to help finance our £2bn per year programme of Education investment.
- We will increase the amount of income which people can receive before they start to pay income tax by £200 per year to £4,245.
This tax cut will be paid for by introducing a new rate of income tax of 50%, payable on taxable income of over £100,000 per year.
Half a million people will be freed from income tax altogether
- We will put 5p on a packet of cigarettes and use the money to restore free eye and dental checks for all and freeze prescription charges.
FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS' 1997 MANIFESTO COSTINGS, PLEASE SEE OUR COSTINGS SUPPLEMENT
 How the proposals in this manifesto would alter your tax and the Government's spending
 Main income tax changes
- Around 70% of Adults will pay lower or unchanged income tax under our proposals.
- Around half of all income taxpayers would be better off or no worse off under our income tax proposals.
- Excluding those earning over £100,000 per year, the average income taxpayer will pay only around 45p extra per week in income tax under our plans.
In this manifesto, we have set out a practical, forward-looking programme to modernise Britain.
Its central theme is the widening of opportunities.
And its aim is to make Britain a nation of self-reliant individuals, living in strong communities,
backed by an enabling government.
We do not duck the choices that have to be faced in this election.
And we do not pretend that they are easy - or free.
High-quality education has to be paid for.
As do decent public services and a more secure society.
You cannot, in the present climate, have these and tax cuts as well.
You have to choose.
We ask you to do so.
Your vote can make a real difference in turning our country away from short-term politics towards a more constructive long-term approach.
And with your support we believe we can make a difference too.
Every vote we receive is a vote for better education,
the modernisation of our politics,
a cleaner environment,
a better health service
and more crime free communities.
Every vote we get and every seat we win will ensure that in the next Parliament, Britain, can at last face, up to the challenge, as we enter the next millennium.
What Scotland needs now!
“The SNP are proposing a fully-costed manifesto for an independent Scotland that is more detailed and better researched than ever before.
There is a better future for Scotland with Independence -when we start investing in Scotland instead of subsidising London - and this document proves it.
”
Scotland Needs BETTER HEALTH - new investment in a true National Health Service to restore standards and provide quality comprehensive care, free at the point of need.
Scotland Needs WELL RESOURCED EDUCATION - funding for teachers, investment in schools, free pre school education and the restoration of decent student grants.
Scotland Needs DECENT HOMES - new houses, a renovation programme, the transfer of housing debt from local government and an end to homelessness.
Scotland Needs MORE JOBS - a business tax regime that encourages growth, a determination to achieve full employment and a fair tax system that encourages employment.
Scotland Needs SOCIAL JUSTICE - a pensioners package , the restoration of benefits to young people, and the abolition of means testing for care of the elderly.
Scotland Needs INDEPENDENCE - the only way in which Scotland can put its wealth to work and care for its people again.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
1: “A Nation Once Again”
“Now there’s ane end of ane auld sang” were the words of the Chancellor of Scotland, when he signed the Treaty of Union of 1707 submerging from view for almost three centuries the independent nation of Scotland.
But he was wrong.
The song of Scotland - the steady rhythm of our past , the energetic bustle of our present, and the heady promise of our future - did not die in 1707.
Scotland still exists despite the determined efforts of those who rule us to diminish, dismiss and deride our national aspirations.
Scotland’s institutions in the law, education, administration and in sport still have their distinctive national characteristics despite a constant erosion by the Westminster Parliament.
What they need to revive and renew them - and what we need to revive and renew us - is the beating heart of an independent Scottish Parliament that expresses the sovereign will of the people who live here.
For two hundred and ninety years Scotland has remained within a United Kingdom which has contributed less and less to our well being.
Scotland has the potential to be a rich and vibrant economy yet we export our wealth south of the border:
Scotland has a part to play in the building of our continent, and yet we are not permitted to speak for ourselves.
Scotland has a home to offer to those from many backgrounds and much to give on the world stage and yet we are living in the shadow our neighbour, who speaks for us but not of us.
And Scotland has the skills and resources to be free, but is denied its democratic right to self government.
Yet Scotland can be a real and independent nation again.
All we need is the assent of the people.
At this General Election we can give that assent.
We can begin a process that will result in the restoration of self confidence and the creation of a modern democracy in the mainstream of European life.
We can express our dissatisfaction with the stale and sterile politics of the London parties - New Labour and Old Tory alike.
And along with many hundreds of thousands of Scots, we can all vote SNP in the certain knowledge that only the SNP can make any difference to Scotland and to the lives of those who live here.
This manifesto outlines the way in which the SNP wish to set Scotland free, and the promises that the SNP make about our country and how it should be run.
These promises will allow Scotland to win again.
For if the SNP wins, so does Scotland
It’s as simple as that.
SNP President and European Parliamentary Leader
“There is an enormous bank of goodwill towards Scotland in the rest of Europe, and we have friends in countries far and wide who would welcome our freedom.
We are an internationalist people, who look outwards to the rest of the world - in contrast to the insular, Little Englander mentality at Westminster.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
2: Scotland - the Facts
Treasury Spokesperson
“Scotland is a rich country, with a wealth of natural resources.
Since 1979, Scotland has sent £27 billion more to the London Treasury than we have received in return.
With Independence, we can make Scotland the “lion economy” of Europe - delivering fair tax for individuals, and a competitive edge for Scottish business.
”
The choice of how to vote at a General Election can be dictated by tradition, reason or emotion.
But whatever the basis for your choice will be, it is important first to know the truth about our country and our prospects as its citizens.
Over the past few years the SNP and Scotland have been subject to a whole range of smears and fears manufactured by political opponents.
At the outset of our manifesto it is important to set aside those baseless attacks in a strong and positive manner.
Labour and the Tories attack and attempt to undermine Scottish self confidence because it is a threat to their electoral prospects.
They peddle fear, we offer hope.
The SNP encourages all who live in Scotland to fulfil their potential.
The facts are these:
SCOTLAND IS A WEALTHY NATION.
When our share of North Sea output is taken into account, an Independent Scotland would become the eighth richest nation in the developed world.
Scotland saves more, produces more and exports more per head than England.
SCOTLAND PAYS HER WAY IN THE WORLD.
The Treasury has admitted that in the last eighteen years we have sent £27,000,000,000 more to London than we have received.
In the next five years we will do the same with £12,500,000,000 of our wealth.
3 Scotland can afford many of the things our citizens want, while still reducing the inherited burden of our share of the UK national debt.
SCOTLAND, ON INDEPENDENCE, WILL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME A FULL MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION:
European legal , political and constitutional opinion on this matter is quite clear.
SCOTLAND WILL HAVE OPEN BORDERS WITH ENGLAND:
modern European countries have abolished controlled internal frontiers and our close family and trading ties with England will not be interrupted in any way by Scottish Independence.
Only political union will end - our social union will be as strong as ever, and indeed improved by our new equal status as good neighbours.
PENSIONS AND INVESTMENTS WILL BE UNAFFECTED BY INDEPENDENCE:
the European Union already legislates for such transfers.
SCOTLAND WILL ESTABLISH A MODERN EFFICIENT AND APPROPRIATE DEFENCE FORCE in keeping with our traditions and best practice throughout our continent.
Scotland does not need nuclear weapons.
THERE WILL BE FULL CITIZENSHIP AND A CONTINUING RIGHT OF RESIDENCE FOR EVERYONE WHO CURRENTLY LIVES HERE.
An Independent Scotland will protect in its written constitution residency rights for all those living here , or entitled to live here, at the time of independence whether or not they become Scottish Citizens.
Citizenship will be established on the basis of residency or birth.
Membership of the European Union will also permit residence from citizens from other European Union members.
SCOTLAND WILL BECOME A WEALTHIER, FREER NATION FOR ALL ITS CITIZENS:
Scotland today is being kept held back by the Union with England.
An independent Scotland will be a magnet for investment and our “Bill of Rights” will protect every citizen from government interference
- something that Britain does not do
- and establish social justice in our land.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
2: Scotland - the Facts
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE is the normal status for wealthy small nations.
Over 50 countries have become independent from Britain since 1945 and NONE of them have applied to become colonies or dependencies again.
Nearly half the independent nations in the world are smaller than Scotland
- 25 out of the 35 most prosperous nations are small nations!
SCOTLAND WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE ANY GOVERNMENT IT LIKES AFTER INDEPENDENCE:
in the first elections after independence the SNP will stand as a political party, but Scots will be able to choose any party they like.
Proportional Representation will ensure that Scottish governments are broadly based and that all parts of the country are fairly
represented - as will be women and ethnic minorities.
Cabinet Secretary
“While the London-based parties hand down their policies from on high, the SNP have developed a detailed set of policies that are best for Scotland by using the democratic structures of the Party.
And we have consulted widely with organisations outside our party, in order to ensure that our policies are fully in tune with the needs of the people.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
3: Gaining Independence
Cabinet Chief Secretary
“Measures to help business, especially small business, are vital.
Small business is the engine of growth and for too long the UK has just ignored the potential and needs of those who contribute so much.
”
A vote for the SNP is a vote for Independence
- it is also a vote to encourage change, because only when the SNP is strong do the other parties pay any attention to Scotland .
Constitutional Change has been promised to Scotland by the British parties for over 100 years - but nothing has happened.
Nothing will happen unless the SNP is strong and determined, and attracting the support of the people of Scotland.
New Labour’s scheme for a Scottish assembly is fatally flawed, and will deliver no real power.
The Tories are stuck in the bunker of “no change” whilst virtually the whole of Scotland is now scunnered by their anti-Scottish actions.
Only the SNP offers a clear , logical and achievable blueprint for progress.
Scotland can regain its independence at any General Election.
After the election of a majority of SNP MPs,the SNP will immediately initiate negotiations for independence with the UK government.
In parallel with these negotiations, we will initiate talks with the European Union in order to facilitate the right conditions for independent representation.
At the conclusion of this period (which is likely to take between six and twelve months) the people of Scotland will be asked to approve the “independence settlement” in a simple one question referendum.
On achieving the assent of the people of Scotland, independence will be declared and, after the formal establishment of an independent country within Europe,
a fresh General Election will be held to elect a new government.
There are many precedents for such a process: indeed during 1996 a committee of respected academics brought forward the final report of a study of Scotland’s route to independence5 which clearly set out the steps to be followed.
During this study examples from other parts of the world were looked at closely.
In the twentieth century the road to Independence is well trodden, and well signposted by those that have gone before.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
4: A Scotland for all her People
An independent Scotland will have a written constitution and Bill of Rights.
This means that Scots will be citizens, not subjects.
They will be protected from the type of arbitrary interference that is the hallmark of Westminster government,
and they will be able to force the state to honour its commitments to them.
Almost every country in the world has a written constitution:
and virtually every democratic country in the world makes sure that citizens are guaranteed their rights.
A modern Scotland must have the same concern for law and liberty .
Earlier this year the SNP published its full constitutional proposals 6 which have been arrived at after lengthy and wide ranging consultation.
Amongst the SNP’s promises to Scotland are:
The protection of basic human rights, including the right of free expression and assembly, the right to housing , education and free health care and the right to decent working conditions and a minimum wage.
The rights of citizens in an independent Scotland will be at least as wide-ranging as those offered under the European Convention on Human Rights, which will be incorporated into the law of Scotland.
The establishment of a single chamber parliament elected by proportional representation which is modern in character
and which in gender, ethnic origin and geographical representation accurately mirrors Scottish society as a whole.
The franchise will be extended to include all those aged 16 and over.
Legislation will require public consultation, may be initiated by public petition as well as by members of the Scottish Parliament,
and a system of strong standing committees will supervise and regulate proceedings.
Final legislation, having passed the Parliamentary process, will be approved on behalf of the people by the Chancellor of the Parliament,
not subject to the mumbo jumbo of Royal assent.
The balanced parliament, elected fairly, and a strong investigative committee system
will replace the offensive and archaic House of Lords as the mechanisms to ensure properly thought through legislation.
Membership of a legislative body secured only by accident of birth or political patronage has no place in a modern democracy.
The SNP propose the reform of the Monarchy which, while allowing the Queen and her successors to remain Head of State, would ensure that their duties and payments were clearly and openly understood.
In the absence of the Queen from Scotland the elected Chancellor (Speaker) of the Scottish Parliament will act as Head of State.
The protection of the rights and responsibilities of Local Government will be protected by means of entrenchment in the constitution.
Local Authorities will also be elected by proportional representation.
Citizens of Scotland, wherever they have come from, will be full participants in a twenty first century democracy,
not subjects of an outmoded and decaying eighteenth century state.
That change alone will refresh and invigorate Scottish life.
Cabinet member
“Over many years, I have seen the policies which the people of Scotland support overturned by an unrepresentative Westminster Parliament, which is distant from Scottish concerns.
Only by getting a real Parliament of our own in Scotland can we introduce the policies that are best for Scotland.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
5: Working in a Better Scotland
Independence is vital for our future; but independence is not an aim on its own.
The purpose of independence is not just to free Scotland but to free Scots - all the people who live in Scotland
The Tory Government has been responsible for a vast increase in the National Debt, and an Independent Scotland would of course inherit a proportion of that debt, estimated to be around £38 billion.
An SNP Government would commence a programme of repaying this debt , aiming to reduce the amount spent in interest and to free resources for further investment in the future.
The debt repayment will amount to a total of £6. 6 billion in the first four years of Independence.
Jobs and Employment
The SNP aims for full employment -
an achievable goal that is integral to the growth of the Scottish economy,
the delivery of a high standard of living
and the development of a secure and inclusive society in which every individual contributes and plays a constructive role.
The SNP’s four year budget will result in the creation of  an additional 100,000 new jobs;
in addition our National Apprenticeship scheme will increase the number of young people going on from school to meaningful training and through that route into useful work.
In addition to the immediate jobs boost that independence will produce,
the creation of new jobs will come about as Scottish business is assisted to develop and compete.
The key to such development will be the introduction of a sensitive and targeted corporate tax structure, allied to important initiatives to encourage small businesses that do not pay corporation tax.
Business Taxation
The SNP is the only party in a generation to enter a General Election fully committed to a reduction in business taxation.
In government the SNP will
Cut the standard rate of corporation tax by approx. 10% from 33p to 30p
Cut the small companies rate of corporation tax by 22% from 23p to 18p
Limit the increase in the Business Rate Multiplier to the increase in the RPI
Phase in banded business rates with benefit targeted at smaller enterprises and with no increase for larger companies.
Abolish Class IV National Insurance Contributions.
These proposals will be phased in over a four year period.
We have allocated an average of £250 million per year from our budget for the creation of a Business Tax Reduction fund to pay for these measures.
New Investment
In addition to a innovative business tax regime,
Government funding will be provided for priority economic projects such as industrial expansion, modernisation, agricultural diversification and the introduction of new technologies.
An additional £120 million over four years will be provided to enhance research and development of new products and processes.
This will ensure that full advantage is taken of the intellectual capacity and scientific and technological innovation that is to be found in rich abundance in our universities and colleges, and in many of our businesses.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
5: Working in a Better Scotland
Exports and Skills
A Scottish Export Unit will also assist in building our export trade and focusing the attention of Scottish industry on the need to expand its excellent record in this field and will provide a massive boost to the international profile of Scottish business.
A Scottish Skills Foundation will be established to bring international best practice in skills and innovation training to bear on Scottish business and industry.
Tourism
The SNP has budgeted for a doubling of the Scottish Tourist Board’s advertising and promotions budget and will assist the Tourism industry - which contributes in excess of £2.2 billion to the Scottish economy and employs over 177,000 people - to fulfil its potential.
Business Growth and Fair Trading
With the SNP’s commitment to Defence Diversification (see Chapter 9),
to a modernised transport and communications infrastructure (See Chapter 8)
and with a successful Scottish approach to attracting investment the prospects for job creation and business birth, growth and survival will be better than ever before.
An SNP government will provide a context for business that is fair and flexible:
a Merger and Take-overs panel will ensure competitive practices and prevent “asset stripping” which has destroyed many Scottish companies over the past 20 years;
a Fair Trading Unit within a Scottish Department of Industry, Technology and Employment will inherit and strengthen the responsibilities of the current utility regulators
and legislation will ensure that the practice of delayed payment that damages small businesses is outlawed.
The Social Chapter and Trade Unions
A fair and flexible business environment will flourish if accompanied by active partnership with trade unions:
the SNP Charter for Trade Unions will guarantee Trade Union rights whilst ensuring that their responsibilities are enforceable at law.
Scottish endorsement of the EU Social Chapter will encourage Unions and employers to observe best practice that enhances constructive and profitable co-operation.
The introduction of a minimum wage (after discussion and with consensus) set at half median male earnings will be accompanied by an implementation plan developed in association with employers which assists smaller businesses to take this vital social step forward.
Fair Personal Taxation
For those in work, a fair personal tax system is an essential motivator:
the SNP aim to introduce a starter rate of income tax at 15p over the first four years of government.
For middle income earners the bands of income at which the basic rate is levied will be expanded by 15 per cent.
This means that the top rate will not kick in until earnings exceed £30,000.
In keeping with the belief that those who are best rewarded should contribute slightly more in order to assist delivering a just society , the ceiling on National Insurance contributions will be removed.
Taken together these proposals will mean that there will be a drop in taxation for most, with a marginal increase in taxation for those earning above £26,500 per year.
85% of male employees and 95% of female employees will pay less tax.
But all will benefit from a more prosperous country and a fairer society.
Industry, Technology and Employment Spokesperson
“Instead of the Tories’ fiddled unemployment figures, we need a real Parliament in Scotland to create real jobs, and bring about a real cut in the dole queues.
Only with Independence can we develop an economic strategy in line with Scottish conditions, and the SNP will prioritise investment in training and exports.
Over four years, we can create 100,000 more jobs.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
5: Working in a Better Scotland
These proposals are in keeping with the basic Scottish belief in progressive taxation and the sharing of responsibility according to the ability to pay.
We will also cut VAT on Domestic fuel from 8% to 5% , the minimum allowed under EU regulations
but will also negotiate with the EU to seek a new regime to take account of climatic conditions in Northern Europe, thus allowing the eventual abolition of this tax.
The economic and employment priorities of an SNP Government will be to
Move toward full employment
Achieve sustained growth along with increased investment
Secure continuing low inflation
Establish International Economic Credibility
Introduce a competitive business tax system
Legislate for a fair personal tax system
Build exports and inward investment
Strengthen the infrastructure and skills base
Adopt the Social Chapter and the Minimum Wage.
Introduce the SNP Charter for Trade Union Rights
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
6: Living in a Better Scotland
Job creation, business growth and economic success at home and abroad are aims that Scotland should aspire to given its wealth of talents and its strong resource base.
But those underpinning strengths in the Scottish economy must also give rise to the development of social justice, education for life, health and public services which the Scottish people need and deserve.
Scots should be encouraged to take advantage of arts and leisure opportunities and to have their lives enriched by such pursuits.
And all these developments must take place in society that is determined to be free of crime and its effects.
Scotland can afford to look after its citizens.
The Scottish National Party is commited to a socially just Scotland
- the type of Scotland which the Tories have systematically tried to destroy for 18 years:
A Scotland in which poverty is eradicated and those in need are assisted to the maximum degree possible;
the Scotland that all Scots want.
Freedom from Poverty
In our society there will always be a need for supporting those who cannot work, either through incapacity or for a variety of short-term reasons.
Government must also use the benefits system to assist those who are vulnerable
- the very young, the old and those who are incapacitated
- and to eliminate the effects of poverty.
An SNP government will increase Child Benefit to £12.50 per week per child and maintain entitlement until a child has left school.
Child Benefit is a powerful means of tackling poverty as it is paid directly to the child’s principal carer.
The annual cost of this measure wil £132 million by year 4 of an independent government.
Benefit will be restored to 16 and 17 year olds immediately, as the Tory removal of such benefits has been a strong contributory factor in the rise of youth homelessness and youth crime.
Education and training - with proper financial support - is the best way to assist young people,
but they must not be put in the position of suffering poverty and alienation because society will not assist them.
A Pensioner’s Package
The SNP is strongly committed to eradicating the scourge of fuel poverty particularly so as Scotland is an energy rich nation.
Our “Pensioners Package” already forms the basis for action of fuel poverty for SNP councils:
we will ensure that the entire package is implemented at a national level - a package that will increase the state retirement pension by £3 a week for a single person and £5 a week for married couples as a first step towards achieving parity with the higher European pension levels;
introduce a Cold Climate Allowance of £9. 20 for all pensioners and others on benefits;
remove standing charges from electricity, gas and telecom services for pensioners;
and abolish means testing for the residential care of elderly.
These measures will provide real relief from hardship and enhance social justice.
In particular, the removal of standing charges provides a much more efficient and targeted way of making privatised utilities contribute to society than a one-off “windfall tax”,
while the abolition of means testing will remove a major indignity from old people and allow them to enjoy the fruits of their retirement without undue worry or stress.
Health and Social Policy Spokesperson
“In an independent Scotland, economic prosperity and social justice will go hand in hand.
We will use our wealth to invest in the health service, deliver a Cold Climate Allowance to pensioners and those on benefits, and abolish means testing for the long-term care of the elderly.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
6: Living in a Better Scotland
A Real Scottish National Health Service
Social justice also requires a new approach to the Scottish Health Service.
The SNP will first of all establish an independent Health Commission, chaired by the Health Minister, which will consist of representatives of all political parties in the Scottish Parliament along with health professionals and representatives of local health care delivery agencies.
Within the context of the health budget set by government, this commission will plan the strategic delivery of health services.
Local Health Commissions will undertake a subsidiary role in local planning of health care.
The SNP believe that free health care at the point of need is a fundamental right
and in order to provide such care we must remove the distorting distraction of the Tories’ internal market in the health service.
By removing the tiers of accountants, administrators and middle managers we will abolish the artificial split between purchasers and providers of health care and will introduce an integrated health system which is administered and planned nationally but delivered locally.
This structural change is important - as is providing additional resources and finding a way in which the broad strategic priorities for health can be taken out of the day to day political arena.
We will provide an additional £35 million per annum for the Scottish Health Service which, coupled with savings on bureaucracy (which consumes a staggering 12% of NHS expenditure) will provide a major and immediate boost for healthcare delivery.
The SNP will establish an on going national audit of health care designed to provide creative feedback and raise local and national standards.
Dentistry will be re-integrated into the NHS and we accept the view of the dental profession that capitation fees must be adjusted to take account of Scotland’s dental health needs which are greater than those elsewhere in the UK.
This and other measures will encourage dentists to return to the Scottish Health Service.
Prescription charges have increased, under this Tory government, from 20p to the current £5.65.
The system can be effectively reformed both by allowing patients to pay the real cost of drugs if these are below the prescription charge levels and by spreading the burden of charges more fairly.
The SNP will review the issue of charges and exemptions for those with long term mental illness who are not presently allowed exemptions.
Health care in a modern Scotland must be preventative as well as curative.
An SNP Government will ban cigarette advertising and increase tobacco tax both to encourage more to give up, or not to start smoking, and to recover a small proportion of the costs of treatment of tobacco related illnesses by the National Health Service.
We will also prioritise the improvement of nutritional standards in Scotland, using best practice both to encourage healthy eating and to protect the nation’s health by enforcing high standards in the production and distribution of food.
Care in the community is a laudable aim but it requires support with resources and with an infrastructure that the Tories have constantly eroded.
The SNP will ensure that Local Health Commissions review the local delivery of care in the community, allocating resources to it as required.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
6: Living in a Better Scotland
The provision of care in the community has a direct bearing on adequate local government funding, and statutory obligations imposed on local government must be backed up with financial provision.
So must any need to increase the involvement of voluntary organisations who are key facilitators in the provision of care.
The cost of democratic control of the Health Service through such Commissions will be considerably less than the present “internal market” which lacks both democracy and efficiency.
Enabling the Disabled
As many as one in 10 of the world’s population suffers some form of disability,
but society is still reluctant to legislate to ensure full civil rights for disabled people,
and to improve the quality of life so that all disabled people can fulfil their potential and contribute to the society of which they are members.
The SNP will introduce measures, in the Bill of Rights and in other legislation, to secure full rights,
to enforce standards of building access and to help disabled people obtain and retain employment as they wish and are able.
The SNP will implement its “Charter for the Disabled” to enable valuable members of society who are presently often excluded from the mainstream, but who have much to contribute.
Protecting Scotland’s People
Whilst food safety is not primarily a health issue, until structures, controls and procedures go wrong, there is a clear need now to restore the reputation of the Scottish food industry and to provide a mechanism for public control of food quality.
The SNP has been in the forefront of the campaign for an independent food safety agency, free of the pressure from the producers and able to take a proactive stance in securing the highest standards.
An independent Scottish Food and Consumer Health Agency will have a wide remit:
it will supervise public health issues, working through local authorities and through local public health departments;
it will regulate food processing and handling and introduce clear controls that will better the European norm;
it will consider public nutrition and health issues in their broadest sense and will assist in the process of promoting better eating , recognising that one of the principal barriers to a healthy diet is poverty.
It will also work closely with the producers to instil the best practices and provide a certification of quality that in time will be the passport to domestic and international success for the Scottish food industry.
Freedom from Crime
Freedom from crime is an important freedom for many Scots;
and whilst crime levels in Scotland have fallen in recent years many communities are still subject to unacceptable levels of vandalism, burglary and violence.
The SNP has supported initiatives that seek to reduce crime by means of a “zero tolerance” approach:
we will encourage such initiatives throughout Scotland and support them with additional resources for Scotland’s police forces.
“Zero Tolerance” brings improvement to communities by focusing attention on community crimes such as vandalism, petty burglary and other such anti-social activities.
By so doing it increases community confidence and pride.
It is an ideal solution for every part of Scotland and particularly for urban areas.
SNP Vice President
“An independent Scotland will be a model European democracy, with a written Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Proportional representation will ensure that the Parliament represents all of Scotland and we will have done with unelected Peers in London deciding the laws of our nation.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
6: Living in a Better Scotland
There are many practical steps that can be taken to cut down on petty or organised crime against property.
One such scheme, which has been vigorously promoted by the SNP and which has the support of a number of organisations, is one which combats the £1.3 billion used-vehicle fraud that takes place every year.
A register of vehicles will be established which will allow purchasers of second hand vehicles to check that their intended purchase is legitimate.
The cost added to a purchase will be around £5.00 but the peace of mind afforded will be great.
Much police time is wasted for want of such simple and cost effective solutions:
much is also wasted in waiting for court appearances and the court system needs better resourcing.
The Procurator Fiscal service needs more lawyers and support staff and a stronger training infrastructure.
The solution to the problem of crime in Scotland does not lie in more prisons and more mandatory sentences:
these proposals have been rejected by the judiciary and by most commentators and it is an indictment of government in the last decade that our prison population is at its highest ever level - and still rising.
What is needed is a range of alternatives to prison and a flexible sentencing policy coupled with schemes for education and rehabilitation that actually work.
To implement and operate  such schemes the justice system must be encouraged to learn from international best practice and the SNP proposes the establishment of a research and development facility within a Scottish University to develop and implement education and rehabilitation schemes.
The basis of community action against crime must lie in the community, and the SNP opposes the establishment of an all Scottish police force,
although we endorse the move towards sharing of skills between forces and the establishment of national strategic initiatives where appropriate.
Scotland should never lose sight of the link between poverty, social deprivation and crime.
Accordingly, whilst crime must be tackled at source, the creation of a better and fairer society will also have a strong impact on crime levels.
An economy that produces more jobs and more meaningful work for the people of Scotland will pay dividends in this area as well.
Drugs and Crime
A major cause of criminal activity lies in the drugs culture that has developed in parts of Scotland.
But drug abuse, like crime, is also a symptom of something wrong in our society, that needs to be put right.
Yet there is not one drugs problem, but many.
And a variety of tactics are required to deal with them.
What needs to be put right first is the question of demand.
If demand for drugs in society is curtailed, then the drug problem will diminish.
Tackling demand can vary from better resourced customs and police to more effective rehabilitation programmes in prisons and to drug education in schools.
All such measures are supported by the SNP which has been active in the all party campaign “Scotland against Drugs”.
Solving Scotland’s drug problems also requires the collection of much information about drug use including much better recording of criminal statistics on drug related offences.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
6: Living in a Better Scotland
The SNP also supports, and will encourage, local initiatives including Drugs Action Teams.
Eradicating the Gun Culture
The whole world was shocked by the Dunblane tragedy;
but Scotland’s call for action to ban all hand guns and to tighten restrictions on all other weapons was ignored by the Tory government.
The SNP will introduce a total ban on handguns , making Scotland a safer place
and taking a major step towards eradicating the “gun culture” which is creeping into our country.
This measure will be accompanied by appropriate compensation for those deprived of their pastime
and the SNP will enforce the Cullen recommendations in all other areas of firearms control.
As a nation we must do our utmost to ensure that every step is taken to prevent another Dunblane.
These measures, and the more stringent screening of firearm applications along with the establishment of a national register of firearms holders, will be a significant step towards that aim.
Justice and Equality Spokesperson
“In the fight against crime, the SNP will encourage the extension of “zero tolerance” initiatives throughout Scotland, and will properly resource our over-stretched courts system.
A ban on all handguns is supported by the vast majority of Scottish people and politicians, but has been frustrated by the Westminster system.
An independent Parliament will deliver.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
7: Serving a Better Scotland
Just as crime, social justice and health are priorities for Scotland, so are Education, Housing, Local services and arts and leisure provision.
These community services, usually delivered at local level, need to be enhanced and improved if the quality of life in Scotland is to be enhanced and improved.
RESTORING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Labour’s so-called “Passion for Education” is a sham when the actual resources that are being offered  are examined closely.
In contrast the SNP has firmly costed changes that can be made immediately to the Scottish Education system.
Scotland’s crisis in Education is the result of under funding;
attempts to pin the blame on poor teaching, on the curriculum or on any other factors fail to take account of the constant erosion of morale and physical resources that has taken place in the last 18 years.
An SNP Government will provide the extra resources to immediately employ an additional 700 teachers, and devote new resources to the repair and upgrading of school buildings.
Both these actions are priorities, in order that class sizes can be reduced and classes taught in acceptable surroundings.
Local Authorities, as the Education providers, need resourced adequately to undertake their tasks:
the SNP in offering additional resources to local authorities across a wide range of fields will ensure that the local authorities also prioritise education and are sensitive to local need;
there is no demand for “opting out” in Scotland and consequently the “opting out” legislation will be repealed.
However schools will be assisted to control more of their budgets themselves and to involve the school board in financial decision making.
Primary and Secondary schools will be enabled to take advantage of new technology and there will be guaranteed access to the Internet from each school as well as a programme to introduce computers into every classroom with the ultimate aim of all children using a computer terminal every day.
Education is not just about schools: an SNP Government will introduce an entitlement to free nursery education for all 3 and 4 year olds whose parents wish it, and will make certain that such provision is properly funded.
The voucher system will be abolished.
At the other end of the educational spectrum an SNP Government will support the Higher Education sector,
first of all by replacing the Student Loans system with a return to maintenance grants at the 1990 equivalent, index linked for successive years.
Higher Education will have access to the Economic Development and Research Funds earmarked by an SNP Government as well as to the advice and assistance of the Exports Unit.
We support the establishment of a Scottish Education and Training Export Group to co-ordinate the overseas marketing of Scottish expertise in this area.
For those who do not go on to Higher Education an SNP Government will improve training and skills development and introduce a Integrated Training and Employment Grant Scheme ,
providing subsidies to employers taking on new employees in need of training, preferably the unemployed.
Training schemes of this nature should not merely rotate the unemployed into temporary positions.
We will add £50 million per year to the present youth and adult training budgets presently managed by Scottish Enterprise guaranteeing additional adult and youth training places.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
7: Serving a Better Scotland
In keeping with the multi cultural society in which we live
education in an independent Scotland will involve learning about the wide range of factors that have created our present society
and will look outwards to our European and world partners.
Gaelic and Scots have a place to play in this process and will be enhanced by such an approach.
Gaelic medium education is of particular importance to many parents,
and an SNP Government will require local authorities to ring fence dedicated funds for Gaelic medium education, as is presently done in Wales for Welsh language education.
The SNP is also sensitive to the needs of other communities which are part of the rich tapestry of Scotland.
Schools with pupils from Moslem families must offer Islamic studies to such pupils as a matter of course,
and the same applies to other communities which wish to take part in Scottish education, but which also wish to retain and develop their distinctive nature.
Scottish education will be enriched by such provision.
These policies are all necessary parts of the process of improvement that Scotland needs.
There are three final parts which require to be considered: housing, local services and arts and leisure provision.
TACKLING THE HOUSING CRISIS
For many years there has been a deplorable lack of investment in Scotland’s housing.
The result is a housing crisis with increased levels of homelessness and longer and longer council waiting lists.
The Scottish Housing Conditions Survey has shown that too many of our citizens are forced to live in housing that is damp, overcrowded, poorly insulated and often lacking basic amenities.
90,000 Scottish homes are deemed to be below tolerable standard and one third are affected by damp, condensation or mould.
An SNP Government will address this atrocious state of affairs by:
Transferring Capital Debt: 75 percent of local authority housing debt will be transferred to Central Government in the first four years of an independent government, with the remainder being transferred in the following four years.
From a public expenditure commitment of £985 million this will release over £1.6 billion for investment over four years to tackle housing problems and housing need as well as other social priorities.
This one action should make a substantial start to solving Scotland’s housing crisis.
Eliminating Homelessness: Between 1978 and 1994 445,283 households applied to local authorities as “homeless”.
This is a national disgrace and needs to be attended to as a matter of urgency.
So does the situation in which, as Shelter estimate, there are up to 1000 rough sleepers in Scotland on any one night.
An SNP Government will strengthen the existing Code of Guidance on Homelessness and ensure that in meeting the demands of the Code no one is left without a home in time of need.
Build Homes and Raise Standards With the money released by the capital debt transfer up to 20,000 socially affordable homes can be built in the first four years, and a further 35,000 homes can be brought back from below tolerable standard.
160,000 homes can be treated for dampness and condensation.
By applying higher standards of insulation money spent on upgrading can quickly be recouped in terms of energy expenditure.
Education Spokesperson
“Scotland has the oldest education system in the world, and we need to reequip it for the challenges of the twenty-first century.
We need to build on our strengths in Scotland - not make the mistakes that have afflicted education south of the Border.
The SNP will invest in more teachers, and invest to repair crumbling school buildings.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
7: Serving a Better Scotland
SNP Vice President
“Scotland is experience a renaissance in the arts, which the SNP will build on.
We will introduce incentives to encourage the developing film industry in Scotland, and reform broadcasting to encourage both diversity and greater opportunities for Scottish-based programme makers.
The UK National Lottery will be replaced by a “Scot-Lot”.
Reform Housing Tenure and the “Right to Buy”
Some 300,000 houses have been bought under the Tory “right to buy” legislation, usually at a discounted price.
This has left a disproportionate number of council houses in poor condition as the best of the stock has been purchased.
It would be illogical to increase investment in socially affordable housing if it was then simply to be sold at a discount.
New or improved houses coming on stream from the building and renovation programme will be protected from the right to buy at a discounted price.
Those with existing tenancy agreements will however retain the right within the homes they presently occupy.
A right to buy at full market value will continue for all tenants.
An SNP Government will replace Scottish Homes with a new accountable housing agency whose remit will be to deal with Scotland’s housing problems, improve Scotland’s housing stock and provide affordable housing.
Housing Associations and other bodies have a valuable role to play in these objectives and must be involved in policy formulation and in delivery.
The SNP is the only party which has costed a full programme of action to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis.
Such a programme will not only begin to eliminate homelessness,
it will also create many new jobs and provide a boost for the Scottish economy.
It will reduce housing waiting lists and move Scotland towards the provision of a home for all.
Making Local Government work
Those living in a better Scotland have a right to expect better local services.
An SNP Government, having protected the autonomy of Local Government in a written Constitution,
will expect local authorities to ensure that local services are efficient, effective and well targeted.
As Scottish local authorities will be elected by proportional representation,
the monolithic and unresponsive one party states that Labour has created in many parts of Scotland will be consigned to the past.
Local Government will have restored to it many of the powers lost to unelected quangos and there will be a review of the strategy and organisation of local economic development, with the aim or restoring local democratic control.
Local Government finance will be reformed during the first term of an independent Scottish government and the introduction of local income tax in a subsequent term will remove the anomalies that presently bedevil local funding.
Further adjustments to the support mechanisms for rural and island authorities would even out the support of local government by central government.
An SNP Government would abolish the Water Quangos and return water and sewerage to democratic control.
The arts and leisure
Finally, arts and leisure provision are vital to the well being of society.
An SNP Government will encourage a programme of ‘sport for all’ and will back that policy up by the provision of affordable community sports facilities managed by local authorities.
There will be ministerial responsibility for sports development and in addition to community participation it will be a policy aim to encourage international competitiveness and success.
Scotland’s cultural life is of enormous importance and must be underpinned by an effective Scottish broadcasting system and a raft of public support that opens
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
7: Serving a Better Scotland access to all.
An SNP Government will reform Scottish Broadcasting , building on the tradition of excellence that exists but ensuring that Scottish programme making and Scottish concerns are at the heart of an internationally forward looking service.
We will retain a licence fee to support a public sector broadcaster (the Scottish Broadcasting Corporation ) but would encourage a diversity of commercial broadcasting on television and radio including at least one Scottish digital multiplex for a commercial service in the short term.
Recognising that the age of effective protectionist broadcasting regulation is over, we would seek to ensure that the diversity of broadcasting channels observe the legal requirements of taste and decency while offering a wide range of services, and opportunities for Scottish based programme makers.
Such services must include provision in Gaelic and Scots, but such provision must be accessible to wider audiences also.
The SNP wishes to see a strong Scottish media production industry, which also means a strong Scottish film production sector.
The introduction of tax incentives for production along the Irish model has been closely examined by the SNP in recent years, as has experience from elsewhere.
An SNP government will introduce incentives for production and,
through a new “Scottish Screen” (formed as a federation of film supporting, marketing and production orientated bodies ) will lay the basis for a renaissance in script and project development, commercial and non commercial production, marketing, distribution, exhibition and export of film.
The work of the Scottish Arts Council requires adequate Government support but we wish to see the refocussing of the priorities of the Arts Council to support people and traditional arts as well as long established institutions.
A “Scottish Academy” will be established, encouraging excellence and bringing forward new talent in the arts.
Gaelic and Scots must be given equal status with English, both legally and in broadcasting and the arts.
A Scottish Lottery would be established ( under the title “Scot-Lot”) with a more accountable system of distributing funds.
The jackpot payouts would be smaller but the chances of winning would be considerably higher.
Scratch cards would be banned, given the problems of addiction and social disruption they cause.
“Scot-Lot” resources would be available for a wide range of projects, but would not replace government funding for social services.
They could be used for health research in addition to sports, charitable and arts purposes.
These many changes to Scottish life would make life in an independent Scotland a better experience for many of our fellow citizens.
The fact that all these proposals have been costed and can be afforded by an independent Scotland should indicate to all Scottish voters that our constitutional choice is clear and can be made in confidence.
Housing and Local Government Spokesperson
“With Independence, the SNP will entrench the rights of local government in a written Constitution bringing about a genuine partnership between local and central government.
The water quangos will be abolished, and water services returned to local democratic control.
Extra resources will be generated for housing by transferring councils’ housing capital debt to central government.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
A better Scotland in which all our citizens can live and work is the ambition and the intention of the Scottish National Party.
But the benefits of such a Scotland have to reach to every part of our country and in so doing any political party has to address other issues and concerns that arise
- issues of traditional industries,
special local concerns,
the environment
and the needs of Scotland’s island and rural communities.
Scotland’s land
Land is the most valuable resource of a nation: but Scotland’s system of land ownership and tenure is amongst the most archaic in the western world.
The SNP has accepted the proposals of the Independent Land Commission to abolish feudal tenure.
The system of feudal overlords has been widely abused and has led to depopulation, massive profits for individuals who care nothing for the land and the people and insecurity for those who thought they had a title to their homes.
It has no place in a modern country, and during the period of its abolition we will consult widely, at home and abroad, to create a modern and fair system of land holding that matches the best to be found anywhere.
We will establish a standing Scottish Land Commission to oversee the abolition of the old and the introduction of the new.
Its membership will be representative of, and nominated by, local communities, land use interests, Members of the Scottish Parliament and Local Government representatives.
There are also interim and urgent measures that can be taken to outlaw abuse of the feudal system prior to a complete change in the law.
One such measure requires only the amendment of two century old Acts of Parliament to prevent ownership of local authority education buildings reverting to those who have speculatively purchased feudal superiorities.
We will  also transfer the powers of the Crown Estate Commissioners and other private owners of the sea shore and inshore seabed to local councils and local councils will be empowered to promote balanced land use and local access.
We will also establish an all Scotland Land Register which will give open access to all enquirers and banish forever the mystery of land ownership behind which many have hidden in recent years, to the detriment of local communities.
Healing and building Scotland’s Agriculture
Scotland’s farmers have been hard hit in recent years by successive Tory failures and by a growing neglect of the importance of the agricultural sector.
Scotland, as a sparsely populated country, needs a strong agricultural base
and that base can contribute greatly to Scottish exports and to the international reputation of our nation.
The agricultural sector already contributes 3% of GDP.
The Scottish farming community will be best represented by a seat at the top table in Europe for the country in which they live and by an independent Scottish government:
our farmers and farming communities are presently of minor concern to any UK government, as the BSE crisis has shown.
The SNP promoted a Scottish solution to the EU ban from day one, but the British government has refused to countenance such relief for Scottish beef farmers and the Scottish beef industry, even when invited to by the European Union.
A tracability scheme can be introduced into the Scottish herd within a matter of months , giving Scottish beef producers the platform they need for re-entry.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
Ending the ban is the first priority;
then we must work to restore our reputation in Europe.
No independent Scottish government would ever have allowed BSE to gain such a foothold
and our regulatory and animal health regime must become the best in the world again.
The Independent Scottish Food Agency will be a partner of the agricultural sector in restoring the domestic and international trade
and will also work with producers to instil and enforce the best practices in the world.
Agricultural policy is not, of course, based only on what has gone wrong in the past:
Scottish agriculture has tremendous strengths, rooted in the skills and experience of those who passionately care for the land and for the future of their businesses.
We need to develop a sustainable agricultural sector in Scotland.
We need to reform the Common Agricultural Policy to ensure that support goes to those working the land as opposed simply to products and sectors.
We need to develop new techniques, innovate in husbandry and production and widen the access to modern machinery, by supporting machinery rings.
We must also promote sensitive rural diversification ( which will be paid for out of a rural development fund amounting to some £10 million per year) and sectors of the industry such as horticulture so that, with fair competition within the EU, we can widen the scope of Scottish agriculture and broaden the financial rewards.
A priority will be to assist Scottish producers to have more and better access to the wholesale market and to retail outlets.
The SNP’s commitment to Scottish agriculture is firm and clear.
Scottish farmers, producers and all those who work in ancillary industries, can only have their priorities met by an independent Scottish government which places their concerns firmly on the European and domestic agendas.
Scotland’s Forests
Forestry is also a considerable national resource, and one which can be better used for the benefit of all.
The SNP will promote the development of a sustainable Forest Industry in Scotland by establishing a National Forest Enterprise Board (replacing the Forestry Commission) to undertake the commercial management and development of Scotland’s national forests in accordance with the land use strategy agreed by the Scottish Land Commission.
The key priority will be to double forest and woodland cover within 25 years, with a particular emphasis on native woodland.
This will not only have economic benefits but will also assist the environment by increasing the absorption of carbon dioxide.
In parallel with this development, the NFEB will work with the private sector to stimulate wood using industries , which deepened upon sustainable production from native tree species.
Private forest ownership can be of great benefit but tax incentives for such ownership must be targeted towards those who intend to build forestry and the forest industries, not just shelter their money for a while.
The SNP is also committed to greater recreational use of forests, and the Land Commission, in enabling better public land access, will be mindful of the need to secure sensible forest access as well.
Crofting
Rural Affairs Spokesperson
“The BSE crisis shows that Scottish agriculture suffers from not having a direct voice in Europe, and Independence will end this dismal and damaging state of affairs.
A Scottish government will also make better use of our native forestry resources, and support crofting.
Scotland’s system of land ownership and tenure is among the most archaic in the Western world, and abolishing the feudal system will be a priority.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
Environment Spokesperson
“The SNP’s concern is to ensure a positive relationship between faster growth and sustainable development, and all policies will be subject to an environmental impact assessment.
The SNP will support research and development initiatives in the field of clean technology and engineering, renewable energy, and general waste reprocessing and management.
Crofter and tenant farmers have a role to play in forest development, treating” (where holdings allow) timber as a common crop.
But this will be suitable for a small minority of crofters only.
The SNP wishes to see the Crofters Commission transformed into a National Crofting Development Agency with the power to assist crofting in the Highlands and Islands and small land tenure elsewhere.
The great strength of crofting is its ability to keep populations on the land and to prevent consequent depopulation of vital areas.
Crofting is a way of life, but rarely a principal occupation.
Accordingly assisting crofters to purchase crofting estates should be done as part of an overall development scheme for those areas, where new employment can be provided in new enterprises as well as enhanced crofting opportunities.
The crofting estates that currently belong to the Crown should be returned to the people who live on them,
but the opportunity to develop vibrant communities on crofting estates should not apply only to those who, by accident of tenure, are tenants of the Crown.
Private ownership should also be subject to regulation for purchase under clear conditions.
Scotland’s Fishing Industry
All the evidence in the history of the Common Fisheries Policy points to the harsh reality that the UK has been happy , more often than not, to trade off fishing interests for other goals in European policy.
Scottish fishermen have paid the price for that UK hypocrisy.
An SNP Government would use its improved influence as a full Member State in negotiations for a new European fisheries policy to ensure that the founding principles of the original CFP , in particular relative stability, are permanent components of future fisheries agreements .
The processing sector, which provides vital employment and has good opportunities for expansion, must be supported particularly in an environment where rival sectors, for example on the Humber, are being allocated significant public resources.
The Scottish Exports Unit will be of particular help to this sector.
The fundamental objective of the SNP fisheries policy is to create a well managed and properly conserved fishery.
The SNP proposes six fundamental reforms which would assist the Scottish fishing industry:
A new framework whereby coastal states with the greatest historic interests in specific fisheries would be able to take the key control and management decisions relating to the fisheries in the waters off their coasts in Regional Fisheries Management Councils.
New measures for the processing sector seeking to promote continuity, security and stability of supplies , backed by assistance towards infrastructure costs, training packages and maximising the potential to add value to fisheries products.
A rigorous but fair policing regime enforceable equally in all EU waters.
Greater emphasis on technical measures to conserve fish stocks.
Improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of research.
* Priority to areas with a high degree of fishing dependence , population sparsity and peripherality to be built in to fisheries policy.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
The SNP has allocated an additional £10 million per annum within the Independence Budget to achieve the following strategic objectives:
Levering the maximum benefit of EU financial assistance to coastal regions by committing an extra £5 million from government resources to structural support and socio-economic measures.
Promoting fisheries products and marketing initiatives, stressing the health value of fish with an additional £800,000 spend co-ordinated by a new processing task force.
An additional £1.6 million for harbour and infrastructure improvements which will leverage additional European funds.
Improving the effectiveness of research.
The Environment
Scotland’s international reputation is as a clean nation, rich in land and water.
But in reality Scotland is now threatened by a number of environmental hazards.
We must ensure that Scotland’s environment is restored and our people given back a confidence in their surroundings.
We must also put in place the best environmental standards, so that we cease to heedlessly waste resources, and instead contribute to the betterment of our planet and those with whom we share it.
The SNP will retain the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and will ensure that it is independent of the Executive and responsible to the Scottish Parliament.
Its expanded task will be to
Establish stricter controls on pollution of the atmosphere, sea , inland waters and land.
Control, develop and promote the means of environmental rehabilitation
Establish codes of practice for industry
Ensure that there is full public consultation on, and enquiry into, the environmental impact of major projects and government policies.
An SNP Government will also promote recycling, and contribute to global environmental protection.
As part of the overall strategy of government an SNP Government will establish and enshrine National Environmental Targets.
An opportunity for Dounreay
It goes without saying that no SNP Government would permit Nuclear Reprocessing to take place in Scotland.
Nuclear reprocessing at Dounreay would end immediately an SNP Government was elected and arrangements would be made for all nuclear material originating furth of Scotland to be returned to their country of origin.
Materials originating in Scotland will require to be stored in Scotland for as long as environmentally required.
However, rather than this determination being seen as a threat to the people of Dounreay, it should be seen as a major opportunity.
Employment in clean up, storage and decommissioning will be a long term prospect for many people;
many others will be employed in a new renewable energy research and development centre which will be established at Dounreay.
An energy rich nation
The vital resource of the 20th century has been energy.
And in the 21st century energy self sufficiency, still more the ability to export energy or energy sources, will remain of great importance to any nation.
Transport and Telecommunications Spokesperson
“Scotland needs an integrated transport network which will give good access to all parts of the country, speed the delivery of goods and services, and bring the nation closer together.
Priorities for the SNP are bringing Railtrack back into public ownership, ending the Skye Bridge tolls, and abolishing the Airport Tax in the Highlands & Islands.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
Marine Resources Spokesperson
“Marine resources have long been one of Scotland’s key assets, and provide the lifeblood for many communities.
Support will be provided for the regeneration of the fishing fleet.
The promotion of Scottish fisheries products will be enhanced, and resources provided for harbour and infrastructure modernisation.
”
Scotland is an energy rich nation.
That fact alone should give us the confidence to face the future in the normal state of independence.
But , as part of the bankrupt and out of date Union, we do not use our energy wealth wisely.
In fact our wealth is being squandered by Westminster.
An Independent Scotland will secure a division of North Sea oil assets based upon the latitude of 55o 50’ north or the international legal principle of equidistance.
The Continental Shelf (Jurisdictional) Order already provides such a division, and this order dating from 1968 presently places operations in either an “English” sector (governed by English Law) or a “Scottish” sector (governed by Scottish Law).
This division has been operated by successive Labour and Tory Governments and places 90% north sea output under “Scottish” control , a percentage that is growing as the exploitable reserves move north.
All existing obligations to oil and gas operators will be honoured, and the SNP envisages no substantive change in the taxation regime so that there can be a clear, stable and continuing climate for the oil industry.
The policy of an SNP government will be to secure a sustainable and long term oil industry:
even present estimates indicate that there is as much oil still to be extracted as has already been extracted, and an SNP government will encourage exploration to increase known reserves and to increase recoverability from existing fields.
An SNP Government will seek to add value to Scotland’s energy resources , for example by ending the discriminatory pricing policies which mean that landing charges from Scottish gas fields can be anything up to 17 times those south of the border, a situation which has led to gas from the North Sea by-passing Scotland: the “Great Gas Robbery”.
Failure to achieve a satisfactory resolution of this problem will result in an SNP government examining ways in which the gas network, instead of being owned by a single private company could be jointly owned by all companies with an interest in Scottish gas production and supply, with a guiding golden share held for the public good.
In addition, development of petro-chemical activity that can build on Scottish land fall of Scottish resources will be encouraged.
Whilst the Scottish coal industry has been decimated in recent years, coal still has a part to play in a balanced energy policy.
Whilst the SNP wishes to see tighter controls on open cast mining,
and a clearer environmental evaluation of each proposed project,
deep mining also needs to be re-examined with a view to accessing rich seams that have been abandoned too early and without reference to modern technology.
The SNP is resolutely opposed to Nuclear Power Generation:
at present we have neither the ability to make it totally safe, nor the knowledge to be completely certain about long term effects, and long term problems.
An SNP government will introduce a programme to phase out nuclear generation in Scotland.
The length of this phased programme will be planned to take account of new energy sources coming on stream, and on the safe methods of removing nuclear generation from our energy mix.
There are a number of sources of power in Scotland that are cheaper as well as more environmentally acceptable than Nuclear power and others are developing.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
To replace nuclear generation, Scotland requires to develop alternative energy sources that are renewable and sustainable.
The SNP Budget contains an allocation of funding for this task, and also funding for schemes of energy conservation, which can reduce our demand significantly by reducing heating bills.
Scotland on the move
Scotland needs an integrated transport network, that gives good access to all parts of the country, speeds goods and services,
and brings the nation closer together.
There remains a need for some improvements to the road network, but we must also be mindful of the need to reduce overall car and lorry usage in the years ahead, particularly in our towns and cities.
The solution to reduced car usage in particular lies in better public transport, and the SNP will invest in rail services ,
first of all by returning the Scottish assets of Railtrack into public ownership
and then by modernising and electrifying the East Coast Line , commuter routes and branch lines.
Bus and Coach services are also vital and must be integrated with rail services.
Effective Bus and Coach transport can assist greatly in easing road congestion and regulation of bus operators should recognise the need to guide service development and delivery to achieve that end as well as to ensure the maintenance of vital links.
The SNP regards the tolls presently levied by the Skye Bridge as an unacceptable imposition on the people of Skye and as a great disincentive to the creation and preservation of employment.
The SNP will , in the immediate term, replace the present tolls with “shadow tolls” and will take the bridge into public ownership within the first four years of an SNP government.
The SNP will also move towards the removal of all tolls on Scottish bridges, and will not introduce tolls on any new or existing bridges or roads.
Ferries are vital to Scotland’s communications infrastructure and the national Ferry company, Caledonian MacBrayne will be resourced to operate effective , economical services within Scottish waters
and will be allowed to compete for services from Scotland, including services from a new East of Scotland ferry port.
The SNP will abolish the Air Passenger Duty for the Highlands and Islands , as it unfairly discriminates against Scotland’s most remote communities and will modify it for other areas to reflect the cost of the fare rather than imposing a flat rate which works against much needed low cost air transport.
In keeping with the need to encourage enterprise and development, we will remove unreasonable restrictions on international freight (the so called “fifth freedom”)
and bearing in mind Scotland’s crucial geographical place for Air Traffic Control we will co-operate with our European partners on developing a pan national approach to air space regulation,
whilst developing and modernising our Oceanic Air Traffic Control centre.
Scotland needs more direct air links with the world, and we will work with private operators to make these sustainable,
as well as assisting Scottish airports to provide high quality services easily accessible to passengers.
Developing the Telecommunications Network
A final area of opportunity for all of Scotland is the challenge of the global Telecommunications can not only connect parts of Scotland that would otherwise be remote,
but it can and will also open Scotland up to the world, and the world to Scotland.
Energy Spokesperson
“Scotland is one of the most energy rich nations in Europe, and yet many of our people suffer from fuel poverty.
With Independence, we will develop our sustainable energy sources, and phase out nuclear power.
VAT on fuel will be cut from 8 to 5 per cent.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
8: Helping all of Scotland
An SNP Government will strengthen regulation of monopoly suppliers in the Telecommunications Market whilst facilitating greater competition and embracing the drive towards common European and world standards.
The SNP will support communications developments in rural areas, particularly in the Highlands and Islands,
and assist the University of the Highlands and Islands in establishing a world lead in distance learning by the Internet and other means.
Telecrofting and Telecommuting have a much to offer a country like Scotland and an SNP Government will explore tax incentives for individuals and businesses taking this route.
Such patterns of working reduce demand on city transport and facilities and should be encouraged.
However, whatever policies an SNP Government follows it will not impact upon use of the Internet and global communications unless it also takes a strongly pro-active stance in encouraging domestic, educational and business access to , and use of, the information super highway.
The 21st century will be the century of information - information as a resource and as an empowering tool.
Scots have spent too long following trends, rather than setting them, and an SNP Government will set as a policy objective the commercial support of the Internet so that Scottish companies can access, present themselves through, and provide service on the net
and so that individuals and schools can integrate the world’s knowledge base in their own experience, and contribute to it.
The rate of involvement in, and access to, the Internet should be regulated by commerce and competition, but the Government has a role in supporting Scottish endeavours in this field,
and enabling educational use.
Scotland as a technology manufacturing base can gain a great deal by seeking always to be part of the cutting edge of technology,
and this attitude to the Internet, allied with the encouragement of software manufacture and hardware assembly as core Scottish industries, will be assessed at regular intervals so that Government strategy can lead Scotland’s modern potential instead of dragging it down as is the case now.
In keeping with an open and positive philosophy on net use and access, no new regulations on censorship or control will be introduced, but support will be given to a “ratings system” to prevent unwitting access .
However Scots Law will require to develop means of combating computer fraud and existing law needs to be examined to see if its scope can deal with abuse of individuals by computer means.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
9: Scotland in Europe and the World
Professor Christopher Harvie once called Scotland “The invisible nation of Europe”.
It is time for Scotland to become visible again and to resume a place in the world.
The European Union
An SNP Government would wish to make certain that Scotland’s traditional openness to Europe and the World again coloured all our international relations.
With a secure independent Parliament at home,
the benefits of international cooperation and full and equal membership of international organisations would greatly strengthen Scotland’s ability to defend and promote its interests in a world that shrinks each day.
Scotland will be a full member of the European Union, participating fully in the institutions of the Union.
As a small independent country Scotland can have considerable influence in a Europe which is increasingly dominated by small member states.
We will have full voting power in the European Council and the Council of Ministers.
These representatives would be in a position to advocate on Scotland’s behalf with the right of veto over any decisions affecting Scotland’s vital national interests.
This is a far cry from the present powerlessness we endure,
and some considerable distance from the still powerless observer status that Labour proposes under its devolution plans.
An SNP Government will use our influence and voting power to gain the maximum benefits for Scottish industry and the Scottish people.
Our priority would be to enter into the negotiations on the new Common Fisheries Policy to get a better deal for Scotland’s fishing industry and to re-orientate the Common Agricultural Policy towards those who work the land.
We will ensure that rural and urban areas of Scotland receive maximum help from the appropriate EU funds.
Scotland’s representation in the European Parliament would double on Independence and the SNP will support the introduction of a Europe wide voting system for this Parliament to strengthen democracy.
In the interim we will introduce a proportional system for the first elections after independence.
We support extending the Parliament’s powers to include the proper scrutiny of the Council and the Commission.
An Independent Scottish Parliament will elect Scotland’s Commissioner and of course Scotland would take its turn at the European Presidency, bringing substantial benefits to the nation.
Diplomatic Links
Scotland will require a cost effective , efficient and modern diplomatic presence in some of the world’s capitals.
Most small nations do not attempt to emulate the imperial pretensions of the United Kingdom, but instead target their diplomatic effort where it will do most good.
Scotland’s embassies and consulates will exist to promote Scottish trade and industry,
look after Scottish citizens
and represent the best of Scotland to the world.
We already pay our share of the UK diplomatic budget, but receive little in return.
An Independent Scotland would get a much better return for this necessary expenditure.
Dr AllanDr Allan Dr AllanMacartney MEPMacartney MEPMacartney MEP Macartney MEPMacartney MEPEurope and External Affairs Spokesperson “Scotland needs a direct voice in the European Union, so that we can protect and promote our national interests at the top table where the real decisions are taken - instead of being left on the sidelines.
In the wider world, we have a responsibility to meet the UN’s guideline of 0.
7 per cent of GDP devoted to overseas aid, and the SNP will honour this.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
9: Scotland in Europe and the World
International Institutions
Independence means joining in, not staying separate.
The real separatists are those who have put us in our present condition, for they do not allow us to take a full part in anything.
Scotland will be a full member of the Commonwealth
and will use its membership both to promote international co-operation and to market its expertise,
particularly in the educational field where Scottish Universities and Colleges already have a good reputation.
Scotland will be a member of the Council of Europe which unites almost all nations on the continent.
The Council is best known for its offshoot, the European Court of Human Rights, and an independent Scotland will fully support the Council and the Court and seek to assist in making its judgements and deliberations effective.
Scotland will be a member of the United Nations.
The Scottish UN Mission would be one of the two most important Scottish diplomatic postings (the other being the Scottish Permanent Representative to the EU)
and Scotland in membership of the UN will support peacekeeping, the development of aid, cultural and educational programmes and
- unlike many members - pay its dues while working for necessary reforms.
Finally Scotland will seek to assist in the establishment of an Association of States of the British Isles which will include England, Wales and Ireland.
This grouping will work together on problems and possibilities that exist in our area and which can be helped by joint action.
Defending Scotland
No part of the UK has played such a central role in the defence of the realm as Scotland.
Its military and naval traditions are well known, and the professionalism of its service men and women will be an enormous asset to an independent state.
At the date of independence all serving service personnel from Scotland will be given the opportunity to transfer to the Scottish Defence Forces.
The same guarantee will apply to all MOD personnel serving in Scotland.
Conscription is neither necessary, desirable nor anticipated.
Because of Scotland’s geographic position, vital assets and international perspective, a modern, efficient and appropriate defence structure can be established that will be professional, well resourced and well targeted to its tasks.
The Scottish Army will require infantry battalions, a commando battalion, an armoured regiment, and the requisite combat support and combat supply service units.
Stationed at existing barracks the Army will require 9000 regulars, 16000 regular reservists, 7000 national reserves and 2000 MOD civilians.
Traditional Scottish regiments will be restored wherever possible.
The Scottish Navy will require both surface and submarine craft based at Faslane and Rosyth with a berthing base at Lerwick.
It will have 5000 regulars, 2000 regular reserves and 600 national reserves as well as 5000 MoD personnel.
The Scottish Air Force will have both fixed wing and helicopter capability.
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
9: Scotland in Europe and the World
The main bases will be Leuchars, Kinloss, and Lossiemouth.
There will be 6000 regulars , 3650 regular reservists, 400 national reserves and 2850 MoD civilians.
The Scottish Defence Forces will prioritise joint services training, and support and command structures will be developed to avoid needless and costly duplication of effort.
A culture of inter service co-operation will be central to the Force’s philosophy.
The traditions of Scottish units, built up over many years, will be fostered and maintained in the Defence Forces.
An Independent Scotland will contribute to, and benefit from, international co-operation especially in peace keeping, training, and conflict resolution.
In addition to the SNP’s support for an EU Common Security and Defence Policy we would participate in the Western European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the North Atlantic Co-operation Council and the Partnership for Peace.
A Peacekeeping college will be established in Scotland to instruct SDF and foreign personnel in the theory and practice of peace keeping and seek to place Scotland in the forefront of international peacekeeping efforts.
The SNP have a long standing objection to nuclear weapons.
We will negotiate a phased but complete withdrawal of Trident from the Clyde and invest our savings from this costly , deadly and unnecessary nuclear deterrent in conventional defence as well as in other priorities including health and education.
An independent Scotland will inherit a treaty obligation to NATO.
However our opposition to nuclear defence will make our continued participation in nuclear alliances difficult.
We therefore propose to negotiate a phased withdrawal from NATO
but will retain military co-operation with NATO nations as a result of our other proposed international involvements already mentioned above.
Defence Industries in Scotland will be free to carry on their businesses in cooperation with firms outside Scotland.
Their end user certifications will be subject to stringent scrutiny, but at the same time Scottish firms will have priority in tendering for SDF contracts within the constraints of EU legislation.
Refit of the SDF navy will take place at Rosyth,
and the rolling programme of equipment replacement should enhance the position of Scottish defence contractors who will, at last, have a national force to attend to
without being totally dependent on the lottery of UK defence procurement procedures run from distant and often deaf Whitehall.
The SNP will also promote Defence Diversification , with funding already allocated in the SNP Budget.
The highly skilled Scottish defence manufacturing companies, and their workers, will have a brighter future both in supplying the SDF and in being encouraged and assisted to expand their abilities and markets.
Scotland helping the world.
It has been, and remains, a matter of shame that the UK, one of the richer nations of the world, is so miserly when it comes to international aid.
The UK presently falls far short of the agreed international target of 0.7% of GDP to be spent on international aid.
Indeed further recent cuts have taken the UK’s GDP share to below 0.3%.
The SNP has budgeted for a steady growth from this low point (which we shall inherit), with the aim of reaching 0.7% in six years.
This period will allow the development of the necessary infrastructure, both governmental and voluntary, to meet the challenge of overseas aid and relief work.
Defence Spokesperson
“An independent Scotland will benefit from strong conventional forces, and will have no place for expensive and useless Trident nuclear weapons.
Like other small nations, we will participate in European defence structures, and invest in defence diversification.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
9: Scotland in Europe and the World
Small countries in Europe lead the way in aid, relief and international assistance.
Sweden, Norway and Denmark are good examples of different models that work well.
Scotland can be amongst them and with independence it will be.
Kenny MacAskillKenny MacAskillKenny MacAskillKenny MacAskillKenny MacAskillSNP National Treasurer
“Only the SNP stand up for the mainstream Scottish values of enterprise and compassion - and that is reflected throughout this manifesto document.
We are the only real Scottish party standing in this election.
We don’t take our orders from London.
We put Scotland first - every time.
”
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
10: Paying for Scotland’s Future
This manifesto has laid out the main proposals of the SNP for the creation of an independent nation once again
and the sensitive, compassionate and forward looking governance of that nation which the SNP believe can be delivered.
But plans would be worthless without the resources to pay for them.
And because the SNP aspire to govern Scotland, we also plan in detail for our country.
That is why we publish with this manifesto a fully costed budget for the first four years of independence.
That budget takes account of the riches of Scotland and of the extra resources we can generate by a new approach to business and individual taxation.
It lays out those areas in which we can re-order spending , switching resources from needless projects like Trident, to needed projects like new schools and hospitals.
Whilst the accompanying document explains the budget measures in detail, the chart opposite gives the basic financial information and answers the questions:
Where is the money coming from?
and
Where is the money going?
It also gives that strong affirmation that Alex Salmond used in his introduction.
For it says
YES WE CAN!
10: Paying for Scotland’s Future
THE SNP MANIFESTO 1997
Using your vote
On the 1st of May you will have the opportunity of using your vote to choose Scotland’s future.
The SNP has laid out in this manifesto its plans and proposals, and - alone amongst the political parties - has clearly costed them .
Also alone amongst the political parties, the Scottish National Party is offering a programme made for Scotland in Scotland:
a programme that uses Scottish resources and Scottish principles to solve Scottish problems.
Independence is the normal status for nations.
More than half of the nations of the world are smaller than Scotland, and most are much poorer.
Yet they have chosen independence, and not one would wish to give it up.
We can do so too - together.
We can answer the questions about our future with the confident statement
“YES WE CAN”
Yes We Can be free:
Yes We Can be independent:
Yes We Can pay our way in the world.
And yes, we must!
Fulfilling Britain’s great potential
This general election is in many ways even more important than the last.
Since May 1997 we have laid the foundations of a Britain whose economy is stronger, where investment is now pouring into public services, where social division is being slowly healed and where influence abroad is being regained.
But these are only the foundations of larger change.
Now is the chance to build the future properly, to make the second term the basis for a radical programme of British renewal: to keep a firm grip on inflation, with low interest rates and the public finances sound, and then build the dynamic and productive economy of the future;
to keep investment coming into public services and then making the reforms so we use the money well;
to refashion the welfare state on the basis of rights and responsibilities, with people helped to help themselves, not just given handouts;
to ensure all families are safe in their communities by tackling crime and its causes;
and to give Britain back its leadership role in the world.
We need the second term to do all this.
That is the choice: to make progress or to dismantle the foundations laid.
And with the state of today’s Conservatives, the choice is stark.
This choice will decide whether more people will be able to realise their aspirations for themselves and their children – to be able to rely on a stable economy where hard work is rewarded by rising living standards, to receive world-class education and healthcare, to enjoy a dignified old age, to feel safe and secure in a strong community, and to be proud to be British.
Or whether we will be held back by the traditional British malaise of restricting life’s great opportunities and blessings to a minority.
There is much still to be done, but we have come a long way in four years.
Britain stands more prosperous, more equal, more respected.
Our country is on a new course.
My passion is to continue the modernisation of Britain in favour of hard-working families, so that all our children, wherever they live, whatever their background, have an equal chance to benefit from the opportunities our country has to offer and to share in its wealth.
The challenge for Britain.
I am honoured to be Prime Minister.
And I have a confident belief in our country.
We are not boastful.
But we have real strengths.
Great people.
Strong values.
A proud history.
The British people achieved magnificent things in the 20th century.
But for too long, our strengths have been undermined by weaknesses of elitism and snobbery, vested interests and social division, complacency bred by harking back to the past.
We achieved spurts of economic growth, but inflation would then get out of control.
Our welfare state was founded to offer security, but its progress was stalled.
We reached out to Europe, then drew back to become semi-detached.
It is as if a glass ceiling has stopped us fulfilling our potential.
In the 21st century, we have the opportunity to break through that glass ceiling, because our historic strengths match the demands of the modern world.
We can use our openness and entrepreneurial flair to become a global centre in the knowledge economy.
We can use our sense of fair play and mutual responsibility to be a strong, dynamic, multiracial society held together by strong values.
We can use our historic and geographical position to link Europe and America, and help the developing world.
The key to tapping our strengths, to breaking through this glass ceiling, is contained in a simple but hard-to-achieve idea, set out at the heart of our party’s constitution: the determination to put power, wealth and opportunity in the hands of the many, not the few.
I know as well as anyone that we have just begun; millions of hard-working families want, need and deserve more.
That means more change in a second term, not less – to extend opportunity for all.
We reject the quiet life.
We must secure a mandate for change.
Ten goals for 2010:
• Long-term economic stability.
• Rising living standards for all.
•Expanded higher education as we raise standards in secondary schools.
• A healthier nation with fast treatment, free at the point of use.
•Full employment in every region.
• Opportunity for all children, security for all pensioners.
• A modern criminal justice system.
• Strong and accountable local government.
• British ideas leading a reformed and enlarged Europe.
• Global poverty and climate change tackled.
Shifting the odds for hard-working families.
In 1997 we promised a start, not a revolution.
We made five specific five-year pledges.
Three have been completed early; all will be completed within five years, as we promised.
Each pledge is matched by further achievement: the lowest inflation and unemployment for a generation; one million new jobs; over 17,000 extra nurses, the best primary school test results ever and, as the British Crime Survey shows, crime is down by ten per cent.
We also offered a ten-point contract to the British people.
The results are at the back of this manifesto.
Not everything has gone right – it never does.
But we are getting there, easing burdens and extending opportunities, by choice not chance.
Economic instability wrecks the lives of hard-working families.
So we chose to put the public finances right.
It meant tough decisions that were opposed by the Conservatives.
But today the economy is stable and growing, and interest rates are nearly half the level they averaged under the Conservatives.
Unemployment steals dignity.
So we chose to introduce a windfall tax on the excess profits of the privatised utilities and to use the money to help unemployed people back to work.
That was opposed by the Conservatives, who are now pledged to abolish the New Deal.
But today, youth unemployment is at its lowest level since 1975 and longterm unemployment at its lowest level since 1978.
Poor education is a cruel injustice.
So we chose to introduce a new system for teaching the basics in primary schools.
We met opposition, and the Conservatives want to roll back our programmes.
But today, primary schools are achieving their best results ever.
A run-down health service causes insecurity.
So we chose to reform the NHS, and inject new money.
Waiting lists and times are now down and falling, and the number of nurses and doctors is now rising.
Poverty denies basic rights.
So we chose to reform the welfare state to channel extra money to the poorest pensioners and poorest children.
Today, single pensioners can look forward to a minimum income of £100 a week and pensioner couples £154, and over one million children have been taken out of poverty.
The centralisation of power only helps the powerful.
So we chose to break the suffocating centralisation of British government.
The UK has been strengthened.
Today, it is the Conservatives who threaten the stability of the UK with their proposals for two classes of MP.
Our Scottish and Welsh manifestos, alongside this one, set out our vision for continued partnership.
Isolation from Europe does not help anyone.
So we chose to engage constructively in Europe, not to shout abuse from the sidelines.
Today, Europe is moving in a direction that is good for Britain and good for Europe.
In policy for aid, development and international debt relief, we have led the way.
Of course, there are still big problems, but we are better off, better educated, better governed, better respected abroad.
There has been another change too – a change of priorities and values.
We learnt in the 1980s that looking after number one was not enough; that without opportunity, responsibility was weak; that an unfair society was a less prosperous one.
The philosophy was wrong – it hurt millions of families and left our country with lasting problems.
We have shown we are a reformed party, competent to govern.
Now we offer more.
More change, and more rewards for Britain’s hard-working families: more prosperity, more opportunities, more security.
Ambitions for Britain.
Stretching the family budget, finding time for children as well as work, holding on to mutual respect, staying healthy when there can be danger even in the air we breathe.
These are daily worries that people face.
They are my concerns too.
But, while there is always a market for people who say we are doomed, that all new ideas are bad ideas even as things improve, that we might as well curl up with our prejudices and shut the door on the world, I am an optimist.
New Labour is ambitious for Britain’s future and is ready to lead.
First, we will sustain economic stability and build deeper prosperity that reaches every region of the country.
Skills, infrastructure, the technological revolution – all are vital to raise British living standards faster.
We will put as much energy into helping the seven million adults without basic skills as we did when tackling long-term unemployment through the New Deal.
Second, we seek to achieve a renaissance of status and quality for public services and their staff.
We will build on our success in primary schools to overhaul secondary schools;
we will invest new resources and empower doctors and nurses to transform health services;
and we will seek to extend the very best in culture and sport to all.
Third, we seek to modernise the welfare state.
The benefits system will be restructured around work; support for children and families through the tax and benefits system will be transformed; cash and services for pensioners will be radically improved.
Fourth, we will strengthen our communities.
We will reform the criminal justice system at every level so that criminals are caught, punished and rehabilitated.
And because we know that without tackling the causes of crime we will never tackle crime, we will empower local communities by combining resources with responsibility.
Fifth, we will turn our inner confidence to strength abroad, in Europe and beyond, to tackle global problems
– above all, environmental degradation and the shame of global poverty.
We will engage fully in Europe, help enlarge the European Union and make it more effective, and insist that the British people have the final say on any proposal to join the Euro.
These ambitions are summarised in ten goals for 2010.
They will never be achieved by government alone.
We know it is people who ultimately change the country.
Our partnership with the voluntary sector has steadily strengthened since 1997, as we learn from its diversity.
We work with the private sector, drawing on its vitality.
Countries only prosper on the basis of partnership – between government, employers and their employees, and the voluntary sector.
What Britain needs is an active, enabling state, not a nanny state, doing things with people not to them.
So, while the Conservatives will spend most of this election telling you what their government cannot do, this manifesto sets out what our government can do.
We know the power and value of markets, but we also know their limits.
Now is the time to renew our civic and social institutions to deliver improvements in education, health, safety, transport and the environment.
Fighting for values, not just for election victory.
The Conservatives always look back.
In economic policy they promise to repeat the mistakes of the 1980s – unaffordable tax cuts and spending cuts, followed by ballooning deficits, rising interest rates and the old cycle of boom and bust.
In social policy their renewed commitment to cuts and privatisation and to withdrawing the support helping to heal social division, is just a throwback to the 1980s.
In foreign policy they risk not just isolation but exit from the EU.
Jobs, trade, investment depend on our membership of the European Union.
The Conservative policy of opposing the enlargement of Europe in the Nice Treaty and their pledge to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s EU membership is dangerous and ill thought-out.
Standing up for Britain means fighting for Britain’s interests in Europe, not leaving Europe – which threatens our national interest.
So the choice Britain faces today is starker than in 1997.
The Conservatives have swung further to the right.
And, in government, Labour’s agenda has become increasingly bold and ambitious.
For many years, the Conservatives claimed to offer economic strength while Labour dominated social issues.
Many people found their head telling them to vote Tory, and their heart telling them to vote Labour.
Today, head and heart are coming together.
New Labour is proving that it is only by using the talents of all that we get a healthy economy, and that it is only by giving a stake to all that we are a healthy society.
We have made our choice: stability not boom and bust; investment not cuts; engagement not isolationism; the many, not the few.
A lot done and a lot more to do with new Labour – or a lot for you to lose under the Conservatives.
I deeply believe that, for Britain, the best is still to come.
So I ask you to continue on this journey with us.
Together we can achieve so much more.
Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party
Investment and reform.
Public services: investment and reform Renewal of our public services is at the centre of new Labour’s manifesto.
A single aim drives our policy programme: to liberate people’s potential, by spreading power, wealth and opportunity more widely, breaking down the barriers that hold people back.
But this is only possible on the continued foundation of economic stability: mortgages as low as possible, low inflation and sound public finances.
The manifesto is comprehensive.
Here we set out some of the key measures for investment and reform that we believe give us a historic opportunity to modernise our schools, NHS, criminal justice system and welfare state.
Renewing public services: substantial investment
New Labour believes that Britain needs investment in schools and hospitals, not reckless tax cuts.
Before 1997 we promised and kept to two tough years on spending to get the public finances in shape.
Now, consistent with meeting our fiscal rules, we promise substantial rises for key public services.
To help deliver our plans, our ten-year goal is the renewal of local government.
We will now:
- increase education spending by more than five per cent in real terms each year for the next three years as we increase the share of national income for education in the next Parliament.
- increase health spending by an average of six per cent in real terms each year for the next three years.
- increase spending on our police – an extra £1.6 billion a year by 2003/04.
- increase spending on transport by 20 per cent for the next three years, on our way to a £180 billion investment of public and private money for transport over the next ten years.
- use a £400 million reward fund for local government in return for signing up to clear targets to improve local services.
Renewing public services: more frontline staff
New Labour believes in renewing a public service ethic by giving frontline staff new freedoms to respond to public needs.
For public services to be renewed, we will need more staff, properly rewarded.
It is these frontline staff, operating in new ways, who will drive up standards in our key public services.
We will decentralise power to make that possible.
We will now deliver:
- 20,000 more nurses who will be given new enhanced roles and more power for matrons and ward sisters with control over budgets.
- 10,000 more doctors, and access to a £500 million Performance Fund to spend on new patient services.
- 10,000 more teachers.
- Invest in further rapid promotion and rewards for classroom excellence, more classroom assistants and help with housing costs in high-cost areas.
- 6,000 extra police recruits, raising police numbers to their highest ever level, with strong local leadership and proper rewards for those on the frontline.
Economic stability: the foundation
New Labour believes that a stable economy is the platform for rising living standards and opportunity for all.
Our ten-year goals are for long-term economic stability and faster productivity growth than our main competitors.
We will now:
- deliver economic stability with mortgages as low as possible, low inflation and sound public finances.
- reform further education, and help 750,000 adults achieve basic skills
- expand the Children’s Tax Credit to offer up to £1,000 per year for parents of newborn children.
- create a new Child Trust Fund for every child at birth.
- increase the minimum wage to £4.20.
- not raise the basic or top rate of income tax and extend the 10p band.
- strengthen regional economies with venture capital funds and new powers for reformed Regional Development Agencies.
- develop the Small Business Service and cut red tape.
- give British people the final say in any referendum on the single currency.
Renewing public services: education reform
New Labour believes that schools need a step change in reform to make quality education open to all.
We plan a radical improvement in secondary schools, building on our success in primary schools.
Our aim is to develop fully the talents of each child.
Our ten-year goal is 50 per cent of young adults entering higher education.
We will now:
- ensure every secondary school develops a distinctive mission including the expansion of specialist schools.
- diversify state schools with new City Academies and more church schools.
- direct more money to headteachers, more freedom for successful schools.
- reform provision for 11- to 14-year-olds to ensure higher standards in English, maths, science and information technology.
- introduce new vocational options from 14 onwards, with expanded apprenticeship opportunities
- ensure primary schools offer more chance to learn languages, music and sport, as well as higher standards in the basics.
- provide a good-quality nursery place for every three-year-old.
Renewing public services: NHS reform
New Labour believes that the NHS needs radical reform to fulfil its founding principle of quality treatment based on need, not ability to pay.
The NHS needs radical reform if it is to be designed around the needs of patients.
Investment is vital but not enough.
Labour’s ten-year goal is a maximum waiting time of three months as we become a healthier nation with fast, high-quality treatment, free at the point of use.
We will now:
- decentralise power to give local Primary Care Trusts control of 75 per cent of NHS funding, and cut by two thirds the number of health authorities.
- reform the appointments system so that by the end of 2005 every hospital appointment is booked for the convenience of the patient.
- cut maximum waiting times by the end of 2005 for outpatient appointments from six months to three months and inpatients, from 18 to six months.
- work with the private sector to use spare capacity, where it makes sense, for NHS patients.
- create a new type of hospital – specially built surgical units, managed by the NHS or the private sector – to guarantee shorter waiting times
- allow successful NHS hospitals to take over failing ones.
Renewing public services: welfare reform
New Labour believes that rights and responsibilities should be at the centre of reform of the welfare state– to lift children and pensioners out of poverty, and help parents balance work and family.
We will continue to reform the tax and benefit system to reward work, not irresponsibility.
Our ten-year goals are to achieve full employment in every region, to halve child poverty and tackle pensioner poverty.
We will now:
- create an integrated Child Credit of cash support for children, built on the foundation of universal child benefit.
- establish a new Pension Credit for lower- and middle-income pensioners.
- establish a new ‘Employment First’ interview for people entering the welfare system, and integrate the Benefits Agency and Employment Service through major reform.
- extend and increase paid maternity leave to £100 each week for six months.
- introduce paid paternity leave.
- expand childcare places to provide for 1.6 million children.
Renewing public services: criminal justice reform
New Labour believes that crime can only be cut by dealing with the causes of crime as well as being tough on criminals.
We plan the most comprehensive reform of the criminal justice system since the war – to catch, convict, punish and rehabilitate more of the 100,000 persistent offenders.
Our ten-year goal is a modernised criminal justice system with the burglary rate halved.
We will now:
- overhaul sentencing so that persistent offending results in more severe punishment.
- reform custodial sentences so that every offender gets punishment and rehabilitation designed to minimise reoffending.
- reform rules of evidence to simplify trials and bring the guilty to justice.
- introduce specialist, late-sitting and review courts to reflect crime patterns and properly monitor offenders.
- establish a new Criminal Assets Recovery Agency to seize assets of crime barons and a register of dealers to tackle drugs.
- introduce a victims bill of rights providing legal rights to compensation, support and information.
1. Prosperity for all
Our ten-year goals:
- Fiscal rules consistently met, low inflation and interest rates as low as possible, as we deliver long-term economic stability.
- Faster productivity growth than our main competitors, as we achieve rising living standards for all.
Our next steps:
- Basic skills for 750,000 people.
- Venture capital funds in every region.
- £180 billion investment in transport, with 25 local rail and tram schemes.
- Raise the minimum wage to £4.20.
- £1,000 tax cut – the Children’s Tax Credit – for parents of newborn Children.
Labour’s purpose is to help every family, not just a few, to raise their living standards and plan ahead with security.
We have a ten-year vision: higher living standards, affordable mortgages and fairer taxes combined with much greater investment in vital public services.
Economic stability is the foundation.
We know the price of boom and bust – it was paid in the 1980s and 1990s by millions of hard-working families.
Our reforms since 1997 have helped cut interest rates to nearly half the average under the Conservatives, saving mortgage payers on average £1,200 a year.
By 2010, we want Britain to break away from the decades of boom and bust, as we stick to clear rules for spending and borrowing.
We will take no risks with economic policy, make no compromise on fiscal responsibility.
Stability comes first.
But stability is not enough.
We need to produce more, better and to a higher value to raise our earning power and to meet our ten-year goal of faster productivity growth than our main competitors.
We must make Britain the best place to do business in Europe – a dynamic economy, founded on skills and knowledge, developing the talent of all our people, and contributing to sustainable development.
That means investment by private and public sectors in infrastructure and skills, and the right competitive framework to support enterprise, small and large, manufacturing and services.
Every extra trained, employed worker contributes to a fairer society, as well as a more prosperous one.
With social failure, from school drop-outs to crime, comes economic failure.
Fairness and enterprise go together.
It is up to government to do everything it can to help ensure that no individual and no community is left behind.
The fundamentals – Better off with Labour
The foundation of opportunity and prosperity is economic stability.
We know the risks of promises that cannot be paid for: the Conservatives led Britain into two deep recessions, double-digit inflation, record unemployment, 15 per cent interest rates and a doubling of the national debt.
Choice, not chance, has turned things round.
Independence for the Bank of England and longterm fiscal rules have given the UK the most stable and transparent economic framework in Europe.
Britain now has the best combination of low interest rates, low inflation and low unemployment since the 1960s.
We are saving nearly £9 billion this year from debt and unemployment, so 84p of every extra pound of public spending goes on national priorities, compared to 58p under the Conservatives.
So we will pursue a balanced approach on the economy with stability the foundation, more investment not less and, as affordable, targeted tax cuts on our priorities.
Our aim is to put more wealth in the hands of more people.
That is why we will keep mortgage rates as low as possible, ensure competition keeps down household bills, support savings and share ownership, and create a new Child Trust Fund for every child at birth to invest for when they reach adulthood.
There are no guarantees in an integrated world economy.
But we showed during the Asian economic crisis how to steer a course of stability in turbulent times.
We will continue to work at international level to minimise global economic turbulence, and to protect Britain if it occurs.
Tax and spending.
Fiscal responsibility and monetary stability are the foundation of our future plans.
New Labour’s inflation target is 2.5 per cent.
We will continue to meet our fiscal rules: over the economic cycle we will borrow only to invest, and keep net debt at a stable and prudent level.
We are pledged to raise health and education spending for the next three years at twice the rate of the Conservative years.
Labour will double net public investment.
And we are on track to save £1 billion in the costs of government purchasing by 2003.
Tax policy will be governed by the health of the public finances, the requirement for public investment, and the needs of families, business and the environment.
We have rewarded work through the new 10p starting rate of tax and the Working Families Tax Credit.
The basic rate of tax has been cut to 22p.
We will support families through the new Children’s Tax Credit, set at up to £1,000 a year for new parents – the first recognition of the costs of children in the tax system for 20 years.
On average, UK households have benefited by £590 a year from personal tax and benefit measures introduced since 1997.
During this Parliament, living standards have risen by ten per cent for a single earner family on average earnings.
To help those who work and save, we will extend the 10p tax band.
We will continue to tackle tax avoidance.
We will not raise the basic or top rates of income tax in the next Parliament.
We renew our pledge not to extend VAT to food, children’s clothes, books, newspapers and public transport fares.
Labour rewards work.
Labour believes that if you work hard you should be able to support a family.
We will guarantee a minimum family income of £225 for a 35-hour week;
in the next Parliament, an Employment Tax Credit will reward the work of people on low incomes, whether or not they have children (see ‘A modern welfare state’).
The first-ever National Minimum Wage for Britain, bitterly opposed at every stage by the Conservatives, has been a success in our first term.
It fulfils, after 100 years, a founding ambition of the Labour Party.
Up to 1.5 million people, the majority of them women, have been helped; jobs have not been lost.
The Low Pay Commission, which we will make permanent, has made clear recommendations for the future.
New Labour will raise the minimum wage to £4.10 this October, and is committed, subject to economic conditions, to raising it to £4. 0 in October 2002.
Labour rewards saving.
Nine million people invested in ISAs in their first year.
To encourage more saving, we will maintain the £7,000 contribution limit for the next Parliament.
We will help pensioners: the Pension Credit will match private saving with government funds, and pensioners will no longer be penalised because of their thrift (See ‘A modern welfare state’).
To boost the savings habit, we will create a new Savings Gateway for people on lower incomes where their savings will be matched by the government.
The productivity challenge – Staying better off
To raise living standards, our ambition is to raise our productivity faster than our competitors and to ensure our goods and services are competitive in world markets.
Labour has four priorities:
1. Investment in skills and innovation
Skills:
We are passionate about giving every child the chance of a decent education.
But we are equally determined to offer learning opportunities to adults.
Our ambition is for everyone to have the opportunity to train, in a partnership of employers, employees and government, each giving time and/or money to raise standards of skills in the UK.
Our first priority is to help the estimated seven million adults who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, with 750,000 people achieving basic skill levels by 2004.
We will:
• ensure that job seekers get the benefit of a basic skills test, as well as incentives and obligations to take courses to tackle literacy and/or numeracy problems
• set up a network of 6,000 IT learning centres around the country.
• extend Individual Learning Accounts, which have already been opened by over a million people.
• dramatically improve the quality and quantity of prison education.
• tackle the financial barriers that prevent adults studying in further education.
Basic skills are the start; updating skills is relevant for all of us.
We have created the Learning and Skills Council for all post-school learning outside higher education.
Further education colleges have a critical role to play in the future.
We will encourage dedicated colleges for under-19s and specialist adult provision to meet local skills needs, with half of all colleges to be recognised as centres of vocational excellence by 2003- 04.
The world’s first University for Industry now offers over 400 skills courses.
For skill shortages in information technology, we will open two Technology Institutes in every region to meet the rising demand for high-level technical skills.
We need a step-change in workplace learning, particularly in small and medium-sized firms.
We are determined to develop a three-way partnership to bring this about.
Current arrangements have secured increased participation, but not enough.
Unions and employers have a key role – but we also need to motivate individual employees.
Where both sides of industry in a sector agree, we will help set up a statutory framework for training.
We will boost the efforts of trade unions to raise skill levels by giving statutory backing to union learning representatives and supporting the Union Learning Fund.
Government has a wide-ranging role to play and is seeking to develop a training tax credit.
We will look to business and unions to come forward with proposals on how they can contribute to meeting the nation’s training goals.
Everyone has a responsibility to help deliver a high-skill, high-productivity economy.
Innovation.
Science and technology are the basis of new products and industries, both vital to productivity growth.
Since 1997 extra investment of £1.5 billion over three years has given science a fresh start, and a new stream of university funding has helped create new links between scientific breakthroughs and new products.
But we need to invest more to be at the cutting edge of science – in biotechnology and genome research.
We propose an R&D tax credit to promote business investment in research.
We will work for a European patent system by the end of this year to simplify the process of bringing ideas to market.
The £235 billion a year, and growing, global market for green technology gives real opportunity to British industry to benefit from a shift to low carbon technologies.
We will continue to encourage the best scientists to work in the UK, as well as making the most of our science base in universities (see ‘Worldclass public services’).
2. Supporting British business.
Government cannot make a business successful.
But government must create the right framework to help business achieve healthy long-term growth.
Since 1997, corporation tax rates have been cut to their lowest levels ever.
Companies no longer face a perverse incentive to pay out dividends rather than invest for the future.
Reform of capital gains tax has given the entrepreneur or investor new incentives for investment.
We support vital investment through the tax system – with allowances for high tech as well as small business investment.
The Myners report has identified weaknesses in our venture capital market, undermining longterm investment and economic dynamism.
We will act on its recommendations, including the abolition of the minimum funding requirement and reforms to pension fund management, and review progress in two 408years.
When people have worked hard, they want their money to go as far as possible.
Competition policy has already helped cut cash-machine charges and new car prices.
We will extend our fair and robust competition regime by giving more independence to the competition authorities.
We will toughen the laws on rogue traders, unfair terms in contracts, and loan sharks.
In the labour market, minimum standards for people at work offer dignity and self-esteem.
Regulation should be introduced, where it is necessary, in a light-touch way.
We will cut back the red tape associated with regulation, examine opportunities to put time limits on regulations, deregulate by secondary legislation, and offer help to small firms.
Over 150,000 small businesses have been set up since 1997.
We will develop the Small Business Service as an advocate for small business in government and a servant of small businesses around the country.
We are committed to reforming the tax treatment of small business, including VAT, and to seeking a reduction in payroll burdens.
Small business will also benefit from extending the 10p tax band.
We will reform the bankruptcy laws to ensure second chances for people who go bankrupt through no fault of their own, and provide funds for new start-ups.
We will also promote the development of entrepreneurship in the school curriculum.
We will modernise company law to promote transparency, reduce burdens on small business and promote long-term economic success.
We welcome the recommendations of the Co-operative Commission, which also covered the significant mutual sector, and will examine them with a view to strengthening these important parts of our economy.
3. Modernising our infrastructure for the information age – Digital nation
The infrastructure of the future includes fast, efficient and affordable communication – telecommunications, the internet and broadcasting.
That requires the best competitive environment, effective regulation and continued public and private investment in the technologies of the future.
A ‘digital divide’ would hurt business as well as individuals: universal access is vital to effective markets.
We will put all government services on-line by 2005, to improve access to services and spur business on-line.
We will work to ensure that broadband, which allows fast internet access, is accessible in all parts of the country.
English is the language of the internet.
We have the best TV in the world.
The next challenge is to open up the learning opportunities and enjoyment offered by digital TV and the internet to every household.
We are committed to making the switchover from analogue to digital signals as soon as conditions for access and cost have been met.
The governance of this fast-changing industry is out of date.
We will merge the five separate regulators into one, to create the world’s most competitive and advanced regulatory system.
We believe in the value and necessity of public service broadcasting and have committed to major funding increases for the BBC and to supporting a publicly owned Channel 4 and S4C.
Ofcom will ensure a level playing field, benefiting consumers in terms of choice, price and quality, in particular through promoting competition.
Transport.
A strong economy needs good transport.
Yet our inheritance was massive under-investment, with British Rail broken into over a hundred privatised pieces, and bus services in decline.
Labour’s priority is to improve and expand railway and road travel.
Our ten-year Transport Plan, supported by all the key players, matches large resources with major reform.
£180 billion of investment, split between railways, roads and local transport and delivered in partnership with the private sector, offers real hope to motorists and passengers alike.
• Rail: Passenger numbers have risen by 17 per cent since 1997, and freight increased by 22 per cent.
But recent crises have proved the need for urgent investment and strong regulation.
With Labour, £60 billion will be spent on upgrading the rail network, with the majority of rolling stock replaced.
Five hundred new carriages are already in use, another 3,000 ordered.
We plan to expand capacity to boost passenger levels by 50 per cent, and freight by more.
Safer train protection systems are now being installed and will be extended following Lord Cullen’s report into rail safety.
The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has been set up to provide strong, strategic direction.
Train companies will get longer franchises in return for higher investment and improved services.
The SRA will lead the expansion of the network, using public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Railtrack is being reformed to focus on the operation of existing track and signalling.
The Rail Regulator, with strengthened powers, will ensure the delivery of higher standards, increased safety and increased investment by the company.
London will benefit from new trains and reduced overcrowding on its commuter services.
We support plans to build a new East-West Cross-rail tunnel and to extend the East London Line.
We have pledged increased, long-term investment in the Tube to underpin a publicprivate partnership to upgrade Tube infrastructure, with operations remaining in the public sector.
Our agreement with the London Mayor and Transport Commissioner offers the best chance in a generation to upgrade the Tube.
Supertrams will transform transport in our big cities, with 25 new light rail or tram schemes.
Services have been introduced or expanded in Manchester, Birmingham, Croydon, Sheffield, Nottingham, Tyne and Wear with plans under way for supertrams in Leeds, Portsmouth and Bristol.
• Roads: The Transport Plan allocates £60 billion to road improvement.
Motorways will be upgraded; a hundred new bypasses will reduce accidents and pollution.
But environmentally damaging road schemes have been scrapped; all new roads must now be strictly appraised for maximum benefits and minimum environmental damage.
Our trunk roads are the safest in Europe and we aim to reduce serious road casualties by a further 40 per cent over ten years.
£8.4 billion is now being invested in local authority schemes in England.
We have given local authorities the freedom to choose to use charges to reduce traffic – but we insist they put the money into better transport services.
New road safety schemes will mean more school bus services and traffic-free Home Zones where people can walk safely, and children play without danger, to help cut the number of child road deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent by 2010.
Road tax is being cut on smaller, cleaner cars and duty reduced on greener fuels.
Tax incentives are creating a cleaner lorry fleet while the road haulage industry will benefit from steep reductions in Vehicle Excise Duty to among the lowest in Europe.
We will also ensure that hauliers from overseas pay their fair share towards the cost of our roads.
Smarter driving will be encouraged by new highway communications technology.
We are also working with the motor industry on safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Buses: are vital to local journeys.
With Labour, 25,000 new buses are already in operation.
By 2006, almost the whole national bus fleet will be renewed.
Lower concessionary fares have been introduced for over five million older and disabled travellers.
Park and ride schemes are increasing, and over 100 towns now have bus services linked to train stations, with cut-price fares.
Bus partnerships between local authorities and private bus companies will improve passenger numbers and service quality.
Nationally we will work to improve inter-city coach services.
Integrated transport
Good transport systems offer choice across transport modes.
Transport Direct – a phone and internet system designed to plan journeys and sell tickets – will put transport services at people’s fingertips.
Walking and cycling will be encouraged in thousands of local transport schemes.
Inland waterways are being revitalised and we will take forward the recommendations of the enquiry into the Marchioness disaster.
International links are also vital.
Plans for aviation and airports over the next 30 years will be produced next year.
Merchant ships are returning to the British flag.
We will complete the high-speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
Major national infrastructure projects, such as Heathrow Terminal 5, raise vital issues.
We will continue to modernise the planning system and introduce new fast-track procedures for major projects of national significance.
The Post Office and postal services
We are committed to high-quality, universal postal services, and a dynamic Post Office which can thrive in a world of technological change and increased competitive pressure.
Labour is working with the banks to offer a new universal banking service.
This will allow all benefit and pension recipients to receive their payments, at no charge, in full at the post office after the switch to Automated Credit Transfer in 2003.
We also intend the local post office to become an invaluable resource for access to government information.
There will be increased incentives for people to take over and modernise post offices.
Business customers, representing by far the majority of the Post Office’s turnover, want a full range of express, parcels and logistics services.
We have given the Post Office greater commercial freedom in the public sector.
It needs to be able to gain an advantage in the new postal market and become a leading force in domestic and international postal services through alliances and joint ventures.
We want to help the Post Office keep up with the best in a fast-changing market.
Energy
Labour is committed to a secure, diverse and sustainable supply of energy at competitive prices.
We have brought full competition to the gas and electricity markets.
Coal and nuclear energy currently play import roles in ensuring diversity in our sources of electricity generation.
We are putting an obligation on electricity companies to deliver ten per cent of the UK’s electricity from renewable sources by 2010, with a doubling of combined heat and power.
We will consider setting further targets for renewables, with particular focus on offshore wind, solar and biomass technologies, supported by a £100 million fund.
It will back up the Climate Change Levy, which includes agreements to improve efficiency in energy-intensive sectors, and the new Carbon Trust, which will recycle £100 million to accelerate the take-up of cost-effective, low-carbon technologies.
We will support research into clean coal technology and investigate its commercial possibilities.
We will double the expenditure on energy efficiency.
Fuel poverty blights lives: our aim is that by 2010 no vulnerable household in the UK need risk ill-health due to a cold home.
BNFL is an important employer and major exporter.
The government insists it maintains the highest health, safety and environmental standards.
We are examining the scope for turning the company into a public-private partnership.
4. Europe and the wider world.
Labour will be engaged and influential, fighting for the British national interest, as we set out in ‘Britain strong in the world’.
We will support British Trade International, which gives business direct access to UK posts abroad, and maintain the UK’s position as the location of choice within Europe for multinational business.
Labour’s position on the single currency was set out by the Chancellor in October 1997 and reiterated by the Prime Minister in February 1999.
We have made it clear that, provided the economic conditions are met, membership of a successful Euro would bring benefits to Britain in terms of jobs, investment and trade.
So, in principle, we are in favour of joining a successful single currency.
But, in practice, the five economic tests we have set out must be met before the government would recommend entry to the single currency.
An assessment of the tests will be carried out early in the next Parliament.
If the government and Parliament recommend entry, the British people will have the final say in a referendum.
So the choice is between a Conservative Party which will deny the people of Britain the chance to join, even if it is in our national interest to do so – and the Labour Party which says that, if it is in our national economic interest, the decision should be made by the British people in a referendum.
No one left behind – Helping everyone become better off
Britain is better off than in 1997 – but our ambition is to widen the winners’ circle so more people share in the benefits of economic growth.
In ‘A modern welfare state’ we set out the route to full employment.
Fair and flexible work.
We are proud of our commitment to combine a dynamic economy with fair standards in the workplace.
Labour has put right historic wrongs.
Every employee now has the right to four weeks’ paid holiday; trade unions have the right to recognition where a majority of the workforce want it; part-time workers have proper rights.
Our objective has been to promote fairness consistent with the competitive position of British business.
That will continue to be our position.
We have reformed the labour market to build a durable and fair basis for constructive employee relations.
As we learn from the reforms, we will keep their effectiveness under review.
We want to strengthen partnership at work, which can foster employee commitment and help at a time of industrial change.
We have established the Partnership Fund and want to expand it.
Information and consultation need to be appropriate to national traditions, with timely discussion of problems.
When large-scale redundancies are being considered, there is an especially strong case for consultation.
The government is reviewing the effectiveness of the UK’s current arrangements for information and consultation – works councils in larger firms operating across Europe as well as consultation on large-scale redundancies.
We will implement the findings of our review in this area.
We support conciliation in the workplace to avoid resort to litigation.
We will examine reforms that promote efficiency and fairness.
Women still suffer an 18 per cent pay gap compared to men.
We are committed to tackling the causes of this inequality.
We will work with employers and employees to develop effective proposals, building on good practice and the sound business case, in both the private and public sectors.
We will develop career services for all.
We aim for a ten per cent cut in death and major injuries at work by 2010 and will clarify responsibility, improve enforcement and toughen penalties for offences.
We are also committed to working with managers and employees to reduce the problems of bullying and violence in the workplace.
As a major employer, our ambition is to improve the quality of work for our employees – helping recruitment and retention.
Prosperity for every region.
Regions.
Balanced and sustainable growth depends on every region developing its capacity to the full.
Sitting back and leaving regional problems to the market is not acceptable.
The causes of disparities within and between regions must be addressed.
The new regional economic policy must be based on boosting regional capacity for innovation, enterprise and skill development, modernising regional infrastructure and improving university/industry links.
This is why Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have been set up and why they now have extra money and new freedoms.
We will work in partnership with local people to ensure that all regions and communities build on their own strengths.
Our task is to anticipate change, handle restructuring and enable businesses to move into high-skill, high value-added product markets.
Labour’s Job Transition Service will provide an intensive and personalised response to large-scale redundancies, helping people secure work or acquire new skills.
The JTS will focus its work on new Employment Action Plans drawn up by local economic partners.
Our commitment is to use the £1.2 billion rising to £1.7 billion a year now pledged to RDAs to promote business start-ups, strengthen links between business and universities, for example through university innovation centres and the establishment of a Centre for Manufacturing Excellence in every region to help firms develop.
They will develop venture capital funds to boost wealth-creating capacity.
The Conservatives are so obsessed with the market and so out of touch with what goes on beyond Westminster that they even want to scrap RDAs – and with them the vital jobs, inward investment and prosperity that they bring.
Urban renewal.
Eighty per cent of people live in urban and inner-city Britain.
We are ambitious for Britain’s urban areas: we want to make them better places to live and better places to set up a business.
The New Deal for Communities, worth £1.9 billion over three years, and the £900 million Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (see ‘A modern welfare state’), as well as our reforms to local governance (see ‘Strong and safe communities’) will drive forward progress.
Labour offers £1 billion of tax cuts over the next five years to increase capital investment in urban areas, for new businesses and for new housing.
Labour will reform the planning system to speed up decision-making, promote the most efficient use of land, and strike the right balance of environmental protection, safer communities and economic growth.
We have put urban renewal at the heart of the planning system and set a target of 60 per cent of new house building to be on brownfield land or provided through the conversion of existing buildings.
Two Millennium Villages have set high standards in design.
We will designate more in other parts of the country and continue to raise standards of urban design, with a quality mark to tackle cowboy builders.
Housing.
Lower interest rates enable more people to own their own homes.
Labour will make it easier for people buying and selling homes through a new sellers’ pack, through grants for low-income homeowners, and help for key workers in high-cost areas.
We will honour our commitment to tackle homelessness.
We will continue to promote housing choice, with reforms to leasehold and commonhold law, a licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation, and new powers for council tenants.
We will develop a modern basis for land registration to make conveyancing faster and cheaper.
We will also examine the ways in which tenants can be helped to gain an equity stake in the value of their home.
Labour is committed to reducing by one third the backlog of sub-standard housing by 2004, with all social housing brought up to a decent standard by 2010.
We will seek to reduce the use of costly bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
We propose additional investment of £1.8 billion over the next three years.
Some local authorities will continue to provide high-quality council housing.
We are supporting the transfer of 200,000 dwellings per year, where tenants agree, to social landlords like housing associations, and new arms-length council housing companies.
We will also help 10,000 key workers buy their own homes in high-cost areas to tackle recruitment problems.
Rural Britain.
The recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease has caused strain and distress in rural areas.
Labour’s priorities have been clear: to eradicate the disease as quickly and effectively as possible, to compensate those directly affected, and to protect the wider economy.
As the number of new cases falls significantly, and the clean-up of infected areas gathers pace, we are committed to help the most affected regions with a recovery plan including advice on sustainable restocking, organic conversion, and early retirement and outgoer schemes.
We will conduct a scientific review of how to prevent animal disease outbreaks from occurring in the future, and will introduce tough rules to back this up.
But we must also learn some of the wider lessons.
Agriculture and fishing.
Since the Second World War the economy of rural areas has undergone massive change.
About two per cent of the national workforce are now employed in agriculture.
But the industry is particularly important because of the links with food production, our landscape and our environment.
Labour’s aim is to promote economic renewal with a sustainable future for farming, strengthened communities and sustainable land use.
Short-term pressures need to be met.
Since the early 1990s, sectors of farming have been hard hit by BSE, the weakness of the Euro and falling world commodity prices.
Labour has provided £1.35 billion in short-term relief for farmers, including aid for diversification, farm business advice, better marketing, small slaughterhouses and restructuring of the industry.
We have minimised many regulatory burdens and improved the way food safety, environmental and animal health regulations are implemented.
But British agriculture will only thrive in the longer term through a further, radical reorientation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), away from distorting Europe-wide production subsidies towards more national responsibility for domestic farming, environmental and rural development priorities.
CAP reform is now more possible; Labour’s engagement with the EU gives us the best chance of making it happen.
We have begun the process of change with our farming strategy and our seven-year, £3 billion Rural Development Plans for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Labour will expand this programme so farming can become more diverse and responsive to consumers, and produce in a way that sustains and improves the environment.
We have already increased payments for organic conversion from £0.5 million to £18 million, and will increase them further.
We have set up an independent, open and consumer-focused Food Standards Agency to ensure that all food meets the highest standards.
We will argue for the extension of food labelling, to give consumers more choice.
Genetically modified (GM) foods and crops have caused concern despite stringent safety checks.
There should be high standards of safety – regulation must be strict, to protect the environment and promote public health and consumer choice – but we must use science to establish the facts, the opportunities and the risks before taking final decisions in an open way.
It is also important to reform the Common Fisheries Policy to preserve fish stocks for the future.
In the short term, Labour is providing more than £60 million in structural funds over the next three years to help the industry, including a new decommissioning scheme while also tackling the problem of ‘quota-hoppers’.
Economic renewal.
The economic hub of a rural area is often a thriving market town.
That is why Labour is committing an extra £100 million of public and private funding over the next three years for the renewal of market towns.
RDAs will be charged with renewal of rural as well as urban areas.
We will support village life with rate relief for pubs, garages and shops, as well as farmers who diversify part of their activity into other enterprises.
Tourism is a vital, growing industry for Britain, with 1.8 million employees, and links to the museums, arts and heritage that people want to enjoy.
Quality is our platform – which is why we now have a unified grading scheme for hotels and guest houses in England, and new training and New Deal opportunities.
We will support well-targeted promotion, regional programmes linked to RDAs, and high-quality information via the internet.
Traditional tourist resorts face special problems, so we have extended the assisted area map to include many seaside resorts and have negotiated an extension to the European Union regeneration funding so that seaside towns throughout the country can start rebuilding their economy.
Rural life.
Labour is pledged to a rural services standard to set out specifically what rural people can expect from 21 public service providers – with annual auditing and commitments to service improvement.
The rural school closure programme has been ended;
3,000 new, affordable homes a year are on the way;
a £30 million police programme will help cut rural crime;
£239 million over three years has been set aside for rural transport services;
and the Post Office is now obliged to prevent closure of rural post offices except in unavoidable circumstances, with £270 million to help achieve this and recruit sub-postmasters.
Labour is determined to protect Britain’s landscapes and wildlife.
Planning, transport and energy policy all make a difference.
We have also designated the first new national parks since 1948 and brought consensus to a large increase in access to open countryside.
We will press ahead with an £8 billion programme for water companies to clean up rivers and minimise damage from waste.
The dangers of coastal and inland flooding are now widely appreciated, and we are committed to investment in preventative solutions, including more sensitive use of agricultural land.
We have increased the number of protected nature sites.
We have also initiated important steps to improve animal welfare in Britain, and argued successfully for higher welfare standards for battery hens and pigs across the EU.
Leadership for the future.
Labour is committed to support our countryside and the people who live and work in it.
We are committed to create a new department to lead renewal in rural areas – a Department for Rural Affairs.
Independent and wide-ranging views are essential to the development of strategic and long-term policy.
We will set up an independent commission to advise on how we create a sustainable, competitive and diverse farming and food sector within a thriving rural economy which advances environmental, health and animal welfare goals.
Coalfield communities.
Labour is committed to a ring-fenced £400 million package of help for Britain’s ex-mining communities.
This will support local regeneration, including support for new businesses.
We will ensure that compensation due is paid quickly.
We will also honour our commitment to ex-miners suffering industrial diseases.
We have set aside £4 billion to compensate those men who suffered from lung disease and vibration white finger after working in Britain’s mining industry and the widows who nursed them.
Britain led the first industrial revolution.
Other countries got ahead in the second industrial revolution.
Now our ambition is for Britain to succeed in the third industrial revolution – enhancing knowledge, speeding up communication and developing the talents of all the British people.
How Labour makes you better off:
by saving money on your mortgage, through economic stability and low interest rates
by targeted tax cuts for families and pensioners
by improving living standards through action to tackle Britain’s productivity gap
by extending jobs and opportunity to every part of Britain, through regional support and a revitalised infrastructure
by offering a minimum wage of £4.20 and an Employment Tax Credit
2. World-class public services
Our ten-year goals:
- 50 per cent of young people entering higher education, as we raise standards in secondary schools.
- Maximum waiting time of three months for any stage of treatment, as we become a healthier nation with fast, high-quality treatment free at the point of use.
Our next steps:
- Every secondary school with a distinct ethos, mission and centre of excellence
- Recruit an extra 10,000 teachers
- More power to frontline staff with budgets for ward sisters and consultants and 75 per cent of NHS spending controlled by Primary Care Trusts.
- More health service workers – 20,000 more nurses, and at least 10,000 more GPs and consultants
- Free access to national museums and galleries
The whole country depends on high-quality public services.
We have a ten-year vision for Britain’s public services: record improvement to match record investment, so they deliver high standards to all the people, all the time, wherever they live.
Since 1997 there has been investment with reform.
Thanks to committed public servants, we have shown that rapid progress is possible and have begun to break the fatalism that says public services are always second class.
Now is the time to move forward.
Economic stability makes more investment possible.
Labour will put education and healthcare first.
We promise reform to match.
We will decentralise power within a clear framework of national standards to increase the quality and diversity of public services and meet the challenge of rising expectations.
In education, we offer step-change in secondary schools to match the vast improvements in primary schools already achieved.
Every school will have a clear mission, with more teachers, new types of school, new opportunities for children and education tailored to fufil their potential.
By 2010, we want a majority of Britain’s young people entering higher education.
In health, we will recruit 20,000 extra nurses and at least 10,000 extra doctors.
Our ten-year goal is a healthier nation, with fast, high-quality treatment meeting rising expectations and demographic and technological challenges.
Doctors and nurses will be in the driving seat of reform.
The job of government is also about ensuring that the enjoyment, excitement and inspiration of arts and sport come alive for everyone.
In all our public services, the key is to devolve and decentralise power to give freedom to frontline staff who perform well, and to change things where there are problems.
Services need to be highly responsive to the demands of users.
Where the quality is not improving quickly enough, alternative providers should be brought in.
Where private-sector providers can support public endeavour, we should use them.
A ‘spirit of enterprise’ should apply as much to public service as to business.
Labour’s ambition for public services is simple: we want excellent services for all.
Our challenge is to reverse decades of denigration and underinvestment.
The citizen – the patient, the pupil, their needs and aspirations – must be central.
We will work with frontline staff to deliver a revival of our public services that is every bit as profound as the changes to the private sector in the 1980s.
In our first term, national action was vital – to tackle crises of funding and quality.
Government must take national responsibility for investment and for setting a clear national framework.
Now we need to move on, empowering frontline staff.
Each service needs the right structure and incentives at local level – decentralisation of power with strong incentives for high performance.
Frontline staff are advocates for citizens, and ambassadors for their services.
Motivated by an ethos of service, they must be supported to carry through change.
Education – Labour’s number one priority
Education remains Labour’s top priority.
Excellence for the many, not just the few is our driving passion.
Our goal is to develop education to harness the individual talents of every pupil.
Since 1997 rising standards have been achieved through major new investment and significant reforms: 17,000 schools have had vital repairs or refurbishment; 20,000 schools are now connected to the internet; there are nearly half a million fewer primary pupils in classes of more than 30; over 150,000 teachers are set to receive a £2,000 pay rise above the usual annual increase; every school is getting additional grants of up to £110,000 paid direct; and there are 11,000 more teachers and over 44,000 more support staff and classroom assistants.
Our partnership with teachers has achieved what OfSTED calls a ‘transformation’ in primary school standards, thanks to smaller infant class sizes and major reform in the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills.
Our task now is to achieve a similar transformation in secondary education, liberating the particular talent of every child.
Our pledge to parents is clear: children should be on track to achieve their best, or receiving extra expert help to catch up.
Investment.
Money alone cannot guarantee a good education, but extra investment is indispensable to achieving our ambitions.
We pledge a further step-change in investment in return for a further step-change in standards.
In 1997 Labour promised to increase the share of national income devoted to education.
Over this Parliament, we have increased it from 4.7 per cent to 5 per cent – £540 extra per pupil in real terms – and we are pledged to raise it to 5.3 per cent by 2003-04.
Investment in buildings and equipment has trebled.
During the next Parliament, we will again increase the share of national income for education.
Under-fives.
The early years of a child’s life are vital.
That is why we are doubling investment in early years education.
There is now a free nursery place available for every four-year-old.
Our new Foundation Stage provides a distinct phase of learning appropriate for the early years.
By 2004 every three-year-old will be entitled to a free nursery place in the private, voluntary or statutory sector.
OfSTED will help drive up standards.
Children with special educational needs will have those needs identified earlier.
We will continue to provide services which integrate early years education with childcare.
By 2004 we will have 100 Early Excellence Centres as beacons of good practice providing care and education for children from 0-5; we will set up 500 Sure Start Centres in disadvantaged areas to support children’s early development; and we will provide an extra 100,000 places offering wraparound care linked to early education.
Primary schools.
Primary school teachers have achieved excellent results.
In 1997 barely half of 11-yearolds were up to standard in English and maths tests.
The figures are now 75 per cent and 72 per cent respectively, well on the way to meeting our targets of 80 per cent in English and 75 per cent in maths by 2002.
The lowest-scoring Local Education Authorities (LEAs) are now achieving better results than the national average in 1996.
But Labour will not be satisfied until every child leaves primary school with the basic skills they need.
We are setting targets for an 85 per cent success rate for 11-year-olds in English and maths, and will provide further intensive support for teachers to meet them.
Primary education without the basics is a betrayal; but every parent rightly wants far more.
We will provide primary pupils with wider opportunities to learn sports, musical instruments and a foreign language.
Secondary schools.
Transforming secondary education is the critical challenge of the next decade.
We reject a return to the 11-plus.
The principles of inclusion and equality of opportunity remain central to our commitment to liberate the potential of every child.
But, on their own, they are not enough to guarantee high standards.
Standards have risen in the past four years, particularly among pupils in less advantaged areas.
Strong school leadership and better teaching have turned around 700 failing schools.
But the challenge ahead is immense.
Too many pupils fall back and become disillusioned in the first two years of secondary school.
Just half of 16-year-olds currently gain good school-leaving qualifications, and levels of drop-out remain too high.
The dramatic advances at primary level mean pupils will increasingly arrive at secondary school demanding the best.
We will radically modernise comprehensive schools.
In future every school must have:
The right leadership.
Headteachers must have the freedom and resources necessary to run their schools effectively.
We have improved pay and training for headteachers and delegated more funding to schools.
Where they demonstrate success, we will further extend their freedom to manage their schools effectively.
We will reduce the regulatory burden on all schools.
High standards in the core curriculum
We will modernise the secondary curriculum to promote higher standards and better progression from school and college to university or work-based training.
All pupils should reach the age of 14 fully competent in a broad range of subjects.
Effective teaching is the key.
We will develop the literacy and numeracy strategies in secondary schools with the right balance of targets and flexibility, particularly for pupils not up to standard in the basics.
We will set demanding targets for high achievement by the large majority of 14-year-old pupils in English, maths, science and IT tests – the passport to future success.
We will promote more effective pathways beyond 14, including high-quality vocational routes that build on the new vocational GCSEs and A-levels.
We will ensure there is an apprenticeship place for every young person who reaches the required standard.
A mission to achieve.
We want every secondary school to develop a distinct ethos, mission and centre of excellence.
Specialist schools offer the full national curriculum to the whole ability range while developing a centre of excellence – and their rates of improvement outstrip the national average.
Having trebled their number since 1997, we have pledged to expand their numbers to at least 1,500 by 2006, on the way to making specialist status available to all schools ready for it.
We will encourage more church and other faith-sponsored schools, where parents wish it.
We will establish more City Academies, and promote greater innovation in the supply of new schools with local consultation.
We will allow greater involvement in schools by outside organisations with a serious contribution to make to raising standards.
We will extend provision for gifted children as we nurture children’s special talents.
As part of our reform of the vital further education sector, we will encourage the development of free-standing sixth-form colleges.
Schools with sixth forms will be guaranteed their funding for pupils in real terms, provided numbers are maintained.
We are committed to expand Educational Maintenance Allowances so they cover 30 per cent of the country, and build upon them on the basis of the experience.
Pupils will be given greater opportunities through the promotion of partnerships between schools.
We will build on the partnerships established between the state and private sectors.
Better infrastructure.
We will invest nearly £8 billion in school buildings and equipment over the next three years, including the construction of 650 new or completely refurbished schools.
IT has enormous potential to raise standards, and it is vital that every child leaves school able to make use of the new technologies.
Today, nearly all schools are connected to the internet.
Labour is committed to spend £1.8 billion over six years on equipping our schools for the information age.
We will pioneer Curriculum Online to ensure materials are available to pupils in school and at home.
We are committed to continue to extend access to IT for pupils and teachers, including the possibility of a national leasing scheme to make top-quality hardware available at very low prices.
The right support.
Good schools also depend on parents and the local community.
We will continue to ensure that headteachers have the powers they need to tackle disruption and unacceptable behaviour in schools.
Local education authorities will focus on supporting school improvement, especially weak and failing schools, and delivering services that cannot be provided by individual schools.
We will ensure better training and support for school governors.
Schools should be used more effectively as assets for the whole community, including for childcare and community learning.
We will pilot ‘extended hours schools’ to develop this resource.
We will build on the success of more than 40 study centres based in leading football clubs by extending community involvement to other sports.
Over time we want to develop safe places for children to play outside school hours and every pupil to have access to a summer school programme.
An Academy for Talented Youth will be established in partnership with a leading university to pioneer summer and other dedicated provision for those with special talents.
We have significantly improved support and provision for children with special needs or disabilities.
They should have access to the best possible education, with appropriate support, whether mainstream or special schooling most suits their needs.
Schools in the toughest areas, and the teachers who work in them, need special support.
We will expand the Excellence in Cities programme for urban secondary schools, with extra help for the weakest schools, learning mentors and in-school units to help manage pupil behaviour.
Where LEAs cannot effectively support school improvement, alternative provision will be made.
For schools facing exceptional pressures, for example very high pupil turnover, we will provide additional support, including significant reductions in the size of teaching groups where appropriate.
Teachers.
Nothing in education is more important than having good teachers.
We have made teaching a far more attractive career, through better pay, better incentives to train including training salaries and loan write-offs, more recognition and improved support.
The General Teaching Council and National College for School Leadership are both now up and running.
We want teaching to be a career of choice for the best graduates and attractive to people making career changes.
We will continue to invest more in the profession and improve conditions for teachers.
High status, better salaries and proper professional support are all essential.
We are conducting a strategic review of teacher workload and the right balance between teaching and administration, central direction and local discretion.
We will build on its findings significantly to improve support for teachers in the classroom and in administrative tasks, so they can concentrate on their job.
We will:
• recruit 10,000 extra teachers and improve the adult:pupil ratio
• support teachers in the classroom by employing more adults to help them
• invest in rapid promotion and rewards for classroom excellence
• boost recruitment and retention packages for teachers, particularly in high-cost areas and schools facing exceptional challenges
• create new routes into teaching, including ‘train-to-teach’ courses accredited as part of undergraduate degrees and a stronger training mission for outstanding schools
• further improve in-service training opportunities for teachers
• develop school achievement awards that reward staff in 7,000 fast-improving schools a year
• subsidise new PCs for teachers so that they have direct access to the latest technology.
Higher education – a world leader.
Higher education brings on average 20 per cent higher earnings and a 50 per cent lower chance of unemployment.
It is time for an historic commitment to open higher education to half of all young people before they are 30, combined with increased investment to maintain academic standards.
In 1997 we inherited a system where the number of qualified people able to go to university was capped.
Today, the numbers are rising and universities have the funds to expand, with new two-year foundation degrees to offer students the option of a vocationally relevant, high-quality qualification as a way into skilled work or further study.
Over the next three years, we will continue to expand student numbers, taking us towards our 50 per cent target.
We will maintain university entry standards while intensifying efforts to extend the huge advantages that a university education confers to able young people from all backgrounds.
University summer schools, master classes and mentoring support will be offered to potential students from disadvantaged areas through a new Excellence Challenge programme, backed up by £190 million of funding.
We will not introduce ‘top-up’ fees and have legislated to prevent them.
Since 1997 we have increased university funding by more than a billion pounds a year over the Parliament – and invested considerably more in research.
Our new system of university finance ensures that 50 per cent of students pay no tuition fees at all, that no parents pay more than under the old system, and that students pay back loans progressively when they are earning.
We will ensure that the funding system continues to promote access and excellence.
We will strengthen research and teaching excellence.
It is vital that our world-leading universities are able to compete with the best internationally.
We will also support world-class research and the development of public-private partnerships.
We are determined to ensure that our universities have the freedom and incentives to meet our ambitions for them.
Reforms to the inspection system for teaching will slash red tape for higher performing departments.
Health – Quality Services from a growing NHS
For over 50 years the NHS has been part and parcel of what it means to be British.
If you fall ill, the NHS is there.
Its foundations – tax-based funding and care according to need – remain as valid today as ever.
The NHS employs one million dedicated people.
But it needs far-reaching reform to redesign its services around the needs of patients.
Labour’s ten-year NHS Plan is our strategy for ensuring fast, convenient, high-quality care in all parts of the country.
We will implement it through the next Parliament and, if elected, beyond.
Reform will be driven through primary care trusts (PCTs) as power and resources are decentralised to frontline staff.
In 1997, waiting lists were at record levels and rising, hospital building had ground to a halt, and the number of nurses working in the NHS had fallen.
Today, waiting lists are down by over 100,000 and waiting times are falling.
There are 17,000 more nurses, over 6,500 more doctors, and over 9,000 more therapists, scientists and technicians working for patients.
The biggest-ever hospital building programme is under way.
NHS Direct, the 24-hour nurse helpline, is available across the country.
Eye tests for people who are 60 and over are now free.
But there is a lot more to do.
We are committed to investment and reform.
With Labour, in just four years the NHS will have grown by a third.
Spending on the health service is now rising by an average of over six per cent a year in real terms – the biggest sustained increase in its history and double that under the Conservatives.
Provided that as a country we maintain economic stability, we will, if elected, be able to sustain significant funding increases throughout the next Parliament.
So over time we will bring UK health spending up to the EU average.
The fundamentals of care.
That money will help us get the basics right.
By 2005 there will be 10,000 more doctors and 20,000 more nurses, with ward sisters in charge of ward budgets.
Matrons will make sure that hospital food is good and wards are clean, with power to stop payments to contractors who fail to keep hospitals up to scratch.
‘Nightingale’ wards for older people and mixed sex wards will be abolished, and mental health wards will be modernised.
There will be 7,000 extra beds in hospitals and in intermediate care.
And we will build 100 new hospital developments by 2010 and 500 one-stop primary care centres, with over 3,000 GP premises modernised by 2004.
We are investing an extra £7 billion of capital investment into the health service.
We have said that Private Finance Initiative (PFI) should not be delivered at the expense of the pay and conditions of the staff employed in these schemes.
We will seek ways in which, within the framework of PFI management, support staff could remain part of the NHS team.
Improving health.
Our job is not just to improve the nation’s health service.
It is to improve the nation’s health.
Deaths from cancer and heart disease are too high.
There has been a growing health gap between rich and poor.
Beyond other commitments to combat child poverty and poor housing, we will tackle the long-standing causes of ill-health and health inequality by:
• making the fight against cancer, heart disease and stroke the top priority for investment and reform, with earmarked extra funding of £1 billion by 2004.
The number of cardiologists will increase by around half and cancer specialists by nearly a third by 2005 compared to 1999- 2000.
Waiting times for cancer treatment will be cut.
Our ambition is to prevent 300,000 avoidable deaths over the next decade
• tough targets to close the health gap to cut deaths in poorer communities and among poorer children improving mental health services, and a new emphasis on prevention, with more screening services including for conditions like sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and newborn hearing problems
• offering the world’s best smoking cessation services to help the seven in ten smokers who say they want to give up
• giving children aged four to six in nursery and primary schools a free piece of fruit every school day – the biggest boost to child nutrition since free school milk was introduced in 1946.
We remain committed to our bill – blocked by the Tories – to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
Reforming the NHS
The NHS has to earn the confidence of each new generation.
It has to change the way it works if it is to meet today’s challenges and provide fast and modern services.
With Labour, by 2004 Patients will be able to see a GP within 48 hours.
By the end of 2005 we will cut maximum waiting times for outpatient appointments from six months to three months, and for inpatients from 18 months to six months by expanding staff numbers and reforming how care is delivered.
Major conditions like cancer and heart disease will have priority, with all patients treated according to clinical urgency.
We will give patients more choice.
We have restored the right of family doctors to refer patients to the hospital that is right for them.
Now we will redesign the system around the needs of patients.
Same day tests and diagnosis will become the norm.
By extending the use of NHS Direct and increasing the numbers of dentists, patients will get easier access to NHS dentistry wherever they live.
Specially built surgical units – managed by the NHS or the private sector – will guarantee shorter waiting times.
We will use spare capacity in private-sector hospitals, treating NHS patients free of charge, where high standards and value for money are guaranteed.
It would be wrong to push people into paying for their operations.
That is why we reject the approach of the Conservatives, which would lead to this outcome.
By the end of 2005 every hospital appointment will be booked for the convenience of the patient, making it easier for patients and their GP to choose the hospital and consultant that best suits their needs.
From next year, if an operation is cancelled on the day of surgery for non-clinical reasons, the hospital will have to offer another binding date within 28 days, or fund the patient’s treatment at the time and hospital of the patient’s choice.
By modernising all maternity units, increasing the number of midwives and giving women greater choice over childbirth, we will ensure that women receive the highest quality maternity care.
There will be tough new standards for care of children, the elderly and people with conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
We will further tackle the ‘lottery of care’ as we direct local health authorities and trusts to fund drugs and treatments recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Genetic services will be extended in the NHS so that more patients enjoy the benefit of the latest advances in testing and treatment; but we will ban by law human cloning, and implement a moratorium on the use of genetic tests for insurance, following a recommendation of the Human Genetics Commission.
We will continue to examine demographic and technological challenges as they affect the NHS.
Patients will have more say, as in the NHS Plan.
We will give every citizen a personal smartcard containing key medical data giving access to their medical records.
Older people, people with disabilities and their carers will be able to decide which services they want, with the choice of having cash given to them directly by local councils.
Patients will be represented on trust boards and have more information on local services’ quality.
Power devolved.
To achieve this vision there will be clear national standards but greater decentralisation to frontline services and to the staff who run them.
Locally agreed personal medical services schemes will be extended.
By 2004 all local healthcare will be organised by primary care trusts (PCTs) run by frontline doctors and nurses.
Together with the new care trusts, combining health and social services, PCTs will control 75 per cent of NHS funding.
With more power for PCTs we will cut the number of health authorities by two-thirds and devolve to the remainder the functions of NHS Regional Offices.
We will use the savings of £100 million a year for investment in frontline services.
Hospitals and other local services will have greater control over their own affairs and access to a £500 million performance fund, while consistently failing NHS hospitals will be taken over by successful NHS hospitals.
Appointments to trust boards will no longer be made by ministers but by an independent panel.
NHS staff
None of these ambitions will be possible without major investment in the skill, working conditions and working practices of all NHS staff.
There will be extra pay too in high-cost areas, with pressure relieved through expanded staff numbers, reformed working practices and investment in training.
Every NHS employer will offer more flexible working hours for staff and especially nurses.
Childcare provision will be improved and we will offer targeted subsidies for childcare for NHS staff.
The pay system will be reformed to make it fairer.
As set out in the NHS Plan, there will be new contracts for GPs and hospital consultants, coupled to extra money.
We will examine the case for a public-private partnership with a commercial mortgage lender to make home ownership more affordable for nurses and other staff.
We will set up a University of the NHS to guarantee to staff at all levels opportunities for training and career development.
Healthcare assistants, porters, cooks and cleaners will be offered an individual learning account worth £300 a year to develop their careers.
We will examine the potential for sabbaticals to help GPs, consultant nurses and consultants keep their skills up to date.
There will be new systems to learn from when things go wrong, a core education curriculum for all health professionals and reforms to modernise the way health professions are regulated.
We will take action to protect NHS staff from violence and abuse, and reform the clinical negligence system.
This is a vision worth fighting for.
It will take time to achieve, but this is the most comprehensive plan ever put before the British people to improve the state of the nation’s health and our health service.
It will deliver an NHS to be proud of.
Culture and sport
The arts and sports are key to our quality of life.
They matter for their own sake.
Millions make their living out of their creativity.
Government can and must make sure the opportunities are there.
But, for the last 20 years, under-investment, misplaced priorities, and lack of organisation held back access and excellence.
Since 1997 this has begun to change.
We have started to invest and to reform the system.
Investment in theatre develops the film and television stars of tomorrow; investment in sport will produce the Olympic and Paralympic medal winners of 2012.
Culture and sport should not be seen as peripheral issues – they are vital to our identity and enjoyment as a country.
We are pledged to the investment necessary to expand access and excellence together in culture and sport, building on excellence in film and broadcasting.
Sport.
The performance of British athletes at the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics thrilled everyone.
Labour is committed to a radical extension of sporting opportunities and facilities.
Sport is a good health policy, a good crime reduction policy, a good way of building communities.
We pledge a sports entitlement for all children, giving them access to at least two hours a week of sport in or after school.
Thanks to our ban on the enforced sale of playing fields and a commitment of nearly £1 billion to new sports facilities and 1,000 school sports co-ordinators, all children will be offered coaching and competitive games.
Children with talent need more investment: we have pledged to fund 200 specialist sports colleges.
We will maintain the elite funding we put in place for individual athletics, with a first-class athletics stadium for the World Athletics Championships in 2005 and a new stadium in Manchester for next year’s Commonwealth Games.
We are committed to sell the Tote to a racing trust to allow it to compete commercially, with all long-term profits invested in the sport.
We are committed to finding ways to support the amateur sports clubs to which 5.6 million people now belong.
The House of Commons elected in 1997 made clear its wish to ban fox-hunting.
The House of Lords took a different view (and reform has been blocked).
Such issues are rightly a matter for a free vote and we will give the new House of Commons an early opportunity to express its view.
We will then enable Parliament to reach a conclusion on this issue.
If the issue continues to be blocked we will look at how the disagreement can be resolved.
We have no intention whatsoever of placing restrictions on the sports of angling and shooting.
Arts.
Thirty million people enjoy arts activities each year.
The arts are crucial to national life, with a huge importance for the creative and tourist industries.
Yet the Conservatives introduced charges for our national museums and galleries, cut the arts budget, and reduced support for arts education.
Since 1997 that has changed.
National museums are already free for children and pensioners.
Labour is committed to reform the VAT system to ensure they will be made free for everyone from December.
By 2004, arts funding will be 60 per cent above its 1997 level in real terms.
An extra £25 million a year will go to regional theatre, increasing the number and quality of productions for audiences in England.
We have invested in our orchestras, and put an extra £10 million a year into developing our regional museums and galleries.
We have maintained our commitment to the nation’s heritage and to its historic buildings, and we will continue our drive to put architectural quality at the heart of the design of new public buildings.
Education is the bedrock of an artistic society.
We are once again giving children the opportunity to learn music, and we will ensure the opportunity is available to all.
New creative partnerships – linking schools with artists and arts organisations particularly in disadvantaged areas – will offer children the chance to develop artistic and creative talents.
We will build on the pilot projects.
We have made the largest-ever investment in computerising libraries; all will be on-line by 2002, with guaranteed standards to meet users’ needs.
From 2002, Culture On-line will offer children and adults alike tailored access to our national collections and cultural activity over the internet.
We will create new specialist arts schools and city academies to offer specialist education to the most talented young people.
Public money devoted to the arts should be spent on excellent art, not bureaucracy.
The Arts Council is undergoing substantial reform – creating a simpler structure which gives more power to the regions, cuts bureaucratic costs further, and which can deliver a better service to individual artists and arts organisations.
We will ensure that our arts funding system backs excellence, giving artists and arts organisations the long-term stability they need to become world leaders.
Creative industries.
The creative industries are a vital engine of our economy, providing jobs for over one million people.
The National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) has been set up to back our most talented young people.
Creative entrepreneurs need seed funding, cheap accommodation near other similar companies, and advice on how to develop their talent into a business.
To meet those needs, we now plan to provide start-up advice, services and funding for new businesses.
Venture capital will be available through RDAs, and a creative industries champion will be appointed in every Business Link.
Lottery.
Under the Conservatives, many communities missed out on their fair share of lottery money.
The number of grants to community groups has trebled with Labour.
Yet there are still communities which have received a disproportionately small share of lottery funding.
We will ensure a fairer deal for them.
Labour has reshaped the lottery to match people’s priorities.
Money goes for revenue as well as capital.
The New Opportunities Fund (NOF) directs help to education, health and the environment – after-school clubs, vital cancerbeating equipment, local green spaces.
We backed going ahead with the Dome as an opportunity to showcase British talent and give people a good day out in millennium year.
Despite being enjoyed by more than six million visitors, the Dome did not fulfil expectations and we have learned the lessons, good and bad, from it.
But the development of the Dome has been the catalyst for unlocking the value of the North Greenwich peninsula and regenerating local communities.
We need a revolution in the status, standards and focus of our public services.
Labour is prepared to make the investment in staff and services – and we are ready to match investment with reform.
How Labour helps young people:
by raising standards and investing more in education, from nursery schools to adult learning
by giving the majority of young adults the opportunity to study in higher education
by tackling youth unemployment, with the New Deal made permanent
by opportunities to train as you work, through modern apprenticeships and the right to time off to study
by expanding sports facilities and schools and in the community
by cleaning up the environment, with support for green technologies and global action to tackle climate change
3. A modern welfare state
Our ten-year goals
Sustain a higher percentage of people in work than ever before, as we seek full employment in every region.
Child poverty halved and pensioner poverty tackled, as we extend opportunity for all children and security for all pensioners.
Our next steps:
- An ‘Employment First’ interview for everyone coming on to benefits.
- Expanded support for children through tax and benefit reform.
- Extend and increase paid maternity leave and introduce paid paternity leave.
- New pension credit for lower- and middle-income pensioners, and the Winter Fuel Payment retained.
- £900 million Neighbourhood Renewal Fund for jobs, education and crime Prevention.
As society changes, so the welfare state must change.
We have a ten-year vision for an active welfare state: to promote work for those who can, security for those who cannot, and rewards for those who save, volunteer, learn or train.
Since 1997, we have cut the costs of unemployment, saving £4 billion last year.
As a result, we have been able to spend more on tackling poverty and raising family support within a social security budget that has grown, in Labour’s first term, at the lowest rate since 1948.
Employment is not just the foundation of affordable welfare, it is the best anti-poverty, anti-crime and pro-family policy yet invented.
After years of mass unemployment, full employment is now on the agenda.
Our ten-year goal is to sustain a higher percentage of people in work than ever before.
With more than one million more people in work than in 1997, and a million vacancies in the economy, we need to extend the New Deal, not abolish it as the Conservatives propose.
We judge our society by how we treat the young and the old.
In this Parliament, over one million children have been taken out of poverty; our ten-year goal is to halve child poverty, ending it in a generation.
We will transform support for children to achieve it.
For those in retirement, security depends on partnership between state and funded provision.
We promise that, within two years, no pensioner need live on less than £100 per week, increased annually in line with earnings growth.
On top of that, we will reward pensioners who save.
Government cannot achieve social inclusion for people, but it can help them achieve it for themselves, by transferring power and opportunity to local communities.
That is our promise.
Full employment – Labour’s goal
With Labour, the welfare state helps people into work, makes work pay, supports them at work, and demands responsibilities in return.
Our ambition is full employment in every region – good for the economy and good for social justice.
The New Deal has already helped to cut longterm youth unemployment by 75 per cent – 280,000 young people have been helped into work.
Long-term unemployment is down by over 60 per cent.
The claimant count is the lowest for 25 years.
But too many people are still denied the opportunity to work.
A million people remain unemployed; 100,000 lone parents have come off income support since 1997, but our target is to raise the current 50 per cent employment rate to 70 per cent.
Many people with disabilities out of work say they would like to work.
Older people, with a wealth of talent and experience, are a resource we cannot afford to waste.
Labour has ended the days of low-grade job schemes.
The New Deal leads to real jobs, a lower benefits bill and higher tax receipts.
We now need to build on its success, extending it to more people across the country.
We also need to ensure that the barriers to work are pulled down by delivering on our obligation to tackle discrimination so that all people can make the most of their talents.
Making the New Deal a permanent deal
The benefits system we inherited was fragmented, complex and contradictory.
We are putting in place clear, consistent rules: those who can work should be in work or in contact with the labour market.
As unemployment falls, we need further reform to help people into work.
Labour will introduce a new principle of ‘employment first’, with rights and responsibilities balanced at every stage.
The contract is simple: quality opportunities for real responsibility.
‘Something for something’ is the foundation.
Labour is pledged to create a new Working Age Agency, JobCentre Plus, merging the old Employment Service and Benefits Agency, and focusing on the key skill needs of areas of the country and sectors of the economy.
Whoever you are, wherever you live, you will get the opportunities suited to your needs – from one office, one adviser, one system.
The New Deals for young people and older workers will focus on numeracy, literacy, IT skills and presentation.
Where people are homeless or suffer drug or mental health problems we will offer specialist support.
More than 140,000 adults aged over 25 have been unemployed for over 18 months.
Labour will deliver more intensive and flexible help, with increased responsibilities for claimants.
We will offer greater flexibility to personal advisers and encourage greater engagement of employers, with IT training for all New Dealers.
Employment Zones include funding geared to results and public-private partnership.
On the basis of the evidence we will consider their extension to new areas and new claimant groups.
We will build on the Action Teams for Jobs model, which is targeting 40 of the most severely disadvantaged areas, to tackle the employment gap for ethnic minorities, and devote £45 million to provide stepping stones into employment for the hardest to employ.
All lone parents will be invited to employment interviews to help them seek employment opportunities.
We will build on the lessons of the Choices programme, which offers help with learning, work and childcare.
Partners of unemployed people with children, like those without children, will also be asked to interviews to discuss their options.
Parents need good-quality and affordable childcare if they are to have real choice about work.
For the first time, Britain has a National Childcare Strategy – covering cost, provision and quality.
We have already created 300,000 extra childcare places.
By 2004 our target is to have childcare places for 1.6 million children.
Our vision is ambitious: safe and reliable childcare nationwide, allowing all parents to combine home and work, confident in the childcare they have chosen.
We will help with the costs of childcare through the Childcare Tax Credit – and will look to extend it to people looking after children with disabilities, and shift workers.
We will support the commitment of community and voluntary groups to build up a diverse range of childcare – from Early Excellence Centres to neighbourhood nurseries and informal care (see ‘World-class public services’).
Many older workers now want to continue in work full- or part-time.
Yet one in three people between 50 and state pension age is not working.
To help them we will build on the New Deal 50+.
To help bridge the divide between work and retirement, we will examine ways to ensure that people will be able to draw on their occupational pension and continue to work parttime for the same employer, phasing their retirement without compromising their pension.
We are exploring how to facilitate the transition from work to positive voluntary activity.
Our ambition of full employment is part of a deal: if you put in a fair day’s work, the government will ensure you are able to support yourself and your family.
The minimum wage is the foundation.
But we offer a guarantee of take-home pay too.
For people with families, we promise to match your effort with support through the tax system.
For those on low incomes without children we will create an Employment Tax Credit to boost their earnings, tackle poverty and improve work incentives.
People with disabilities.
Our ambition is to enable people with disabilities to play a full part in the community.
The Disability Rights Commission now ensures full civil rights for people with disabilities; we have legislated so those with special needs or disabilities have equal access to education.
We are now committed to extending basic rights and opportunities, as indicated in our response to the Disability Rights Taskforce.
We are requiring different kinds of public transport to be made accessible, and introducing concessionary bus fares for the first time, for people with disabilities.
The New Deal for Disabled People pioneers new ways of helping people with disabilities into jobs.
The opportunity to work is vital to civil rights; we are testing how best to offer help with rehabilitation and job retention.
We will invest an additional £40 million to help people with disabilities into work, ensure that it is worthwhile to try out a job and stay in work if they have high care costs, and improve assessment for equipment and services as people move in and out of work.
We will not use disability benefits to disguise unemployment – the Tory approach in the 1980s.
The number of people getting Incapacity Benefit (IB) has fallen by 11 per cent since 1997; but too many people are written off when in fact they could, with support, work.
We will help break down the barriers that keep people with disabilities out of work.
We will continue to modernise the operation of the benefits system so that, if people can work, we help them to do so, and stop them slipping from lack of work to inability to work.
Around 18 million working days are lost each year due to work-related illness – at a cost of over £17 billion.
Many people on Industrial Injuries Benefit are helped into work by combining support with effective services, and we want to help as many of the rest as possible.
But if people cannot work society has a duty to provide security for them.
For people unable to take up paid work, we are committed to offer security.
We have increased support for children with parents on income support by 80 per cent in real terms since 1997.
There is now a minimum income guarantee of £142 per week for people with disabilities under 60.
Incapacity Benefit has been extended to people disabled from a young age.
Disability Living Allowance has been extended to three- and four-year-olds.
We will continue to keep the system under review.
Housing benefit.
Although the number of people claiming housing benefit is currently falling, it remains the main way in which accommodation is made affordable.
Our first priority has been to work with local authorities to drive up administrative standards and tackle fraud and error.
But we must continue to reform it.
So we will simplify housing benefit and its administration, distinguishing between people of working age and pensioners, reforming provision for private tenants, and examining the case for longer awards.
We will spread best practice in administration.
In the longer term, we will build on our restructuring of rents to ensure that for people of working age, housing benefit as well as the Working Families Tax Credit strengthen work incentives.
Children and Families
Strong and stable family life offers the best possible start to children.
And marriage provides a strong foundation for stable relationships.
The government supports marriage.
But it has to do more than that.
It must support families, above all families with children.
Our vision of the tax and benefits system for families with children is to provide help for all families; to give most help at the time families need it most; and to give more help to those families most in need.
The Conservatives stacked the tax system against families: over four million children lived in poverty; one in five children were growing up in households without work; the average income of households with children had fallen to 30 per cent below the level for those without children.
Labour has started to turn this round.
We have raised child benefit for the first child by over a quarter.
The Working Families Tax Credit has meant a tax cut averaging £31 per week for 1.1 million families.
In 2001-02, an average of nearly £500 above 1997-98 levels will be invested in every child in Britain.
Personal tax and benefit changes have made families with children an average of £1,000 a year better off.
We are pledged to go further – to eradicate child poverty in a generation and halve it by 2010.
In the next Parliament we will make major changes.
The Children’s Tax Credit – the family tax cut – is worth up to £520 a year for five million families, with half a million families removed from paying tax altogether.
It is paid until one parent earns more than £40,000 per year.
From 2003, the Integrated Child Credit will bring together all existing income-related payments for children, providing most help to the neediest children, building on the foundation of universal child benefit.
With the new system of child support, every family will receive at least £15 per week, and those most in need £50 per week – over £2,500 per year.
For the first time, Britain will have a seamless system of child support, whether parents are in or out of work, paid to the main carer.
Our aim is to make the goal of ending child poverty in Britain a political litmus test for any political party running for office.
The task for the next Parliament is to help another million children out of poverty.
Assets.
Our active welfare state has so far been based on work, finance and services.
It is now time to add a fourth pillar to the welfare state – a programme to extend to all children the advantages that come from reaching adulthood backed by a financial nest-egg.
Nearly a third of individuals have no financial savings or assets at all.
People without assets are much more likely to have lower earnings and higher unemployment, and are less likely to start a business or enter higher education.
The government already encourages people to save for a rainy day and save for a pension.
We are determined to extend the savings habit to more people.
But we are pledged also to use saving to promote opportunity for the next generation.
All newly born children will have an interestbearing Child Trust Fund set up in their name with an initial endowment from the government, with more for poorer children.
The endowment will be locked until the child reaches adulthood.
We will provide incentives for extended family and friends as well as parents to contribute to the fund.
All the next generation will have the backing of a real financial asset to invest in learning, buying a home or setting up a business.
Caring for children.
A safe childhood is not just about financial security.
It is also about care for children, especially the 58,000 children in care.
Society is failing these children: 70 per cent leave school without any GCSEs and too many have been abused while in care.
Labour supports a national children’s rights director to act as a champion for children in need and we will consult on whether to develop and extend the director’s role.
The Criminal Records Bureau will help stop paedophiles and others who are a danger to children from working with them.
From next year, all children’s homes will, for the first time, be subject to independent spot checks.
The level of educational attainment of children in care will be significantly increased.
Every child leaving care will be guaranteed access to a job, training or education.
For many children in care, adoption offers the best chance of success in life.
We will make adoption faster and fairer.
Children who need new families will be placed within 12 months by 2004.
We aim to ensure that at least 1,000 more children a year are adopted, with improved post-adoption support for parents.
Family-friendly working.
For the majority of parents, time is precious.
Many employers offer excellent schemes for family-friendly working.
But we want to go further – with government funding to help parents devote more time to their children early in life.
We want government to promote choice because, without our help, many people are denied the choices that should be theirs.
A flexible labour market must work to the benefit of both employers and employees.
Statutory maternity leave is currently 18 weeks; we propose to increase it to six months.
Statutory maternity pay is paid at a flat rate of £60 a week; we propose to increase it to £100 per week, as big an increase in the next two years as in the past 40 years.
Fathers currently have no legal right to paid time off on the birth of a child; we propose to introduce it for two weeks, also paid at £100 per week.
We need to do more to help parents balance work and family.
Many parents, especially mothers, want to work reduced hours when they do go back to work.
We will work with business and employees to combine flexible working with the needs of business.
Child Support Agency.
Some families break up.
Government’s role is to ensure that both parents retain responsibility for the financial support of their children where they are able to do so.
We have always supported the principle underlying the work of the Child Support Agency (CSA), but the Conservatives bungled its introduction.
That is why we have already legislated to reform the CSA and these improvements will come on stream from 2002.
A simple system will ensure a better deal for children, that fathers pay a fair share, that mothers benefit from their doing so, and that tougher action is taken against parents who do not comply.
Pensions and Pensioners
In 1997 Labour made a clear commitment to ensure pensioners share fairly in the rising prosperity of the nation.
At this election, we repeat our commitment to pensioners – we honour your lifetime of work by ensuring that you share fairly in the nation’s rising prosperity, and are committed to tackling pensioner poverty.
We will build a secure system on the foundation of the basic state pension.
As a result of Labour’s policies, in this Parliament spending on pensioners will be £4.5 billion a year more in real terms than in 1997.
Of this, £2 billion is going to the poorest third of pensioners.
Our first priority was to help those on lowest incomes: we have lifted the incomes of the 1.7 million poorest pensioners by at least £800 a year, and for some couples by up to £1,400.
Pensioner households are on average £11 per week better off than they were in 1997; and over three million pensioner households benefit from free TV licences for those over-75s.
The pensioners tax allowance means six out of ten pensioners pay no tax.
We have halved the rate of tax they pay on savings income.
We have pledged to extend tax allowances further so that by 2003 no pensioner pays tax until their income reaches £127 per week.
We now need to go further.
With Labour, the basic state pension will rise by 2003 to £77 a week for a single pensioner and £123 a week for a pensioner couple.
We guarantee that the Minimum Income Guarantee will be uprated each year in line with earnings, throughout the next Parliament.
In 2003, this will mean no single pensioner will have an income below £100 per week and no pensioner couple an income below £154 per week.
Labour introduced the Winter Fuel Payment.
Its level is set each year.
Last winter it was raised to £200.
For next winter it will also be £200.
We will also do more to reward pensioners who have saved.
Pensioners who work and save will find, for the first time ever, the government rewarding their saving.
Pensioner couples with an income up to £200 per week and single pensioners with income up to £135 per week will be rewarded for saving – the government adding up to 60p for each £1 of savings income up to a maximum of £23.
In the process, we will abolish the weekly means test for pensioners, along with removing the unfair test of savings, which penalises pensioners who have modest savings and whose thrift should be recognised.
It is also vital to have in place long-term pension reform.
We support a fair balance of public and private provision.
Occupational and personal pensions, properly regulated, will continue to offer security for middle and high earners.
We will continue discussions on annuity reform to ensure tax rules do not unnecessarily restrict the development of annuity products and markets.
For low- to middle-income earners, stakeholder pensions cap costs, guarantee value for money, offer flexibility, and drive down fees across the board.
And for the lowest paid and carers, full-time parents and people with disabilities, the state second pension will top up their pension contributions to give a decent pension in retirement to 18 million people.
Today’s pensioners have much to give to society.
Labour’s NHS Plan offers £1. 4 billion of investment for older people to promote better health and support independence.
Pensioners also need simple, accessible services that treat them with dignity and promote independence.
We will build on Care Direct to provide a better integration of health, housing, benefits and social care for older people.
This will be an integrated ‘third age service’ to help older people and those who care for them.
Carers.
Not only are the large majority of people who require care older, but also the majority of carers are older people.
Labour will tackle the problems faced by people requiring care and the problems of carers themselves.
The national carers strategy is the first step, with information, support and care for carers: Labour will spend £500 million over the next three years providing financial support for 300,000 carers through the benefits system, and £255 million for social care services for carers.
More is being done for carers through income support; carers will be better able to combine work and care; and 75,000 more carers each year are now able to take a break from their caring responsibilites.
We are proud that, with Labour, care by qualified nurses will be made free to all, wherever it is received.
One hundred and fifty thousand more older people will receive rehabilitation and convalescence through growing investment in the NHS and social services that the Tories refuse to match.
We want to see carers given access to the cash and services appropriate to their service to their relatives and the community.
The Carers and Disabled Children’s Act gives carers a right to an independent assessment of their needs.
We will examine the development of a fund to help local authorities produce tailored care packages to back up the results of these assessments.
Social inclusion
Social exclusion, affecting around ten per cent of the population, living in fewer than 1,000 of the most deprived wards in Britain, damages lives and wrecks communities.
Before 1997, social exclusion was ignored.
Now we have a new approach – improving the quality of mainstream services, preventing people falling between the cracks, and reintegrating them into society if things go wrong.
We have targeted five priorities:
Homelessness
The number of people living on the streets is down by one third since 1997.
Labour’s target is to cut rough sleeping to two-thirds of its 1998 level by 2002.
Beyond then, we will maintain the drive to keep the number as low as possible.
Teenage pregnancy rates are falling
Yet Britain has the highest rates in Europe.
Labour’s strategy tackles the causes of teenage pregnancy, provides mothers under 18 with access to supervised housing if they cannot live at home, and ensures that, if they do have children, teenagers get access to training, education or work.
By 2004 we are pledged to reduce teenage pregnancy by 15 per cent.
Truancy and exclusion.
Labour has a target of reducing truancy and exclusion by a third by 2002.
The police are conducting truancy sweeps; parents are now subject to fines of up to £2,500; funds are being targeted towards pupils at risk.
16- to 18-year-olds.
Nearly ten per cent of 16- to 18-year-olds are not in education, training or work.
The new Connexions service will bridge the gap, providing a single adviser to ensure all young people receive clear advice on the transition to work.
Neighbourhood renewal.
Over the next three years Labour is pledged to back reform, with £900 million of investment in deprived neighbourhoods.
We want local people to lead renewal – a coalition of public, private and voluntary organisations specifying priorities, engaging local effort.
Local Strategic Partnerships, which we have introduced to help coordinate public service improvement, will be properly inclusive of local people, involving them in decision-making.
They will be backed by specific funds to engage the local community.
Nearly £100 million has been set aside for business start-ups, and we will create a new tax credit for community investment to create £1 billion of investment in disadvantaged areas.
A popular welfare state
Labour’s objective is to get the right benefit to the right people at the right time.
We want those entitled to benefits to take up their rights to claim them.
Fraud undermines confidence in the welfare system, so we are committed to reduce it.
We have been prepared to be tough – preventing fraud by tightening gateways, sharpening sanctions on fraudsters, and now with ‘two-strikes-and-you’re-out’.
We have saved £1 billion in fraud and error over the course of the Parliament by tightening up the way we administer income support.
The introduction of Automated Credit Transfer will save a further £100 million per year.
Labour is committed to clear targets for fraud reduction for each benefit, including a commitment to halve the rate of fraud and error in income support and Job Seeker’s Allowance by 2006, and to incorporate fraud prevention into the design of new policies on benefits and tax credits.
We are also committed to data sharing between government agencies and action to reduce to a minimum the number of ‘spare’ national insurance numbers that are a gateway to fraud.
Our welfare state is underpinned by clear values – we help you to help yourself, we invest in children, we support our pensioners, we insist that no community be written off, and we minimise fraud and error.
Our reforms will build a strong and inclusive society.
How Labour helps pensioners:
by boosting the basic state pension for a single pensioner to £77 each week in 2003, £123 for couples
by retaining the Winter Fuel Payment, and free TV licences for over-75s
by rewarding those who save with the Pension Credit
by raising the Minimum Income Guarantee to £100 each week (£154 for couples) in 2003
by tackling discrimination against over-50s in health care and in the workplace
by boosting police numbers and cutting overall crime, and crimes like burglary that affect senior citizens most
4. Strong and safe communities.
Our ten-year goals:
- Halve the burglary rate and double the chance of a persistent offender being caught and punished, as we modernise the criminal justice system.
- Reformed local government with higher-quality services, as we decentralise power.
Our next steps
- An extra 6,000 police recruits raising police numbers to their highest ever level.
- Double the amount of assets seized from drug traffickers and other major criminals.
- Increased sentences plus education and drug treatment for persistent offenders.
- A bill of rights for victims.
- New freedoms with new targets for local government.
We all know the sort of Britain we want to live in – a Britain where we can walk the streets safely and know our children are safe.
We have a ten-year vision: a new social contract where everyone has a stake based on equal rights, where they pay their dues by exercising responsibility in return, and where local communities shape their own futures.
Overall crime is down ten per cent in Labour Britain, recorded crime down seven per cent, and police numbers are now rising.
Our strategy is clear and consistent – tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.
Our ten-year goal of reducing crime depends on reform of the criminal justice system at every level, from police to courts to prison – to put crime reduction centre stage.
And, because crime is changing, crime fighting has to change too – to tackle repeat offending, drug-related crime and organised crime.
We are investing to raise police numbers to their highest level ever.
Offenders must know they will be supervised in or out of prison until they can prove they have gone straight.
Safe communities reclaim their streets; then they can shape their own affairs.
In the 19th century, local politics was the motor for economic and social change.
Our purpose is simple: to create a Britain that is democratic, decentralised and diverse, with decisions always taken as close to the people as is consistent with efficiency and equity.
Our ten-year goal is a new settlement with local government – over finance, structures and services.
Responsibility from all – Winning the battle against crime
Recorded crime doubled under the Conservatives: burglary went up 105 per cent, car crime 110 per cent, violent crime 182 per cent.
The number of offenders caught, convicted and punished fell.
The criminal justice system, especially for young offenders, was in disarray.
Anti-social behaviour was unchecked.
And investment was falling.
The British Crime Survey shows crime down ten per cent in Labour’s first two and a half years, including a four per cent drop in violent crime.
Recorded crime is down seven per cent from 1997, domestic burglary down 28 per cent, car crime down 20 per cent.
Investment in crime fighting is up.
We have reversed the declining trend in police numbers, reformed youth justice, and supported every community to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
We have reduced by seven weeks the time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders, and are on track to meet our pledge to halve the time by May 2002.
But we are not satisfied.
Drug-related crime is a menace.
Recorded violent crime has risen, partly because more domestic and racial violence is being reported.
And new crimes are being committed – fraud through the internet, human trafficking.
The only way to reduce crime is by being tough on crime and tough on its causes.
Government can help families and communities prevent crime.
But when people do commit crimes, we need an effective criminal justice system able to catch, punish and rehabilitate people.
Supporting the police
The foundation is our police force.
Police numbers started falling in 1993.
Our investment in 2000-01 increased the number of recruits by an extra 3,000, boosting the number of officers in training by 77 per cent over the previous year.
Now Labour pledges a further 6,000 extra recruits.
Labour’s pledge is that over the next three years annual funding for the police will rise by £1.6 billion, to £9.3 billion.
We also need to create a more effective police service.
Basic command units are the heart of modern policing, and local commanders and senior detectives should be properly trained and rewarded.
Strong leadership, modern equipment and specialist training and expertise are all essential.
We will bring in new arrangements for the development and appointment of chief officers.
We will introduce a new national core curriculum for officers at every level.
We will ensure that specialist detective expertise is built up using outside experts where necessary.
Labour will ensure more people see more police in the community.
We will discuss with the police how those on the frontline might be rewarded for their skills, experience and commitment.
We will promote co-operation across force boundaries for common services like training.
We are also committed to a new independent police complaints commission.
Persistent offending
About 100,000 persistent offenders, mostly young men, commit about half of all serious crimes.
We need a new approach to catch, convict, punish and rehabilitate more of them:
• Youth offending teams will track up to 2,500 of the most persistent young offenders 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Every active offender will be on the DNA database by 2004.
• Persistent offending should lead to increased punishment.
We will end the failed policy of repeat financial penalties; where offending continues, firmer measures will be taken.
We will invest over £200 million over three years to reduce reoffending by those in custody.
Sentences will combine time in prison and in the community, with proper supervision after release for ex-prisoners.
In time, all offenders will have their own plan for return to lawful life, starting in custody with drug treatment or literacy training.
• New Review Courts will ensure that offenders who breach the conditions of their sentence will get extra community service, more intensive supervision or custody.
Those who break their bail can expect to go straight into custody for the remainder of their remand period.
• To deal with the most dangerous offenders of all – those with a dangerous severe personality disorder – we will pass new legislation and create over 300 more high-security prison and hospital places.
Our proposals are based on a simple principle:
stay straight or you will stay supervised or go back inside.
The continued modernisation of the probation, parole and prison services, so every offender gets punishment designed to minimise reoffending, will carry this forward.
We will build on our youth justice reforms to improve the standard of custodial accommodation and offending programmes for 18- to 20-year-old offenders.
Crime in the community.
Broken windows, graffiti and litter all send a signal about lawlessness.
Labour supports fines for anti-social behaviour and new powers to tackle unruly behaviour and kerb crawlers.
Every local authority should have an anti-social behaviour unit.
We will tackle alcohol-related disorder, with an overhaul of licensing laws, greater flexibility over opening times, and tougher controls on rogue landlords.
We will also streamline the system for removal of untaxed and abandoned cars.
Crime fighting now starts in every community thanks to new statutory Crime and Disorder Partnerships.
Our Safe Communities Fund will target hundreds of neighbourhoods with the highest crime rates with extra crime-fighting investment.
Domestic violence accounts for at least a quarter of all violent crime, so Labour is committed to expanding the safe hostel network.
Crime prevention requires that those most at risk of falling into a life of crime – children excluded from school, teenagers leaving care – are given real help and opportunity.
That includes drugs education for every child at primary and secondary school, and youth inclusion schemes in high-crime areas.
We will also take measures to tackle the problem of child pornography on the internet.
Drugs
One of the biggest contemporary drivers of crime is drugs.
Access to effective treatment is essential.
Prisoners are already subject to compulsory testing and offered treatment where necessary, which has led to a 50 per cent cut in the number testing positive.
Drug Testing and Treatment Orders ensure people punished in the community stay drug-free.
We are pledged to raise spending on drug treatment by 70 per cent by 2004.
We will roll out drug testing to cover offenders at every stage of the system.
People in prison for drug-related offences will have to kick the habit before they are free from supervision on the outside.
Drug dealers will be required to register with the police after leaving prison.
We will simplify the law on extradition to target organised crime including drug traffickers.
The Criminal Assets Recovery Agency will target their ill-gotten gains.
Our ambition is to mobilise every neighbourhood against drugs.
We will therefore ensure that crime-fighting partnerships, covering every locality, get over £200 million over the next three years to fight crime and drugs.
A modern criminal justice system
The UK’s legal traditions are precious.
But too much of our criminal law and the organisation of the courts are stuck in the past.
Our ambition is to re-equip the criminal justice system to deliver justice for all – the victims, the public and the defendant, with a short-term target of 100,000 more crimes ending in a criminal brought to justice.
Our White Paper Criminal Justice: The Way Ahead set out our initial views on reform.
The Auld enquiry will also make major recommendations.
Prosecution
Despite an increase of 25 per cent since 1997, we have too few prosecutors.
By 2004, Labour pledges 300 new prosecutors, including specialists in areas like serious and organised crime, paid on a level playing field with the defence.
We will modernise and consolidate the whole criminal law system to promote public confidence and to speed up criminal proceedings.
Law reform is necessary to make provisions against corporate manslaughter.
Courts
The current system, split between magistrates and crown courts, needs reform.
A unified system, including lower or intermediate tiers of court, offers simplicity and flexibility.
Lay magistrates as well as professional judges have their place in the system.
We will remove the widely abused right of defendants alone to dictate whether or not they should be tried in crown court.
For specialist cases such as those involving domestic violence or fraud, there is a strong case for specialist courts and specialist judges.
We will also develop late sitting, sevenday- a-week courts in high-crime areas to ensure there is no delay in getting people through the criminal justice system.
We have established a Judicial Commissioner to scrutinise the appointments process, and will take forward reform on the basis of experience.
Rules of evidence
Our rules of evidence fail to trust the good sense of judges and jurors.
Recent case law has extended the admissibility of evidence of previous conduct.
If there is any remaining doubt, we will consider legislation to reinforce the judgment.
Pending the findings of the Auld report, we see a strong case for a new presumption that would allow evidence of previous convictions where relevant.
Currently only the prosecution must disclose all expert evidence and names of all witnesses.
In the light of the Auld report, we will consider whether the defence should do so too.
In addition, witnesses should be able to refer to their original statements in the witness box, as well as offer evidence by video-link.
Representation
We have created the Community Legal Service and will extend it to 90 per cent of the population by April 2002.
We will continue to pursue the principle of best value for the benefit of the taxpayer and criminal defendants in the Criminal Defence Service.
We will examine reforms of the tribunal system in the light of the Leggatt Review.
We will subject restrictive practices in the legal professions to the closest scrutiny to ensure both the professions and the courts serve the wider public interest.
Victims have rights
In 1997, victims were the forgotten people in legal battles.
That has begun to change.
We have more than doubled the funding for Victim Support, taken powers to protect vulnerable witnesses in court, and prevented personal cross-examination by the defendant of rape victims.
We now propose further action.
First, victims will be given the legal right to present their views on the impact of the crime to the court and other criminal justice agencies before sentencing decisions.
Second, prosecutors will be able to challenge defence pleas in mitigation of the crime.
Third, we will legislate for a Victims’ Bill of Rights to give support, protection, and rights to information and compensation to victims.
Our diverse nation
Labour believes that Britain can be a model of a multicultural, multi-racial society.
We have made major legal change; now is the time to build the inclusive society in tune with British values.
Our commitment to protection for every citizen is expressed in the 1998 Human Rights Act.
It ensures that British citizens are able to enforce rights in our own courts.
Other legal change was necessary too.
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act learns the legal lessons from the shocking death of Stephen Lawrence and places a positive duty on all public bodies to promote equal opportunity.
We abhor racism and shall continue to implement the recommendations of the Macpherson report, including the reform of the ‘double jeopardy’ law for murder.
The repeal of Section 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act was grossly misrepresented as an attempt to use teaching to promote particular lifestyles.
We will ensure that such teaching continues to be prohibited, based on the provisions of the Learning and Skills Act, while removing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
The UK now has the most comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in Europe.
But an inclusive, tolerant, open society, where people rise on their merits, depends on culture and action as well as law.
We now need to reduce the barriers – to services, opportunities, institutions – that still hold people back.
This applies in the public and private sectors.
There are too few black and Asian staff in key public services and, in almost all organisations, far too few in middle and senior grades.
This is why we now have targets for the diversity of central government and other public services.
Voluntary and community organisations are key to Labour’s vision for Britain.
From large national charities to local community groups and faith-based institutions, these sectors are a vital and diverse part of national life.
We have changed the tax rules to encourage individuals and businesses to give to charity, supported initiatives to increase volunteering, involved voluntary and community groups in the design and delivery of key government programmes like Sure Start, and helped charities build up their capacity to do their job even better.
Labour will build on its Compact with the voluntary sector, as we develop more farreaching partnerships for the delivery of services and the renewal of our communities.
We will also build on our financial incentives for volunteering, by developing an effective infrastructure to support voluntary work in every community in Britain.
We welcome the contribution of churches and other faith-based organisations as partners of local and central government in community renewal.
We will use a successor to the Lambeth Group to look at government’s interface with faith communities.
Immigration
People from abroad make a positive contribution to British society.
As our economy changes and expands, so our rules on immigration need to reflect the need to meet skills shortages.
The primary purpose rule, which split families and did nothing to stop abuse, has been ended.
A right of appeal for family visitors has been introduced.
immigration rules will remain clear, firm and fair, and help ensure that those who come and work here continue to make a major contribution to our economic and social life.
Asylum
It is right that people fleeing persecution are able to make a new life as hard-working citizens in a new country.
Britain has a long record of providing a home for such people, and it is important that we maintain this position.
But asylum should not be an alternative route to immigration.
The UK is ninth per head of population among European nations for asylum applications.
The key is to hear cases swiftly as well as fairly.
By cutting the decision time and increasing the processing of claims to over 10,000 a month, Labour has reduced the backlog we inherited.
We have tightened controls against traffickers, and introduced a civil penalty for lorry drivers who bring in illegal immigrants.
A national support system has been introduced to relieve pressure on local authorities.
Asylum seekers and their dependants whose claims are rejected will be removed from Britain with the aim of more than 30,000 in 2003-04.
We will also help those granted refugee status to integrate into the local community, supporting them so they can come off benefits and into work.
We support tough penalties for those who engage in the barbaric trade of human trafficking.
We will bring forward proposals to ensure a common interpretation of the 1951 Convention across the EU and to improve the international response to regional crises.
Political renewal
Change comes from the bottom up as much as the top down.
For the last 50 years, governments have failed to respect this basic truth.
Local authorities are responsible for the effective delivery of over £90 billion of public services a year.
The staff and councillors who work for the community often have the hardest jobs and their expertise is a real resource when it comes to achieving reform.
The best of local government is an inspiring example of what government can achieve.
Labour’s ambition is a partnership of mutual respect and mutual responsibility.
We want to combine additional rights and resources with responsibility and reform, working with councillors and officers to develop the structures, services and finance to help local communities.
The job of local government is to provide the leadership to improve quality of life, and offer the citizen a seamless, one-stop service.
We have worked with local government to establish clear targets for standards of service; and to offer incentives for service improvement and innovation.
Partnership with the voluntary and private sectors is key.
The foundation of effective service delivery is best value in every service.
Year on year, local authorities and their staff will now work to achieve improvement in services, matching themselves against the best.
Citizens need a voice – we will work with local government to ensure that citizens’ needs are the driving force in the procurement and delivery of local services.
Electronic service delivery offers the prospect of greater convenience, access and quality, and we have set demanding targets for its use.
When public services are delivered in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors, this should be on the basis of best value not worst labour standards.
The TUPE regulations protect the rights of any transferred employees.
Newly hired workers are protected by minimum standards at work.
We will use a wide-ranging review of TUPE regulations to consider whether unfair disparities are being created between these two groups of workers.
We want to give successful local councils more leeway to meet local needs using a £400 million reward fund.
We have piloted local public service agreements to offer new investment and greater financial flexibility in return for higher performance.
We will extend this reform to all upper-tier councils.
We will offer further flexibility for high-performance authorities, with reformed inspections and more local discretion to encourage civic renewal.
We consulted last year on a range of reforms aimed at enabling councils to deliver key local services on the basis of transparent, stable and adequate funding.
These remain our aims.
We will give new freedoms to local authorities to enable them to invest in local capital projects.
Labour believes that local quality of life issues – from litter to parks – are vital issues, not peripheral.
We will pilot home zones, redesigning local areas to enhance safety and the quality of the local neighbourhood.
Local authorities should have the incentive and means to improve the local environment by recycling local fines into a local environment fund.
Our ambition is the development of active, intouch local government, serving the people.
We support the introduction of elected mayors for our cities, which is why every local council now has the power to ballot citizens for a mayor.
Regional government
Some functions are best tackled at the regional level.
Economic development is the core of regional policy today.
In our first term, we have created RDAs to drive regional economic development.
Regional chambers have been set up to provide some accountability for regional economic decision-making.
We are committed, as RDAs take on more power, to enhance the scrutiny functions of regional chambers.
For some regions this degree of political representation will be sufficient.
However, in other parts of the country there may be a stronger sense of regional identity and a desire for a regional political voice.
In 1997 we said that provision should be made for directly elected regional government to go ahead in regions where people decided in a referendum to support it and where predominantly unitary local government is established.
This remains our commitment.
The nations of the UK
Devolution has strengthened the UK, preserving the union on the basis of a fairer partnership.
The nationalist lie has also been exposed: the UK is strong enough and flexible enough to devolve power while retaining the benefits of staying together.
The Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly have put power in the hands of local people.
In Scotland the Parliament has power over primary legislation.
In Wales we will build on the already successful legislative partnership with the Assembly, and continue to enact specific legislation for Wales, where appropriate.
The UK Parliament makes the essential financial allocations to all devolved bodies.
English MPs make up 85 per cent of the UK Parliament so there is no case for threatening the unity of the UK with an English Parliament or the denial of voting rights to Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland’s MPs at Westminster.
Northern Ireland
We have made working for peace in Northern Ireland a priority.
The Good Friday Agreement was overwhelmingly supported by the people of Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.
While it has not brought a perfect peace, and while the peace process has not been smooth, it has made life immeasurably better.
Northern Ireland now has its own Assembly and Executive.
They have produced their first programme for government and first budget on a cross-community basis.
The security situation has been transformed.
People can walk again on the streets of Belfast free from fear.
Troops no longer patrol in most of the province.
And the number of murders has been drastically reduced.
We will build on these foundations to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is implemented in full and the new institutions take root.
We will establish a modern, responsive and fully accountable police service properly representative of the two main traditions in Northern Ireland and enjoying their trust and support.
And we will bring about the key reforms in the civil and criminal justice system which secure the respect and trust of both traditions.
Parliamentary reform
The House of Commons is now more representative than ever before, yet only one in five MPs is a woman.
Labour increased women’s representation five-fold in the 1997 Parliament through all-women shortlists.
We are committed, through legislation, to allow each party to make positive moves to increase the representation of women.
Labour will continue to modernise the procedures of the House of Commons so it can effectively fulfil its functions of representation and scrutiny.
The government has introduced major innovations in the electoral systems used in the UK – for the devolved administrations, the European Parliament, and the London Assembly.
The Independent Commission on the Voting System made proposals for electoral reform at Westminster.
We will review the experience of the new systems and the Jenkins report to assess whether changes might be made to the electoral system for the House of Commons.
A referendum remains the right way to agree any change for Westminster.
We are committed to completing House of Lords reform, including removal of the remaining hereditary peers, to make it more representative and democratic, while maintaining the House of Commons’ traditional primacy.
We have given our support to the report and conclusions of the Wakeham Commission, and will seek to implement them in the most effective way possible.
Labour supports modernisation of the House of Lords’ procedures to improve its effectiveness.
We will put the independent Appointments Commission on a statutory footing.
Whitehall
Our civil service is world-renowned for its independence.
Labour is committed to maintaining the political impartiality of the civil service.
But it needs reform to make it more effective and more entrepreneurial.
There have been important reforms already.
We want to take further radical steps to ensure the civil service has the skills base necessary to meet the challenges set out in this manifesto.
Equal rights for all, proper enforcement of the law, and reformed structures of self-government: these are the foundations of a strong civic society.
Labour offers opportunity with responsibility – the right combination for Britain in the 21st century.
How Labour is tackling crime:
by increasing police funding by 20 per cent over the next three years, and taking police numbers to record levels
by targeting investment on fighting crime in the highest-risk areas and tough targets to reduce car crimes, burglaries and robberies
by cracking down on local disorder and anti-social behaviour through local partnerships and measures to deal with the ‘yob culture’
by implementing our ten-year strategy to tackle drugs, including tougher punishments for dealers
by reforming the criminal justice system to deal with persistent offenders and ensuring the victims of crime have a greater say
by tackling the causes of crime through measures like the New Deal and action on truancy
5. Britain strong in the world
Our ten-year goals:
Europe to have the most competitive knowledge-based economies in the world, as British ideas lead a reformed and enlarged Europe.
Delivering Kyoto and international development targets, as we help tackle climate change and global poverty.
Our next steps:
- Lead economic reform in Europe.
- Work for the re-start of world trade talks.
- Strong, effective and responsive armed forces.
- Raise international aid towards the UN target.
- Be the first country to introduce greenhouse gas trading to cut pollution.
Britain needs a government ready to stand up for our interests and values.
We have a ten-year vision for British foreign policy: a leading player in Europe, our alliance with the USA strengthened, using our global connections to help Britain and tackle global problems.
Unlike the Conservatives, we see Europe as an opportunity not a threat.
Because we participate fully, we are able to work with our partners to shape an EU agenda that advances our national interests.
We will put democratically elected national governments in the driving seat of EU policy.
Our ten-year goal is to work with our partners for Europe to have the most competitive knowledge-based economies in the world.
We hold to our promise: no membership of the single currency without the consent of the British people in a referendum.
Britain has some of the best armed forces in the world.
With Labour, they are being developed to meet the challenges of the post-Cold War world.
Labour is committed to lead the development of a comprehensive agenda for poverty reduction and sustainable development.
We want to mobilise the international community to deliver the International Development Targets, generate growth and equity in developing countries, and help them benefit from global economic integration.
We are convinced of the science of global warming.
We pledge to meet tough national targets for environmental protection, and we will work at international level to halt and reverse climate change.
We face a choice between an inward-looking chauvinism that leads to isolation and a modern patriotism where the British national interest is pursued through international engagement.
Reform in Europe
Europe is changing.
Economic reform is under way in the European Union, with over two million new jobs created last year.
Many new members are going to join the EU.
Co-operation is being extended in defence and security policy.
A new way of conducting EU business has been born – comparing best practice to share the benefits of diversity in order to reduce over-reliance on centralised regulation.
We face a very simple question.
Do we want to be part of the change, influencing its direction? Or do we want to opt out? We have spent 50 years on the margins; it is time to make the most of our membership.
We have seen the alternative.
By 1997 Britain had retreated into itself: business was global, people travelled and worked around the world, our culture was open to new ideas, yet our government was closing itself off.
And Britain got a worse deal.
Because they were backward looking and divided on Europe, the Conservatives were weak and ineffective in Europe.
And because of their weakness in Europe, Britain lost influence around the world.
We lost our say over decisions that affected our lives.
In the last four years we have seen the benefits of engagement.
Our rebate has been protected and our contributions are falling to similar levels as France and Italy.
The Labour model of defence co-operation – giving Europe the option to act where NATO chooses not to – has won through.
Economic reform is now helping the European economy.
The veto on crucial issues of national sovereignty, such as tax, is safe.
All this happened only because Labour had the strength to get involved, argue for its ideas, and persuade others to follow us.
Labour believes that Europe brings benefits for Britain, and a Europe reformed by British ideas, working with our MEPs, will be even better for Britain.
Together with virtually all other European countries we do not support a United States of Europe.
But we do believe a Europe made up of nation states and offering a unique blend of inter-governmental co-operation where possible and integration where necessary, can be a major force for good – for its own members and in the wider world.
We want to take Europe forward, to meet British needs.
A Europe of prosperity
Europe is a crucial market, accounting for more than half of our trade.
Britain has secured a shift in economic policy in Europe – away from harmonisation of rules and towards a system based on dynamic markets allied to comparison and promotion of best practice.
The key priorities are: to deliver more choice and lower prices through liberalisation of financial services and utilities; to promote business development with a common EU patent and cuts in red tape; to develop our common research effort in frontier technologies like bioscience; to cut delays and fares by establishing an integrated Air Traffic Control system for Europe; and to develop effective labour market policy to tackle unemployment in dialogue with the social partners.
We support efforts being made across the EU to reform welfare states, modernise social partnership and advance social inclusion.
EU state aid policy should bear down on aids that distort the single market while supporting economic modernisation.
We will keep the veto on vital matters of national sovereignty, such as tax and border controls.
Trade has been a vital source of prosperity for Europe’s citizens.
Our vision is of an open European economy.
That requires a genuine single market, in an open world trading system.
A wider Europe
New countries joining the EU will give Britain a bigger market and Europe a bigger voice.
Membership will help guarantee the freedoms of the new democracies in central and eastern Europe.
Labour is pledged to do all it can to enable the first group of applicant countries to join in time to take part in the next European Parliamentary elections in 2004.
It is vital we ratify the Treaty of Nice which is essential to enlargement; Labour in government will do so.
The Conservatives have said they will insist on tr ying to renegotiate Europe’s treaties at the first summit after the election.
No other country agrees with this.
That means that a Conservative government would either have to back down in the face of opposition, or take Britain out of Europe altogether with disastrous consequences for Britain.
Our argument is that if Britain is stronger in Europe, it will be stronger in the rest of the world.
We reject the view of those who say we must choose between Europe and the USA.
We shall remain the USA’s firm ally and friend; but we are not going to turn our backs on Europe.
The USA and Europe account for ten per cent of world population but 60 per cent of global GDP; working together we can tackle many problems and spread the benefits of freedom, peace and prosperity.
A Europe of the future
The main sources of popular legitimacy in Europe remain national governments and parliaments.
So national governments should be seen to be setting the agenda of the EU, with the European Council setting the EU’s priorities, a strong independent Commission ensuring that the European interest is heard and enforced, and an effective European Parliament improving draft legislation and holding the Commission to account.
Labour wants the next Inter-governmental Conference in 2004 to address public concerns about the way the EU works, spelling out in a clear statement of principles what should and should not be done at European level.
Labour supports a stronger role for national parliaments in European affairs, for example in a second chamber of the European Parliament, with a particular remit to oversee the division of competences.
We will also insist that the Commission completes its internal reform programme.
Defence
Britain’s national security is based on the mutual support that comes from membership of NATO.
That will not change.
And although Britain has rarely been more secure from foreign invasion, there are new threats to our people from crime and terrorism.
Instability around the world can affect us directly and we have a global responsibility to play our part in reducing international conflict, controlling the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and contributing to international peace-keeping and peace-making operations.
To enable the European Union to act where NATO chooses not to, the EU should improve its military capabilities for humanitarian, peace-keeping and crisis management tasks.
Our armed forces are the best in the world at fighting if they have to, and keeping the peace where they can.
Labour is committed to investing more in real terms in our armed services over the next three years, the first year-on-year real increase in funds for over a decade.
An important part of that investment will be in better service accommodation.
We are determined to recruit and retain the best people, from all walks of life and all backgrounds.
We will look after the interests of Britain’s veterans.
We have doubled funding for research on Gulf War illnesses, and will continue this important work.
In 1997 Labour promised a strategic defence review.
Today, that review is admired around the world for its clarity, efficiency and foresight.
We need more mobile and more flexible armed forces, with the ability to project force at distance and speed, to work closely with other nations and international bodies, and to fight and keep the peace.
We have shown what this means in practice in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, and our servicemen and women have responded magnificently.
We are determined to maximise resources for frontline use by disposing of surplus spares and promoting smart procurement and efficiency savings.
The European Defence Initiative is an important part of our defence policy.
Europe spends two-thirds as much as the US on defence, but gets only a fraction of its effectiveness.
European nations need to modernise their armed forces for rapid and flexible deployment.
Improved EU military capabilities will not be separate from NATO structures and would only be deployed where NATO as a whole chooses not to engage.
The launch of an EU operation will follow a unanimous decision, with each member state free to decide whether to take part.
We support Trident, Britain’s minimum nuclear deterrent.
The Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty commits us to work for the global elimination of nuclear weapons.
We are enthusiastic signatories to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, whose coming into force will impede nuclear proliferation, and we want to see the USA and Russia continue to reduce their nuclear stockpiles.
We recognise the new dangers posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and the need to combat them.
Nuclear arms reductions and proliferation controls remain an important part of defence and security policy.
We will seek effective inspections against the development of chemical and biological weapons.
We will encourage the US to consult closely with NATO allies on its ideas for missile defence, and to pursue dialogue with Russia on a new framework for strategic arms control that will encourage further cuts in nuclear weapons.
The British defence industry is a vital part of our economy, sustaining some 350,000 high-technology jobs.
We will continue to work closely with our best companies to get the best equipment for our armed forces – a good deal for the taxpayer as well as a secure future for high-technology jobs.
The UK has introduced the most open report on arms exports of any European nation and has led the EU to adopt a code of conduct on arms sales.
Labour will lead efforts to control the trade in small arms, and work for a comprehensive action plan at this year’s UN conference on small arms, including an international arms surrender fund to provide development aid in exchange for firearms.
We will legislate to modernise the regulation of arms exports, with a licensing system to control the activities of arms brokers and traffickers wherever they are located.
We will work with EU applicant countries to strengthen their capacity to control legal and illicit arms transfers.
The modern world
Britain belongs to a unique range of influential global organisations, giving us responsibilities and opportunities.
Labour will stand up for Britain.
• At the UN, where we support a more modern and representative Security Council, with more effective peace-keeping.
• At the Group of 7 leading industrialised countries, where we will stay at the forefront of efforts to promote development.
• In the Commonwealth, where we will work to promote human rights and bridge the digital divide.
We will argue for an early, comprehensive world trade round, to the benefit of industrialised and developing countries alike.
The World Trade Organisation must be reformed, not rejected.
We will support fairer terms of trade for developing countries, and a reduction in protectionism in the developed world in areas such as agriculture.
We will continue to help developing countries exercise their rights within the WTO.
We support the promotion of higher labour standards around the world, as well as respect for the environment, as we expand world trade.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the place to set labour standards, but we believe there should be closer co-operation between the ILO and WTO through the creation of a joint standing forum of the two organisations.
We are committed to encouraging universal observance of human rights.
Governments that are democratically elected will be firmer allies for peace; open societies that respect individual freedom will be more reliable trade partners.
Labour will be a friend of those denied human rights and a supporter of steps to strengthen them.
Labour has played a leading role in bringing war criminals, notably from former Yugoslavia, to justice, and in establishing a permanent court to try war crimes.
We will work to make the International Criminal Court a reality, with Britain as one of its first members.
International development
In 1997 Labour pledged to give new priority to tackling global poverty.
Four years on, there have been real achievements – a cabinet minister heads an internationally respected department, the aid budget has been substantially raised, and tied aid abolished.
Britain is playing a leading world role on debt relief, education, HIV/AIDS, and in responding to humanitarian disasters.
With strong UK leadership, the international development effort is now increasingly focused on poverty reduction.
This is morally right, but also in our interest.
Many of the world’s biggest challenges – from violent conflict to rapid population growth to environmental threat – are caused or exacerbated by global poverty and inequality.
There can be no secure future for any of us unless we promote greater global social justice.
Labour will continue to focus Britain’s development effort on the achievement of the international development targets by 2015 – including halving the proportion of the world’s population living in extreme poverty, reducing child and infant mortality by two-thirds, primary education for all children, and sustainable development plans in every country.
With Labour the aid budget will rise to 0.33 per cent of GNP by 2003-04, reaching £3.6 billion – a 45 per cent increase in real terms since 1997 level.
We remain committed to the UN target of 0.7 per cent of national income devoted to development and will make further substantial increases over the next Parliament.
We remain committed to our bill, blocked by the Tories, to consolidate our poverty-focused approach to development.
We are using this aid to support political and economic reform in developing countries.
Our aid is an investment to help countries put in place policies to raise the growth rate with greater equity, crack down on corruption, promote human rights, including for women and girls, and develop effective governance and democracy.
We will legislate to toughen controls over UK nationals who commit offences of corruption abroad.
Labour will champion increased effectiveness and a stronger focus on poverty reduction within international institutions – particularly the EU, but also the World Bank, IMF, UN and Commonwealth – with full support for poverty reduction strategies where they genuinely prioritise poverty reduction.
We are committed to international action to put the needs of children at the centre of these strategies.
By 2006 we want to raise to 70 per cent the proportion of EU aid going to low income countries, and work with the Commission, Parliament and other governments to strengthen the EU’s development effort.
Labour has led internationally on debt relief, providing 100 per cent relief for countries committed to spending the proceeds on poverty-reduction.
We will work to help more of the heavily indebted poor countries qualify for debt relief where this benefits the poor.
And we will work to prevent new debt burdens through international agreement not to give export credits for excessive military spending or prestige projects.
Education has a special place for Labour.
We will increase further our support for quality primary education for all, particularly for girls.
Our Imfundo project, part of an £800 million education programme, will bring together public and private sector commitment to use IT to ensure effective teacher training and education management.
We will give top priority to combating the spread of HIV/AIDS, which is inflicting massive human and economic costs across the developing world.
We will work for the creation of a global health fund to make essential drugs and commodities more accessible to the poor, focusing on TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS.
This will complement our existing support for the development of basic healthcare systems, and our new tax credits to incentivise research by the drug companies into the diseases of poverty.
Development goes much wider than aid and debt relief.
It is also about how we manage the global economy.
Our aim is to shape globalisation so that it works better for the world’s poor.
Trade is key but so is private investment.
We will promote socially responsible business practice through advisory services on codes of social responsibility, the ethical trading initiative, the Export Credit Guarantee Department’s new code of business principles, the Commonwealth Development Corporation’s partnership with the private sector, and our initiatives to encourage private investment in infrastructure.
Nowhere will our resolve be more tested than in Africa.
Labour is committed to strengthening our partnership for development with Africa.
We will work with reforming governments, international institutions, the private sector and civil society in support of nationally owned development strategies.
We will also redouble our efforts to prevent and resolve violent conflicts in Africa, using our new Africa conflict fund to provide help for security sector reform, demilitarisation programmes and tighter controls over small arms.
The environmental challenge
The poor make the smallest per capita contribution to climate change, but are often most affected when it happens.
We are convinced by the scientific evidence of climate change – and convinced that now is the time to act.
We need action at local, national and international level if we are to preserve the stability of our natural environment over the next 50 years.
The principle of mutual responsibility that governs our approach to social problems also applies to environmental issues.
The healthy future of our environment is one of the world’s great challenges.
We must make substantial changes in the way we work and live to safeguard all our futures.
The UK played a leading role in the Kyoto conference.
The targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions agreed at that conference are a vital first step in the battle against global warming.
It is critical that the whole international community plays its part in making a reality of sustainable development.
We are determined to play a constructive role at the ‘Rio plus 10’ meeting in  South Africa next year.
We are one of the few countries to have met our 1992 obligations to hold greenhouse gases in 2000 below their 1990 levels.
In 1997 we set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2010.
We will meet our obligations arising from the Kyoto protocol and have set out a detailed strategy to achieve more – a 23 per cent cut in greenhouse gases by 2010.
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has said the UK will need to cut CO2 production by 60 per cent by 2050, so we need to press ahead with a radical agenda for the development of low carbon economic growth, embodied in our £700 million commitment to renewable energy.
In addition to our proposals for environmental technology and renewable energy described in ‘Prosperity for all’, we must also make progress in the following areas:
• We must make the market work for the environment.
Britain is developing the first national CO2 emissions trading system in the world.
It will help companies find the most efficient way of reducing emissions – and reward them for doing so.
Once the system is established here we will seek to extend it around the world.
• We will support hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, which already offer a halving of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with cheaper motoring to match – and for cleaner fuels and biofuels.
By increasing demand for new technologies we can boost innovation and the vitality of the UK car industry.
• It is imperative that we use natural resources more efficiently and recycle more.
We will continue to tax pollution and reward clean production.
We will develop environmental productivity indicators.
We have set a target for the recycling of 35 per cent of household waste by 2015, and will work with all local authorities to introduce kerbside recycling schemes wherever appropriate.
• Water management is a vital challenge for the future – for the environment and for the growing world population.
We will continue to make our contribution at home: leakage is down by almost 30 per cent since 1997, bills have been cut by 12 per cent and disconnections have been ended.
• Environmental protection and sustainable development go hand in hand.
We cannot protect the environment without addressing the development needs of the poor, and poverty reduction depends on safeguarding natural resources on which poor people depend.
• We will continue to provide leadership abroad, working for international agreement on climate change, improved integration of the environment in European policies and a strong global environment agency built around the current UN environment programme.
We will work to improve marine and forest conservation overseas and in the UK.
Britain can be pivotal to world affairs, using our alliances to advance our interests and values.
The key is to use our strengths of history and geography to engage with other countries, not retreat.
That is Labour’s promise.
How labour is strengthening your voice in the world:
by taking a lead in Europe, standing up for Britain’s rights and reforming Europe to promote jobs and deepen democracy
by supporting our armed forces, making sure our troops are always available and effective in times of crisis
by working to tackle global climate change, meeting our own tough targets and pushing other countries to meet theirs
by leading the fight against global poverty, with increased aid, better spent
The choices for Britain
These are our ambitions for Britain – and how they can be achieved.
Clear in our values, confident in our policies, we seek a new mandate from the British people.
We are proud of our record in government.
But we are not yet satisfied.
Labour is the party of reform and we fight this election as agents of change in Britain.
Change to our economy, so more people share the benefits of growth.
Change in our public services, so that they better advance equality of opportunity.
Change in our welfare system, so that we extend security, responsibility and independence.
Change to tackle crime and its causes.
Change to deepen our democracy.
Change to Britain’s role in the world.
The Conservatives were rejected in 1997 because they had failed.
The national debt had doubled; crime had doubled; we were 42nd in the world education league; one in five households was on benefit; and we were marginalised in Europe.
Yet instead of learning, the Conservatives have become more dogmatic, more extreme, more divided.
They are worse than ever.
The British people now face a choice.
New Labour stands in the political mainstream, rooted in the best values of the British people.
The Conservatives have veered to extreme positions.
This election will decide whether we continue the policies that have brought us economic stability, steady growth, investment in public services and targeted tax cuts for children and families, or whether we lurch back to boom and bust.
It will decide whether we put our schools, hospitals and police officers first, or put them second after unaffordable tax cuts.
It will decide whether we modernise the criminal justice system.
It will decide whether we stand for a positive engagement with Europe and the wider world, or retreat to the sidelines.
We want everyone to vote in this election.
But before you do, think of your job; think of your mortgage; think of your school and hospital; think of your children and your parents; think of police and crime prevention, think of the choice of leadership.
Think of who you want to succeed in Britain – the many or the few.
There is still much to do with new Labour – and a lot for you to lose under the Conservatives.
The choice is clear: for an ambitious and confident Britain, the choice is Labour.
25 steps to a better Britain
1 Basic skills for 750,000 people
2 Venture capital funds in every region
3 £180 billion investment in transport, with 25 local rail and train schemes
4 Raise the minimum wage to £4.20
5 £1,000 tax cut – the Children’s Tax Credit – for parents of newborn children
6 Every secondary school with a distinct ethos, mission or centre of excellence
7 Recruit an extra 10,000 teachers
8 More power to frontline staff
9 More health service workers – 20,000 more nurses, and at least 10,000 more doctors
10 Free access to national museums and galleries
11 An ‘Employment First’ interview for everyone coming on to benefits
12 Expanded support for children through tax and benefit reform
13 Extend and increase paid maternity leave and introduce paid paternity leave
14 New pension credit for lower- and middle-income pensioners and the Winter Fuel Payment retained
15 £900 million Neighbourhood Renewal Fund for jobs, education and crime prevention
16 An extra 6,000 police recruits raising police numbers to their highest-ever level
17 Double the amount of assets seized from drug traffickers and other major criminals
18 Increased sentence plus education and drug treatment for persistent offenders
19 A bill of rights for victims
20 New freedoms with new targets for local government
21 Lead economic reform in Europe
22 Work for the re-start of world trade talks
23 Strong, effective and responsive armed forces
24 Raise international aid towards the UN target
25 Be the first country to introduce greenhouse gas trading to cut pollution
The contract delivered
In the 1997 Labour manifesto Tony Blair said: ‘We set out in the manifesto that follows ten commitments, commitments that form our bond of trust with the people.
Judge us on them.
Have trust in us and we will repay that trust.
This is our contract with the people.
’ This is a summary of Labour’s record since 1997.
For more information on Labour’s policies, please visit our website at www.labour.org.uk, or contact your local Labour campaign team.
1. Education will be our number one priority, and we will increase the share of national income spent on education as we decrease it on the bills of economic and social failure.
The record: Key Stage 2 results for literacy and numeracy reached 75 per cent (up 12 per cent since 1997) and 72 per cent (up 10 per cent since 1997) in 2001.
GCSE and A-level results have also improved.
This September there will be no five-, six- and seven-year-olds in class sizes over 30.
We have cut the costs of debt and unemployment by nearly £9 billion per year.
Education spending has risen from 4.7 per cent of national income to 5 per cent this year.
2. There will be no increase in the basic or top rates of income tax.
The record: We cut the basic rate of income tax to 22p in April 2000 and introduced the 10p band in April 1999.
There has been no increase in the top rate of income tax.
The direct tax burden on a single earner family on average earnings with two children is the lowest since 1972.
3. We will provide stable economic growth with low inflation and promote dynamic and competitive business and industry at home and abroad.
The record: Net borrowing in every year from 1997 to 2003-04 is forecast to be lower than in any Tory year from 1992-93 to 1996-97.
Inflation has been consistently under control and on target.
Economic growth has been steady, averaging 2.75 per cent a year since 1997.
Living standards are on average about 10 per cent higher in real terms than in 1997.
4. We will get 250,000 young unemployed off benefit and into work.
The record: Over 280,000 unemployed young people have been helped into work by Labour’s New Deal.
There are over one million more jobs in the economy than in 1997.
Youth unemployment now stands at its lowest level since 1975, longterm unemployment among under-25s is down 75 per cent.
Unemployment is at its lowest level for 25 years.
5. We will rebuild the NHS, reducing spending on administration and increasing spending on patient care.
The record: The next four years will see the biggest-ever sustained increase in NHS spending.
Over £1 billion will have been released from administration by next year.
The NHS is treating 620,000 more in-patients and is seeing over 650,000 more outpatients than in 1996-97.
There are 17,100 more nurses and 6,700 more doctors than in 1997.
There are 124,000 fewer people on waiting lists.
6. We will be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime, and halve the time it takes persistent juvenile offenders to come to court.
The record: The British Crime Survey shows that overall crime fell by 10 per cent from 1997 to 1999.
Investment is now rising.
The time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders is down from 142 days to 89 days – on track to halve the time within the five years promised in 1997.
7. We will help build strong families and strong communities, and lay the foundations of a modern welfare state in pensions and community care.
The record: Child benefit has been raised by over 25 per cent for the first child.
The Children’s Tax Credit is worth up to £520 a year.
We have introduced parental leave and rights to holidays.
We have extended maternity leave.
£4.5 billion extra in real terms is being spent this year on pensioners.
The basic state pension will rise to £75.50 for single pensioners and £120.70 for pensioner couples next year, while the minimum income guarantee is helping over 1.6 million of the poorest pensioners.
TV licence fees have been abolished for the over-75s, with free access to national museums and galleries for children and pensioners.
8. We will safeguard our environment, and develop an integrated transport policy to fight congestion and pollution.
The record: With the private sector, we will invest a record £180 billion in transport infrastructure over the next ten years.
We will achieve a 23 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions.
We have legislated to promote protection for and access to the countryside.
A £1.6 billion strategy for farming and rural enterprise will redirect subsidies to promote growth and the environment.
9. We will clean up politics, decentralise political power throughout the United Kingdom and put the funding of political parties on a proper and accountable basis.
The record: The funding of political parties, campaign expenditure and conduct of referendums is now regulated.
For the first time the UK has a Freedom of Information Act.
The Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly are now up and running, while local democracy has been returned to the people of London.
The first stage of reform of the House of Lords has reduced the number of hereditary peers to fewer than 100.
10. We will give Britain the leadership in Europe which Britain and Europe need.
The record: Labour has negotiated successfully for Britain in Europe.
Our rebate is protected, enlargement is being taken forward.
We have led the debate on European economic reform and on the development of a European defence capacity rooted in NATO structures.
In Kosovo, our armed forces played a leading role in standing up against ethnic cleansing.
Heart of the Manifesto 2001
Our Platform
We stand for Scotland
The SNP stands for Scotland.
We stand for Independence and
we stand for the people -all the people - who live in our rich country.
At the Westminster election the people of Scotland have a choice.
A choice between the Scottish National Party that stands for Scotland
and which campaigns for Independence
or the London parties which have failed our country for too long.
A vote for Scotland
The election of SNP MPs to the Westminster Parliament is a vote for Scotland and a vote for Independence.
A vote for MPs committed to win Independence,
and who will work to bring about Independence as quickly as possible.
It is also a vote to win more powers for the Scottish Parliament and
a vote for MPs who will always put Scotland first.
The more SNP MPs elected to Westminster, the stronger the case for a referendum on Independence.
A majority of SNP MPs will trigger a referendum.
This means our country gets the chance to vote for Independence -
to complete the powers of our Parliament -
in a democratic referendum.
In advance of that referendum, all SNP MPs will put the case for more and complete powers for the Scottish Parliament from day one in the Westminster Parliament.
To be effective the Scottish Parliament must have the ability to take the key decisions that matter to the people of this country.
SNP MPs will argue for what is in the Scottish interest at all times
and will campaign strongly against all anti-Scottish legislation and measures at Westminster.
The SNP has no split loyalty;
we work first, last and always for the Scottish interest.
Our Contract with the people
The more SNP MPs elected to the Westminster Parliament, the more we can do for Scotland.
And every vote for the SNP is a vote for the strongest voice for our country.
Each and every SNP MP will go to Westminster with three key aims.
Drive Scotland forward to Independence,
completing the powers of the Scottish  Parliament -
The stronger our voice, the stronger we can be in making the case for Independence
delivered by a democratic referendum.
Deliver the best deal for Scotland -
the larger the SNP presence in the House of Commons, the better chance we have of making sure that Scotland gets the best deal.
Protect Scotland from the worst failings of Westminster rule -
the more SNP MPs, the greater the chance we have of stopping the next fuel tax hike
or the next attack on Scottish public spending.
Our Independence vision
Independence can release the energy, potential and opportunities needed to transform our country and
to build a vibrant, exciting future for our children.
We have a vision of Scotland that is a just, caring and enterprising country
where individuals are able to get on in the world regardless of where they have come from.
We believe strongly that there is a modern role for Scotland’s democratic government as a keystone in building a modern Scottish society and economy.
It is through our government that we can pool our collective resources as a society and focus them on delivering a healthy,
well-educated people,
living in a 21 st century environment and
cared for in times of need.
Scotland already has a Parliament but that Parliament has very limited powers.
We stand for completing the powers of our Parliament –
removing powers over issues that remain in London
and bringing them back to Scotland and
equipping the Scottish people with the same powers as every other normal country in the world.
We stand for giving the people of Scotland the chance to vote for the power to decide where they spend the resources and revenue of Scotland.
To decide the amount of investment in public services they
want and the amount of benefits they wish to allocate to those in need.
All those powers are with London at present
and we stand for transferring them to the Scottish Parliament.
Government from London will never deliver what we stand for
and what the people of Scotland demand.
The SNP stands to change that.
Scotland has a wealth of potential as a country.
We have all the ingredients to make a success of our economy and our society,
but we need the confidence in ourselves to make that success happen.
Normal status in the world is what Independence is about.
We stand for a modern vision to transform Scotland with 21 st Century Independence.
Using the wealth of Scotland to work for Scotland
Scotland is a wealthy country and can afford to invest more in public services.
However, we need to ensure that we can invest in the long term by using the benefits of Scotland’s wealth of resources.
Scotland will send £7.7 billion to Westminster more than we will receive back over the two years to 2002, as we published in Scotland’s 21 st Century Opportunity - Government Expenditures & Revenues in Scotland 2000-2002.
We will establish the Scottish Fund for Future Generations (SFFG) as a means of securing that long-term investment.
By committing our surplus oil revenues to the SFFG we will lock up the benefits of years of plenty forever.
This fund will produce a sustainable stream of income for investment from the depletion of scarce natural resources.
The extent of this income will vary with the revenues committed and the rates of return on investment achieved.
The investment in the SFFG could be £4.9 billion in the next year alone.
The income from that one year’s investment could in turn be worth in excess of £390 million a year in-perpetuity assuming an 8 per cent benchmark real rate of return.
That money would be available for reinvestment in public services on a sustainable basis.
The income from the fund is projected to top £1 billion a year after five years and could reach £5 billion per year in time.
Norway is already achieving income levels of this order after only five years of operating such a fund.
We will also establish the Scottish Trust for Public Investment (STPI).
This will target low cost investment into public infrastructure by competing costly PFI/PPP financed projects out of the market.
By operating on a not for profit basis, spreading risk and gathering expertise under one roof,
together with a secure government income stream,
the STPI could cut the cost of capital compared to PFI in half.
This will release a massive amount of resources for re-investment into public service infrastructure.
Our Policies
Constitution
The Scottish National Party believes that an Independent Scotland must have a written Constitution that clearly enshrines the rights and responsibilities of all those who choose to live in Scotland.
In the context of EU citizenship, the SNP have an open and inclusive approach to Scottish citizenship.
The automatic right of citizenship will be open to all those living in Scotland,
all those born in Scotland and
all those with a parent born in Scotland.
All others are free to apply.
With Independence,
the Queen and her successors will remain as Head of State of Scotland, as defined within the written Constitution,
subject to the democratic consent of the people in a referendum.
The Scottish National Party supports the introduction of proportional representation at all levels of government.
Quangos
Public confidence in the quango system is at an all time low.
This is exacerbated by the failure of quangos and
ministers to be held accountable when they deliver poor performance.
We will examine the role and effectiveness of the current range of quangos with a view to abolishing the excessive number of quangos operating in Scotland
and to replace the quango state with a democratic state.
We will introduce measures to increase the control of the Scottish Parliament over appointments to
and performance of those quangos that will remain.
In particular, we support the current Private Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament regarding scrutiny of Scotland’s quangos.
Civil Service
Independence will provide job security and new opportunities for civil servants -
within the Scottish Executive,
Executive Agencies
and those UK departments employing staff within Scotland - to advance to the top of their profession.
Student Funding
The SNP believes in the right of free access to higher education.
We support the complete abolition of tuition fees,
whether these are due up front or paid back after graduation.
As resources allow we will build on existing maintenance grant provision to re-create a decent maintenance grant
and remove the dependence on student loans.
We are supportive of the additional recommendations of the Cubie Report,
in particular those relating to the restoration of state benefits
and our Westminster MPs will argue for this.
Children & Families
The SNP has a long-standing commitment to the reduction of the voting age and
would like young people from the age of 16 to have voting entitlement.
The SNP would progress towards full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The establishment of a powerful and independent Children’s Commissioner for Scotland is fully supported by the SNP
and is essential in promoting awareness of childrens’ rights and
challenging individual breaches of rights.
As part of our commitment to family life we will support agencies which offer assistance to couples seeking counselling
and help during times of difficulty.
Education
The SNP wants all Scots to fulfil their potential.
We must draw out of each generation the very best that they have to give to their society and to themselves.
We must value education for its own sake,
but also because enterprise, creativity and ambition all flow from the results of successful and continuing education.
The SNP will help Scottish education to become internationally respected once again.
We will do that by taking education out of the political battleground
and bringing forward proposals to depressurise a system that has been over stressed by central prescription.
Our priority policy proposals
We would impose a moratorium on further change in the classroom and in educational administration until we have established an Education Convention,
chaired by the Education Minister and comprising a wide range of representatives from across Scotland and from throughout education.
It will have the responsibility of debating policy proposed by Government prior to the legislative process,
and on making recommendations for implementation
after it has been approved by Parliament.
It will compliment the work of Government and Parliament.
The Convention will be established in the first year of an SNP government.
Thereafter the SNP will bring forward for pre and post legislative consultation through the Convention three major priority initiatives:
We will introduce a phased reduction of Primary 1,
2
and 3 class sizes to 18 or below,
initially targeting areas of social deprivation.
This will be done by increased investment in teachers,
schools
and materials.
We will end publication of selective information that leads to the compilation of misleading league tables which are increasingly seen as disruptive to the process of learning
and which produce no benefit for young people themselves.
We will also critically examine the present externally imposed target setting for
schools and bring about a reduction in the burden of assessment on young people,
Teachers
and schools.
We will develop a system in which the professional judgement of teachers is the central element
and in which powers abrogated to others in these matters will be returned to the classroom.
We will start on a major programme of school refurbishment and
repair, using the innovative opportunity created by the STPI that will enable us to do more work,
more efficiently.
Standing for success
The SNP is committed to the full implementation of the McCrone settlement
and this will greatly assist in developing a new atmosphere in Scotland’s schools.
We will re-examine the duties of parents with the aim of ensuring that they play a full partnership role with schools and take responsibility for their children.
We shall also bring forward changes in formal parental representation in schools,
replacing the present School Board structure with new arrangements taking account of the already expressed views of COSLA and others.
We will also pursue other measures, including:- restructuring Her Majesty’s Inspectorate to consist of a small core of professional managers supported in actual inspection by secondees from schools;
introduction of measures that will ease the transition between nursery and primary school;
delivery of appropriate and effective training for teachers in information and communication technology;
creation of new guidelines on school closures, with a presumption against closure of rural schools except in clearly specified circumstances;
and production of high quality teaching materials
on Scottish history, language and literature.
We will place a duty in law to provide Gaelic medium education
where there is reasonable demand and developing Gaelic medium provision in the primary and secondary sectors.
We will also conduct a legislative review of the provision of school transport.
We support positive steps to ensure that the particular needs of Catholic schools are recognised in professional training and development
and that the contribution of Catholic schools to the diversity and richness of the Scottish educational scene is fully realised.
We will ensure that the needs of ethnic minority groups are met in mainstream schooling
and that anti-racism is a core element in a child’s growing understanding of our multicultural society.
Other measures will include developing the concept of Community;
enhancing the role of community education;
assisting teachers to impart the essential elements of citizenship education through their professional development;
recognising that mainstream schools with an inclusive orientation are
the most effective means of meeting the needs of all learners who share an equal entitlement to be there;
properly supporting moves towards more inclusive education for those with special needs;
providing support and back up for teachers in difficult circumstances in the classroom;
and providing back up where indiscipline and truancy are significant problems.
Jobs
We will create an economic climate to end unemployment.
Our philosophy is based on building on Scotland’s strengths,
and tackling the weaknesses that inhibit growth.
More than anything, we are determined to create a specific Scottish economic policy suited to the economic profile of our nation.
Enterprise & Jobs
Our programme of infrastructure investment through the Scottish Trust for Public Investment
will give Scots businesses improved access to world markets through a modern and reliable road,
rail,
sea and
air network.
We will ensure Scotland does not get by-passed by the digital revolution by ensuring that Scotland has direct access to the internet and
broadband capacity throughout the country.
And our focus on reskilling Scotland will work to ensure that one of the key ingredients of a successful economy, a highly educated, flexible and skilled workforce, is in place to allow both the growth of indigenous enterprises,
but also to encourage the relocation of high-skill, value-added international investors to our country.
Economic development agencies must become more focused
and less bureaucratic.
They must be more accessible and less regulatory.
Their aim is to facilitate and add value to indigenous and incoming business.
They should stimulate not suffocate.
Finally, because we believe in Scotland, because we stand for Scotland,
we will be best placed to sell Scotland as a marketplace,
as a holiday destination
and as a key export partner.
We will ensure that Scotland’s businesses get better and wider representation across the world,
and that every effort is made to promote Scotland as a world beating business
and tourist centre.
To this end, we will bring the tourist agency into Scotland’s enterprise network.
Tourism
Scotland’s tourism industry has been under-valued
and the Scottish Executive has completely mishandled attempts to revitalise the industry.
A confident and quality industry aiming to achieve an ambitious expansion of business levels can be achieved, but only with the correct policy direction.
The two key strategic aims in developing the industry must be to market the product
and make access cheaper and simpler.
The recent structural changes to the Scottish Tourist Board and Visit Scotland recognise that change is required.
However, much more remains to be done.
Fundamentally, the organisation must move away from seeing itself as a regulatory body to being a marketing body, which sells the product of a holiday or break in Scotland, at home and abroad.
More effective marketing and the direct promotion of Scotland to replace the role of the British Tourist Authority is required.
We need to ensure that we maximise our profile in our key areas
not disperse our resources in peripheral ones.
Access to Scotland is fundamental.
The lack of a Scottish gateway airport is a clear impediment.
Hence, there is a requirement to ensure that our marketing also dovetails with a transport strategy.
The SNP will campaign for better transport links for visitors to enter Scotland.
Employment
The SNP at Westminster will press for devolution of the New Deal to Scotland,
and in government will refocus the millions of pounds invested in this programme to create a Better Deal by targeting people living in Scotland’s job black spots
and providing additional training, support and encouragement for long-term and
youth unemployed.
This will come as part of a project of national reskilling,
and will assist those who too often slip off the statistics and out of the New Deal programme.
Minimum Wage
The SNP has long supported a minimum wage set at half male median earnings.
SNP MPs at Westminster and an SNP government would support an immediate increase of the minimum wage to £4.36 for all Scots regardless of their age.
This is a 16°k increase on current levels compared to Labour’s proposal of a 9°k increase.
We would aim to achieve a similar increase for the following year.
We would end age discrimination and the minimum wage would apply for all Scots regardless of their age.
The lowest paid young Scots working a 40-hour week would gain £2350 a year extra under SNP plans.
Workers over 21 on the minimum wage would see an increase in income of £1350 a year.
Any such moves would follow discussion with employers and trades unions about implementation.
Recognising the possible impact of a higher minimum wage on small businesses in Scotland, the SNP’s review of the tax system will develop measures to reduce employment costs for small businesses using the increased revenue that will accrue to the Exchequer from higher tax income resulting from a higher minimum wage,
Trades Unions
In the last UK Parliament, it was the SNP who stood for Scotland’s trades unions by pressing the case for fair ballots for trade union recognition in the workplace,
in contrast to the government’s system, which meant a majority of votes did not mean recognition.
Our support for Scotland’s trades unions will continue.
We will guarantee the rights of trades unions
and the rights of representation for workers through a statutory Charter of Trade Union Rights.
We support the EU Directive on collective redundancies
and will argue strongly for the ratification of other employee involvement laws.
Environment
The SNP stands for a clean, safe and sustainable environment in Scotland.
With so many key industries - agriculture,
tourism
and fisheries - dependent on Scotland’s environmental image,
maintaining and protecting our natural environment must be central to any government’s priorities.
An SNP government will strive to ensure that Scotland becomes a world leader in securing a sustainable environment
and quality of life for all,
recognising that local action can have global impact and
that environmental problems do not respect national boundaries.
We will contribute towards international climate change targets.
We oppose the UK government climate change levy
and have particular concerns about its impact on hydroelectric power.
We will undertake an evaluation of the risks from climate change
and will produce a strategy to address these risks.
As a first step to securing this objective an SNP government will commission a State of the Nation Environmental Audit to assess Scotland’s current position.
From this we will establish a National Environment Plan (NEP),
which will set stretching standards
and targets to meet Scotland’s international obligations,
and where appropriate, surpass these objectives.
In the short term, at Westminster, we will press for SEPA to be given statutory monitoring powers over military facilities in Scotland so that there is proper environmental regulation of MoD practices such as the dumping of depleted uranium in the Solway Firth.
In government the SNP will seek to ensure Scotland produces 12% of all its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2010,
including 25% of its electricity.
We will not build any more nuclear power stations.
Existing facilities will be decommissioned at the end of their economic or technical capacity.
Dounreay will be supported as an international centre of decommissioning,
allowing Scotland to export its expertise.
We are committed to the development of a resource efficient culture in Scotland, supporting the key concepts of the "six Rs" - Refuse, Reduce, Re-use, Refurbish, Recycle, Recover.
The SNP is committed to the Precautionary and Polluter Pays Principles,
and in government will introduce an integrated system of pollution prevention and control.
As part of our Comprehensive Tax Review, we will examine the system of Landfill Tax Credits.
Water
An SNP government will undertake an immediate review of the water industry's financial arrangements bringing to an end sky-high increases in water charges and a halt to backdoor privatisation.
Suitable protection for low-income households
and the voluntary sector will be introduced.
The three water quangos will be given a more democratic and accountable structure.
An exemption will be sought from the Competition Act, to allow the industry to cope with the significant challenges that it already faces,
and consider the implications of competition.
Health
The SNP recognises that those who work in the health service are already committed to delivering real improvements
and we support them in their efforts.
We are also supportive of many of the initiatives published in the Scottish Health Plan.
The SNP’s policy platform is not an alternative to the initiatives that are already planned or underway.
What it does is identify key areas where the SNP believes that government could and should go further.
A healthy partnership
The SNP believes that the National Health Service is too important to be a political football.
We will establish a National Health Care Commission (NHCC),
chaired by the Minister for Health & Community Care with cross party representation of MSPs, representatives of the health profession and unions together with members of the wider community.
The Commission will be charged with setting the strategic direction for NHS Scotland
and given a central role in the drive to end postcode treatment.
The NHCC will be instrumental in raising morale of health professionals,
which is at an all time low,
not least in the primary care sector.
A recent survey of GPs in Scotland found that nearly 80% did not feel included in changes in the NHS.
That must change if there is to be a genuine partnership approach to improving our health service.
The Commission will also examine how local healthcare co-operatives can best be empowered to deliver real improvements.
Prevention is better than cure
Making Scotland a healthier place to live is at the heart of our policy platform.
Free fruit in schools.
We will target policies and resources in improving the health of Scotland’s children and encouraging in our young people -
and hopefully their parents
-a culture of healthy eating.
We will extend on a national basis the practice of a few local authorities of providing free fruit in schools
and will provide, during term time, a free daily portion of fruit to every primary school pupil in Scotland.
2.  Healthier school meals.
We will also act to regulate the nutritional content of school meals
- which for many children is the main meal of the day
- to ensure that the food children eat at school meets minimum nutritional standards.
Equality of access to health provision and health care
The SNP is committed to restoring a system in which access to health care is determined by a professional assessment of clinical need
and not by the lottery of a patient’s residence.
The SNP pledges to end postcode treatment within our first term in government.
No patient will be denied access to a drug or treatment that has been positively assessed by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS).
The SNP will substantially increase the budget of the HTBS to enable it to expand its workload
and increase the number of assessments that it carries out each year.
The findings of the HTBS will be binding on health boards.
The NHCC will have a central role in the drive to end postcode treatment.
It will be for the Commission to identify instances where the care and treatment of patients in any area falls significantly below that in other areas.
The NHCC will be empowered to work pro-actively with the relevant health bodies to ensure that effective action is taken to bring the quality of care up to acceptable standards.
Dental Health
The SNP in government will re-introduce free dental check ups for everyone in Scotland.
Prescription charges
The SNP will act to end the unfairness inherent in the prescription charges system.
We will freeze the level of prescription charges immediately,
and establish an independent, short-term working party to review the level of charges and the categories of exemption.
Highest quality care and treatment for all
We support and will continue the drive to set and maintain national standards of clinical excellence.
We will take action to ensure that patients are treated as quickly and as close to home as is possible
and clinically appropriate,
and in settings that are clean,
modern,
properly staffed
and well equipped.
Our early priorities will be to invest in reequipping NHS Scotland
and tackling staff shortages.
A modern, well-equipped health service
The SNP is determined to make significant progress by delivering real investment in our first term.
Over the next twenty-five years, the NHS will spend nearly £3 billion under PFI contracts,
to service capital investment of only £ 1 billion.
Through the STPI, we will lever in considerably more investment to NHS Scotland for the same or greater scale of commitment.
We will carry out an audit of the age and effectiveness of existing hospital equipment
and use the results of the audit to target capital investment to ensure that our hospitals are at the cutting edge of medical technology.
Cleaner hospitals
The SNP will invest an extra £4 million in a "Clean Hospitals Fund" to enable an immediate clean up of Scotland’s hospitals.
More nurses
We will take action with the aim of employing at least 1,500 more nurses in the health service.
We will also launch a nurse recruitment campaign to encourage young people to enter the profession
and qualified nurses who have left it to return.
Shorter waiting times
With the investment that we are promising in hospital buildings,
medical equipment
and nurses, we believe that maximum waiting times for all inpatient treatment can be cut by half in our first term in office.
Free personal care for all elderly people
The SNP are committed to free personal care for all elderly people who need it.
The SNP remains committed to paying personal care costs in full and
will do so on taking office if Labour continues to let Scotland’s pensioners down.
Europe
The SNP stands for Scotland in Europe.
The Scottish National Party believes that membership of the European Union will give Scotland real advantages.
It will secure for Scotland a voice at the heart of Europe, with full membership of the important decision and policy-making bodies.
We support the present confederal union in Europe,
and reject moves to a European ‘Super State’.
We support steps towards enhanced co-operation in defence,
foreign affairs,
trade and
the environment,
but reject abandoning national vetoes on issues relating to natural resources,
taxation and
the constitution.
We seek a stronger commitment to subsidiarity, with responsibilities returned to member states in areas such as coastal fisheries under the Common Fisheries Policy.
Sharing of sovereignty should be restricted to defined areas where it brings clear benefits.
We see advantages in Scottish membership of the single currency,
but this can only be achieved when the economic conditions are correct,
when an acceptable exchange rate is delivered
and where public consent has been given in a referendum.
The SNP welcomes an enlarged Union.
This will give greater weight and prominence to small and medium sized nations.
Clearly, after Nice, Scotland will have significantly greater influence in the European Union as an independent nation than as part of the United Kingdom.
At present, Scotland is represented only in the European Parliament -
but as part of the UK, we have only half as many MEPs as Denmark or Finland, countries with similar populations.
The Treaty of Nice would further reduce MEPs for Scotland within the UK -
but provide a better deal for Scotland with Independence.
An independent Scotland under the Nice Treaty would have its full quota of 13 MEPs
and seven weighted votes in the Council of
Ministers plus a member of the European Commission
- compared to no votes and no Commissioner within the UK.
Defence
On Independence we will negotiate the safe removal of Trident from Scotland
and an independent Scotland
will work to eliminate nuclear,
biological
and chemical weapons world-wide.
Pre-independence we will continue to be part of the coalition against Trident in the UK.
But while we have the risk of Trident, we should get the benefit of the jobs at Rosyth,
and we will fight any government proposals to remove refitting work from Scotland.
SNP MPs will oppose any involvement in a possible US National Missile Defence Programme
believing it to be unwise and damaging to international relations between east and west.
The SNP stands for co-operation in conventional defence.
We will contribute to international security,
conflict resolution,
peacekeeping
and disaster
and humanitarian relief through the European Union Common Foreign & Security Policy and European Rapid Reaction Force,
the OSCE, EAPC/PfP and the UN.
An independent Scotland will inherit a treaty obligation to NATO.
However our opposition to nuclear defence will make our continued participation in nuclear alliances difficult.
We therefore propose to negotiate a phased withdrawal from NATO
but will retain military co-operation with NATO nations through a variety of international involvements.
An SNP government will promote the study of the theory and practice of peacekeeping,
and will make its skills available to Scottish Defence Force personnel
and to the forces of
democratically governed nations.
The priority of the Scottish Defence Force (SDF), in partnership with Scotland's neighbours, will be to safeguard the land, sea and air space of Scotland.
SDF training and equipment will reflect that,
as well as the need for rapid deployment overseas.
Some units will have specialised training for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
The SDF will initially be equipped with Scotland's negotiated share of UK defence resources.
Service and pension conditions will be equal to those of the UK forces, with some enhancements.
The SDF will be an all-professional force supported by part time volunteers
and jobs will be open to all who meet the appropriate standards.
All MoD civilians working in Scotland at Independence will be able to remain in the Scottish MoD or Scottish civil service.
Defence industries will be subject to end user scrutiny to ensure that Scotland only exports arms to legitimate sources,
and not through third parties to the worst regimes.
While Scotland is in the UK the SNP will work to ensure that Scotland obtains a fair share of defence expenditure.
Bases at Kinloss, Lossiemouth, Leuchars, Prestwick, Faslane and all barracks and training areas (regular and reserve) will be fully utilised by the SDF
and consideration may be given to using regular and reserve sites that have been shut by the UK.
Additional accommodation for specialised equipment or personnel may be built on any of the above sites.
International Affairs
An Independent Scotland will
play a full role in the international community through its membership of the European Union,
the Commonwealth
and the United Nations.
We will always promote Scottish interests internationally,
ensuring productive and harmonious relationships with the other countries of the world.
Where UK embassies are about status, Scottish Embassies would be about business.
The SNP would establish a commercially focussed presence for Scotland in the major commercial and population centres of the world by amalgamating the foreign representation of Locate in Scotland, Scottish Trade International and VisitScotland into External Affairs Offices of the Government of Scotland.
Scotland’s External Affairs department would operate on a budget no greater than the current spending by the Scottish Executive and its Agencies on overseas representation and our population share of Foreign & Commonwealth Office spending.
Overseas Development
The SNP has a long-standing commitment to raise Scotland’s international aid budget to UN recommended levels.
We are committed to the cancellation of Third World Debt and poverty eradication,
and accept the 2015 International Development Targets.
We would seek to reduce Third World debt by pushing for reform of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative to allow for speedier and wider reaching relief to all countries that are in need.
International Aid will be in the form of grants or very low interest loans to avoid increasing the debt burden.
The SNP does not believe in "Aid for Trade" and would accordingly untie all its aid programmes so that they would not be reliant on buying from Scottish firms, since this may not be appropriate for the recipient country.
An SNP government will establish and fund a voluntary secretariat - "Aid from Scotland" -
to coordinate a unified approach and provide a single point of contact for Scotland's aid agencies,
ensuring a quick response to global emergencies.
Broadcasting
The SNP has consistently argued for legislative oversight of Scottish broadcasting to be the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP is keen to see a "dash for digital" so that the changeover can establish Scotland's place in the forefront of technological development
and we believe the government must work in partnership with providers to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
The SNP anticipates a growing together of broadcasting, computer and mobile technology
and will support and assist those entrepreneurs who seek to make such technologies benefit our nation and the world.
We will seek a presence in the UK,
European
and global media,
to continue to campaign for the progressive devolution of powers over budget and
schedule to BBC Scotland, and to argue for the Scottish Six.
While realistic about the inevitability of change in the rules on cross media ownership, we will continue to seek a strong Scottish presence in worldwide and democratic markets.
Sport
We see an important role for sport,
not only in tackling issues relating to youth crime,
but also in ensuring improved health for people in Scotland.
The SNP would like to see resources currently available for sport focused more on local and community sporting activities.
The SNP supports the creation of Football Academies,
and would use existing funds to assist in the creation of a national network of such bodies.
We will bid for the 2008 European Football Championships to be based in Scotland.
Culture
The SNP will radically reform the Scottish Arts Council,
first of all by providing direct funding to the National companies
(including a new national theatre).
From existing resources, we will establish a "Scottish Academy" to encourage excellence and to bring forward new talent
and we will considerably increase funding for traditional Scottish arts.
We will introduce a Scottish Lottery to provide money for good causes including the arts.
Gaelic
The SNP continues to campaign for secure status for Gaelic as one of the key measures that will assist in supporting and reviving the language.
We must put in place measures that stop the decline in the number of Gaelic speakers
and create a new generation of Gaelic speakers.
This means not only a much wider provision of Gaelic medium education
but also the development of new opportunities for adults to become fluent Gaelic speakers,
and new ways of accessing such opportunities.
Scots
The SNP would support measures to improve the teaching of Scots language and literature in schools,
and would encourage all forms of the media in positive promotion and usage of the language.
Until Independence,
the SNP will keep up the pressure on the UK Government to fulfil their obligations to the Scots Language
under Part II of the European Charter
for Regional and Minority Languages,
and seek specification under Part III.
In government we will ensure these obligations are fulfilled.
Social Justice
The SNP is committed to a National Anti-Poverty Strategy,
the aim of which is the eradication of structural poverty,
both social and economic,
as an integral element in the development of an economically dynamic and socially just Scotland with work,
education
and good health for all.
The SNP would also promote "poverty proofing" -a process whereby agencies at all levels assess policies and programmes in relation to the likely impact they will have on poverty with a view to poverty reduction –
with specific and quantifiable targets the outcomes will be meaningful and achievable.
We would transfer the bureaucracy budget of Social Inclusion Partnerships to front line services particularly voluntary organisations dealing with poverty.
The SNP abhors the current treatment of asylum seekers,
in particular the voucher system,
which causes unnecessary hardship for many asylum-seeking families.
We also condemn the rhetoric of too many London politicians towards asylum seekers.
We would seek fast and fair assessment.
Housing
The SNP will argue for the UK government to take immediate responsibility for the housing debt accrued by Scottish local authorities as a result of decades of Westminster rule,
and as has been done for the privatised water industry in England and Wales .
This would relieve the burden of debt servicing from councils,
to free up cash for investment in Scotland’s housing.
Until Independence
our team of MPs will press for control over housing benefit to be devolved to the Scottish
Parliament so that we can use it as a lever to drive down rents
and increase family incomes.
We will use the Scottish Trust for Public Investment and the variety of other means available to government to lever in desperately needed investment into housing to do this.
We are against wholesale stock transfer of council housing stock.
We support smallscale community transfers
where the tenants and
local communities want it.
We would promote housing legislation to cover all tenures.
The policy in the rented sector would be based on the principle of ‘Tenants First, Tenure Second’.
We believe in level playing fields for housing providers and choice for rent and purchase, which is sustainable.
Voluntary Sector
We will end challenge funding schemes for voluntary organisations, which waste thousands of pounds in preparing unsuccessful bids.
We recognise that voluntary organisations require core funding and will consult on methods of funding distribution.
This will include three-year core funding arrangements.
We will review the existing Voluntary Compact and alleviate concerns that a two-tier voluntary sector has been created.
We will review the taxation regime for voluntary organisations,
and will exempt voluntary organisations from water charges.
Homelessness
Homelessness has reached record levels under New Labour.
We will work to ensure effective delivery of services to end rough sleeping,
tackling the many issues which affect people forced to sleep rough.
We will also tackle ‘hidden homelessness’ by providing homes and the support needed.
Equality
The SNP has a long held commitment to a constitutionally enshrined guarantee of equal opportunities for all Scots regardless of race,
gender,
age,
Sexuality,
disability
or social background.
We will continue to place this commitment at the centre of our actions both in the House of Commons and in the Scottish Parliament.
Until Independence,
we will press for legislative powers in this area to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament,
as it has been to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Disability Issues
Disabled people still face barriers of discrimination in many areas of life.
Everyone should be given equality of opportunity to fulfil their potential,
no matter who they are,
or how able they are.
No disabled person should be socially excluded
or find themselves in poverty because of their disability.
Government has a responsibility to lead the way in ending discrimination against disabled people,
challenging attitudes
and ensuring that every area of legislation promotes equality of opportunity for disabled people within our society.
As a first step, we will extend the powers and scope of the Disability Discrimination Act
and introduce a disability equality indicator.
Drugs
Government must do more to identify dealers and bring them to justice;
more to provide focused and relevant education about the dangers of drugs;
and more to assist drug misusers with rehabilitation and support.
We recognise the need to support families of those misusing drugs
and to develop routes out of drug taking for communities affected by the growth in drug abuse.
Our additional resources for Scotland’s police forces,
and the fast-tracking and treatment of drug misusers through Drugs Courts, will allow us to focus more on key elements of the drugs problem in our country.
Crime
The SNP will increase police resources to tackle crime
as well as recognising the rights and responsibilities of citizens in tackling crime.
Police Numbers
The police are our front line against crime.
Public perception is of declining police numbers,
a lessening of visible presence on the streets
and less security in our homes and communities.
It is in recognition of the vital role played by our police that the SNP intends to make available a sum of £25 million specifically to provide 1,000 new officers in Scotland,
over and above the existing provision.
Every part of Scotland would benefit
and there would also be a welcome change in public perception and
an increase in public confidence that our streets were truly becoming safer.
Citizenship, responsibility and young people
It is the right of every individual in society to live safely and securely;
to have their privacy respected;
and to expect that their property and homes will be secure against criminal activity.
However, the right of each individual is balanced by an equivalent responsibility not to behave in ways that deprive others of their rights.
We will introduce measures to tackle youth offending because those who begin to are young are likely to continue offending in later life.
The SNP believes that it is not just the responsibility of the education system to teach good citizenship -
first and foremost it is a job for parents who have primary responsibility for their children.
The SNP will consider a further extension of the existing legal responsibility of parents for the actions of their children.
While it would not be appropriate to charge parents and take them through the criminal courts for actions committed by their offspring, it is nevertheless our view that it should be possible to institute a form of Compensation Order on parents
when the activities of their child have resulted in physical damage to property or tangible upset to a victim.
Any provision for such Orders would have to allow both for judicial discretion in imposing them
and the ability to take the financial circumstances of the parent/s into account.
Nevertheless, the impact on the victim, who is otherwise left with the financial responsibility for a repair that is no fault of theirs, cannot be ignored.
Dealing with sex offenders
The SNP believes that our criminal justice system should provide for a form of life-time supervision for those offenders for whom it was considered there would never be a point when they were regarded as no longer being a danger.
The SNP would move to implement the Maclean Report on Serious Violent & Sexual Offenders - in particular the recommendation for an Order for Lifelong Restriction for high-risk sex offenders.
This would ensure constant monitoring
and a recall to custody if the Order were breached.
We would provide for Supervised Release Orders to be available to the Courts even in Summary Cases.
The SNP would ensure that the position is changed to provide that where a victim is over the age of 18, the offender would still be liable to have their name entered onto the Register.
Other initiatives
There are other key areas where the SNP will take action.
We will set up a Sentencing Advisory Panel;
speed up the process of criminal cases in the lower courts which would be of benefit to both the accused and to victims;
and tackle once and for all the status of those who are deported to Scotland from other countries after having served sentences for very serious offences.
The SNP at Westminster will also argue very strongly that as long as the current devolved arrangements prevail, Scotland should continue to get increases in money earmarked for justice initiatives
equivalent to those available in England and Wales.
As part of this process we will continue to argue that the proportion of Fixed Penalty money and fine money, which at present is deposited with HM Treasury, is retained for use in Scotland
and reinvested in our criminal justice system.
Taxation
No one in Scotland today knows how much they pay to the Government in taxation.
Under Labour the tax system has become increasingly complex.
The imposition of more and more stealth taxes has broken the democratic link between the government that sets and spends taxes and the people that pay them.
Complex taxation is inefficient
as well as undemocratic.
Labour have more than doubled the number of tax rates since they took power.
On top of that there are more than 250 complex tax allowances, credits and disregards.
The overall cost of administering the UK’s tax system is estimated by the Inland Revenue at 1.1 p for every £1 collected in tax.
In Ireland the cost is 0. 88p.
Reducing the cost of collection to the Irish level would save £90 million next year alone
- money that could be invested in public services.
Labour like the Tories have increased the share of tax that is levied indirectly and
takes no account of peoplé s ability to pay.
We want to tackle all of these problems with practical solutions.
It is not acceptable for political parties to mislead the people about taxation in elections.
We pledge to bring honesty and clarity to the debate with a series of proposals on taxation based on the following principles:
1 We will not introduce any new measures to increase the overall burden of taxation
or increase the rate of income tax without consulting the people first through our manifesto.
2 We will undertake a Comprehensive Review of Taxation (CRT) to deliver fairness, simplicity, transparency and honesty in the taxation system.
The CRT will have a remit to produce reform proposals that taken together do not increase the overall burden of taxation.
One of our key aims in this review will be to cut business taxation.
Moreover we will not implement the full proposals of the CRT without putting them to the people in our next manifesto.
All our taxation policies will be informed by these core principles and for this election we offer the following specific proposals.
In advance of the CRT we propose one initial measure to fulfil our commitments to drive fuel prices down
and to shift the burden of taxation from unfair stealth taxation to honest fair taxation.
We believe that both these commitments require honest policy decisions now so in advance of the CRT we will cut taxation on fuel by 10p a gallon (including VAT).
This cut in taxation will cost £65m
and will be paid for by introducing an extra 5p band of income taxation for those with taxable earnings over £ 100,000 per year (affecting only ten thousand of the wealthiest Scots) .
The Treasury estimates that this will raise £80 million paying easily for the fuel tax cut .
Any surplus in in revenues from this measure will be directed towards further reductions in duty as part of the process of achieving our target of bringing fuel prices into line with our competitors in Europe.
Taken together therefore these two measures are redistributive and will be revenue neutral.
Local Government
The SNP will stand up for local government
and for proper long term funding of council services.
In particular, we support a comprehensive review of local government finance
including investigation of a local income tax to replace the current council tax.
We recognise the need to adequately reward staff
and will work with local authorities
and trades unions
to improve conditions for public sector workers.
We stand for the right of local government to subsidiarity and
the continued direct delivery of public services.
We support proportional representation
and the introduction of single transferable voting to elect councillors.
Rural Communities
The foot-and-mouth disease brought into sharp focus the great difficulties which businesses face in rural Scotland,
and how vulnerable they are.
Even before the outbreak began, rural Scotland faced economic problems.
Rural Scotland now faces economic problems on an unprecedented scale,
as a result of a series of disastrous policies pursued by successive London governments.
The SNP supports the following policy measures, with the aim of providing a level playing field for the rural economy.
Small businesses are the bedrock of the rural economy.
We will address each of the barriers to growth and
success of small business.
We will use our tax review to consider proposals for a small business rates relief scheme,
which will seek to end the unfair burden which business rates pose for our small business.
The rural economy could be boosted by the promotion of information
and communication technology based businesses and teleworking.
This potential has not yet been realised.
We support an immediate cut in excise duty on fuel of 10 pence per gallon,
and in the longer term will aim to reduce the burden of fuel tax to European average levels.
The burden of fuel costs is particularly high for rural communities
and we will use government power and influence to end the outrage of substantially higher prices in the Highlands and Islands.
We will seek to direct more resources and effort in improving rural public transport
and the rural transport infrastructure.
Government’s role should be to reduce the unnecessary barriers and burdens facing rural producers.
We will work to free up available euro cash, like agrimonetary compensation and support for scallop farmers.
The SNP is determined to ensure that key services such as rural sub post offices,
rural schools
and rural transport links remain at the heart of rural Scotland.
An SNP government will ensure contingency funds are used to compensate business affected by the current crisis
and are available for use in the event of future crises in the rural economy.
Agriculture
The foot-and-mouth crisis across the UK has served to confirm the fragility of agriculture and its related industries and
also the sector’s importance to Scotland.
There will need to be a comprehensive review of agricultural strategy once the current foot and mouth disease has been controlled.
That review will need to look very carefully at many issues of concern.
These include procedures of entry into our ports,
laxity of import controls on meat,
mandatory country of origin labelling,
use of food remains and
the role of locally based abattoirs and processing plants.
Until we get Independence,
the SNP is determined to see Scottish ministers have a more direct involvement in European decision making,
and will continue to press for a direct and distinct voice for Scottish ministers at European Council meetings.
The SNP is determined to ensure a level playing field for our farmers in Europe.
Where the UK government has allowed competitive disadvantage for key sectors by the early and fullest implementation of European rules
, the SNP in government will only seek to introduce into domestic law European regulations when they have been adopted and applied in full by a majority of European nations.
This will ensure that our farmers are not forced to operate under more restrictive and more expensive rules than farmers elsewhere within the EU,
and will therefore be more able to compete fairly in European markets.
With the SNP in government, agriculture policy will be developed in the interests of Scotland’s farming community
and in response to specific Scottish circumstances,
rather than as a follow on to events elsewhere in the UK.
This strategy will extend into the rural economy,
with resources focused on diversification of efforts,
promotion of specialised agriculture -
such as free-range herds
and organic produce,
where Scotland already has a natural advantage
– and with specific efforts to promote the export of quality Scottish produce.
The SNP believes the Less Favoured Areas deal will cause financial hardship for many farmers and
crofters and must be ameliorated.
This should be done by the Scottish Executive using funds from other sources, such as modulation,
and by a comprehensive renegotiation of the original deal.
Fisheries
Recent events have demonstrated clearly why the voice of the fishing communities must be heard.
The SNP favours compensated tie-up schemes as an essential component of government aid packages.
This would allow the fishing fleet to remain viable,
protect juvenile stocks,
and protect the long-term future of the Scottish white fish fleet.
Working with the industry, we will promote the introduction of technical conservation measures
that will ensure our coastal communities are able to benefit from sustainable fisheries.
At Westminster we will continue to seek designation of Scottish fisheries ministers as the UK lead in Europe
and will demand the return of the 6000 square miles of fishing grounds removed from Scottish jurisdiction by the government in London.
While ensuring the Common Fisheries Policy guarantees Scotland’s historic fishing rights, the SNP will seek its reform to include as a main principle the decentralisation of fisheries management through the establishment of Zonal Fisheries Management Councils.
We will support the fish processing industry to ensure its continued competitiveness,
and assist Scotland’s aquaculture sector to become a world leader.
In addition, we will pursue a level playing field for the industry,
to ensure that our fishermen and fish processors do not face additional cost
and regulatory burdens as compared to our closest competitors.
Salmon Farming
We will instruct a wide ranging and independent inquiry into fish farming in Scotland,
following which we would seek to frame a long term strategy for the future of salmon farming,
with particular regard to the need for Scotland to be competitive in relation to Ireland,
Norway and other salmon farming countries,
and the securing of effective regulation of the industry
and the safeguarding of the environment.
We would ensure that SEPA has the resources to carry out their tasks, by ending the payment of rent to the Crown Estate Commission.
Land
The SNP has long been at the forefront of the campaign to modernise Scotland’s land laws
and to give communities increased say, control and involvement in the land.
We will continue to press for control of the Scottish Land Fund to be transferred from the London based trustees of the New Opportunities Fund to the Scottish Parliament.
We support community right to buy,
but believe that more effective mechanisms must also be put in place to ensure greater involvement for communities who want to participate in decision-making in relation to their land
but want to stop short of ownership.
Freshwater Fishing
We will work with anglers and local communities
to create a national freshwater fisheries policy that will ensure access,
maximise economic benefit for our rural economy
and ensure the protection of the environment.
Pensions
We stand for restoring the link between the basic state pension and average earnings.
We will press for the link to be restored at a UK level,
and with Independence,
will restore the link for Scotland’s pensioners each year for the term of the next Parliament.
This would mean that by the end of the next parliament pensioners could gain up to £200 a year in addition to Labour’s plans.
We will pay for this by utilising the surplus in the National Insurance Fund that has been created by the existing generation of pensioners.
An SNP government will examine proposals that will ensure pensioners who have small occupational pensions,
or who are near the current threshold of income for taxation are not penalised by the tax treatment of these increases in the basic state pension.
As part of this we will examine proposals to allow a Scottish government to remove the distortions and inequities caused by the differentials between the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and the basic state pension
-a means testing that discriminates against too many on low incomes who have saved for their old age.
It is our aim to work to equalise the basic state pension and
the level of the MIG as resources become available.
The SNP continues to support the payment of a cold climate allowance - paid to pensioners throughout the winter months.
As a first step to achieving this aim, we will on a weekly basis spread payments of the current winter fuel assistance over the winter months.
Social Security
An SNP government will examine the level of bureaucracy within the social security system.
This will take three forms.
Firstly we will examine the structure for social security delivery.
Where as the UK has the bureaucracy and waste of three separate social security agencies, / the SNP will investigate the creation of a single agency responsible for the streamlining of benefit payments at all levels in Scotland.
Secondly we will examine the actual delivery of key benefits to minimise bureaucracy and cost.
For example, we will undertake a review of housing benefit.
It is our belief that the rules can be simplified
and the process of payment accelerated.
Our overall aim however is to re-direct housing benefit to drive down housing costs
and improve family incomes.
The core purpose of our review will be to simplify and increase the effectiveness of the system.
Finally, we will examine the workings and effectiveness of each benefit,
with the aim of removing unnecessary barriers to uptake
and to increasing support to key groups.
Disability benefits
We will streamline the application process
and review the tests and timescales to ensure those who are entitled to support get it quickly.
We will also consider proposals to review Welfare to Work beneficiary rules so that disabled people moving into work are not penalised financially.
We will also reform financial support for carers so the system reflects the value of and savings to the state that their caring provides to society.
Winter fuel allowance
It is our aim to extend the winter fuel allowance to severely disabled people under 60 as resources become available.
Benefits for 16-17 year olds
We will review overall financial support available to 16 and 17 year olds including targeted restoration of benefits as resources become available.
Working Families Tax Credit
In general we support initiatives to help families from welfare to work.
We will however examine the delivery of the Working Families Tax Credit,
which can lead to prohibitive levels of marginal taxation sometimes up to 96% as people lose out on other benefits e.g. housing benefit.
Because it is a benefit that has to be applied for, we would also examine concerns over the take up rate for Working Families Tax Credit,
discrepancies in how some employers can abuse the system
and examine options to ensure that more families access the money available.
Benefit take up
We support the provision of information and advice as an essential part of benefit take up campaigns.
Transport
At Westminster, our MPs will press to ensure that Scotland gets her fair share of the UK government’s transport investment - investment that currently will not be distributed on a population basis.
In government, we will use the STPI to bring in lower cost private investment.
An efficient and effective transport network is the key to Scotland’s success, socially and economically.
We recognise that it is the job of government to provide the delivery framework
and the focus to help people and goods get to where they want to go.
An SNP government would set out the overall strategy and frameworks.
Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) will be publicly accountable
and will be responsible for the delivery of regional transport solutions.
We will introduce a single safety authority for all forms of transport.
Air safety is paramount and Air Traffic Control will remain under public sector control.
Initially we would take shares for subsidy to create a ‘public sharé of Railtrack to guarantee a level of public accountability
without ruling out the possibility of public ownership.
We would reconnect communities
and re-open key strategic lines including direct rail links with airports.
We would develop a strategy to systematically deal with the electrification of key rail lines.
Our priority routes include:
Electrification of the East Coast main line
Edinburgh airport link
Reopening of the Borders rail line
Stirling - Alloa - Rosyth ferry port
Glasgow Cross City Rail and airport link project
Inverness - Aberdeen (Orton loop).
We would work with providers to achieve a national concessionary travel scheme for children and young adults under 18,
students,
Pensioners
and people with disabilities
and their carers.
We will consult on the introduction of light rail systems for Scotland’s cities to help relieve traffic congestion.
We will initiate a national ‘care and repair’ programme of existing roads.
We will initiate a limited programme of road building to tackle bottlenecks and
to fill gaps of roads unfinished by previous Labour and Tory administrations.
Our early priorities for investment through the STPI and a range of other delivery mechanisms are:
M74 extension
Aberdeen City by-pass
A8000 link (M9/M8)
A75
M8 link (Newhouse - Ballieston)
Upgrading of the A9
The SNP is committed to bringing forward proposals for the reduction in ferry fares in Scotland as part of a process towards the piloting and evaluation of Road Equivalent Tariffs.
Academic research has suggested that lower ferry fares could be introduced on a cost neutral basis.
Equal treatment for island communities will be at the core of decision making in an SNP government.
We would promote freight and passenger ‘hub’ airports in Scotland,
and conduct a Scottish airports review aimed at increasing direct flights from Scotland to Europe and
placing downward pressure on fare prices and landing charges,
with a particular focus on the large supplement fares paid by Scottish consumers for holiday charter flights.
In line with our long standing commitment we will abolish tolls on the Skye Bridge as an early priority
and will explore the opportunities of bringing the bridge into trust for the nation under the STPI.
Scottish National Party, 107 McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4NW. Telephone 0131 525 8900. Fax 0131 525 8901. Web www.snp.org
FOR THE COMMON GOOD
This is the manifesto of the Green Party of England and Wales. It covers England and Wales, not the whole of the United Kingdom. There are independent sister Green parties in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their websites are at
www.scottishgreens.org.uk and www.greenpartyni.org
The text in this document may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context.
Enquiries relating to the content of and the copyright in this document should be sent to: The Press Office The Green Party of England and Wales Development House 56–64 Leonard Street
Britain has the wealth and resources to do great things.  We can build an economy that gives everyone their fair share of the world’s sixth-richest economy.  We can create a humane,  caring society that supports everyone’s needs.  And we can be a world leader in tackling the threat of climate change.
Sadly, our current politics – dominated by a small social group and the power of vested interests - are failing to realise this potential.
Our manifesto is a bold plan to create a more equal, more democratic society while doing our part to heal the planet,  which has been severely damaged by the effects of an unstable, unsustainable economy.
The austerity experiment has failed, as it did in the 1930s.  Most people have seen their living standards fall, while the top one perce333nt have increased their wealth. Millions of households are living in poverty, in fear of want.
Our NHS is being handed over to the private sector, resulting ina more expensive and inferior service, while highly skilled staffare underpaid and treated without proper respect.
Governments of all colours – except Green – are failing to get to grips with climate change – the greatest challenge of our time.
Yet none of this is inevitable – there is a real alternative. We do not apologise for being bold, ambitious or having a longterm vision for our country.  We certainly cannot continue as a nation on our current path.
We believe in restoring and extending our public services to create good jobs and meet the needs of a diverse population.
We believe in tackling climate change – taking serious action to limit our emissions at home and fi ghting for a fair global deal that secures humanity’s shared future.
We believe that we can build a society that works for the common good – and that those with the broadest shoulders really should pay their fair share towards it.  Together, we can do this.  We must do this.  NATALIE BENNETT, GREEN PARTY LEADER
We face three connected crises: Healing the planet from the effects of an unstable, unsustainable economy.
Creating a more equal society, reversing the trend towards a society divided between poverty and great wealth.
Creating truly democratic central and local government that governs for the common good.
To help heal the planet we will: Make achieving international agreement and action to limit climate change to below 2 degrees C of warming the major foreign policy priority.
Invest in an £85 billion public programme of renewable electricity generation,
flood defences
and building insulation.
Support local sustainable agriculture, with respect for animals and wild places.
Cut emissions by providing cheaper public transport and encouraging cycling and walking.
To become more equal and support our public services we will: End privatisation in the National Health Service,
provide proper funding and free social care for the elderly,
and combat the loneliness of the elderly.
Let teachers teach in properly funded democratically controlled schools,
end SATS (Standard Assessment Tests), league tables and academies,
and introduce free early education and childcare.
End tuition fees and cancel student debt.
Provide 500,000 social homes for rent over the five-year Parliament,
control excessive rents and achieve house price stability.
Increase public spending to almost half of national income.
Make tax fair and crack down vigorously on tax avoidance and evasion.
Make the minimum wage a living wage for all, with a target of £10 per hour by 2020.
Make the highest wage in any organisation no more than ten times the lowest wage.
Create jobs and help small business by reducing employers’ National Insurance.
Bring rail back into public ownership.
Ensure respect for everyone whatever their ethnicity, gender, age, religious belief or non-belief, sexual orientation, class, size, disability or other status.
Create over 1 million jobs through our programme of green investment and restoring the public sector.
To create a truly democratic central and local government
and a common citizenship
and to promote peace based on democratic principles we will:
Reform the benefits system.
End workfare and sanctions.
Double Child Benefit
and pay a pension that people can live on.
In the longer term, unite tax and benefits in a Basic Income system covering everyone.
Fund local government adequately and set democratically elected local authorities free to decide how to run education, public transport and other local services and to raise local taxes.
Bring in a fair voting system involving proportional representation.
Respect immigrants for the contribution they make
and control immigration fairly.
Decommission the Trident nuclear deterrent system
and promote peacemaking.
CHAPTER 1
Imagine a world of efficient and welcoming public services,
coordinated action on climate change,
equality,
workers’ rights,
an economy that works for people and planet at a human scale,
restorative justice,
and real care for the future,
including young people now.
Imagine a world in which we protect the planet, its land and its oceans, and the plants, animals and people that live on it.
Imagine a world of security for all,
of social security as opportunity not dependency,
of lives lived more locally, with services close to where people need them
and connected by affordable, energy-efficient public transport.
Imagine a government that believes in society,
in our common humanity,
in a culture of hope,
and in our capacity to govern ourselves.
Imagine a government that believes in the common good,
and that the best way of achieving it is by working for each other, rather than against each other.
Imagine honest government.
That’s the world the Green Party wants to make real.
It’s also the world that most of us want.
When asked to vote for policies rather than parties or personalities, Green policies consistently come out on top.
And it’s so different from what we have now.
In consumer societies like ours, the common good has been forgotten.
So much government has been outsourced, put out to tender.
The reins have been handed over to the unfettered market and big corporations.
They are given as the reason why we can’t do things (such as bring the railways back into public ownership),
why we must do things (lower taxes for the rich)
and how we must do things (privatise public utilities).
When government has been active it’s been to make the rich richer and the poor poorer,
while blocking action to prevent ecological catastrophe.
This has had disastrous consequences for the common good and for the protection of the natural world.
Back in the 1970s a determined assault on public life began, and the market became the model and measure of life.
Since then, successive governments of all colours have found ways to justify and deepen the role of the market in our lives.
Local government? Check out your nearest website or leaflet: you’re likely to be referred to as a customer, not a citizen.
Privatisation? Look at one of the most recent – Royal Mail.
This was owned by you and me, then it was sold for a song,
with windfall profits for companies doing the only job the market really understands – maximising shareholder profit.
The public lost £1 billion, while George Osborne’s best man’s hedge fund pocketed £36 million.
Outsourcing? This is what governments do when they’ve given up governing.
The result is a series of scandals from companies with increasingly infamous names – G4S, SERCO, ATOS – over which we have no control.
Zero-hours contracts? These are designed for companies looking to maximise profits through labour flexibility, but hopeless if you have regular bills to pay.
The market has been in charge for so long that it dominates our imagination and colours our view of ourselves.
The market is short sighted and short term.
It’s time for change – time to put the market to work for the common good and for people to be put back in charge.
The Green Party knows that:
It’s hard to be a citizen when life tells you that you are a consumer;
It’s hard to think of others when we are pitted against one another and sold the lie that individuals are to blame for their misfortunes;
and It’s hard to think of the common good when it’s never mentioned.
Private interests have ruled the roost for far too long.
The result is a society scarred by inequalities of power and wealth,
and a planet plundered of resources and damaged by pollution.
All in it together? We don’t think so.
Those with power and wealth have done very well out of austerity:
the UK’s wealthiest 1% grab more than anywhere else in Europe.
Politics has fragmented, public institutions have weakened, people’s lives are dominated by insecurity, and prejudice is rife.
We live in a price-tag society – and if you can’t pay the price, too bad.
Things that used to be done by public agencies have been outsourced.
Once it was a duty for all of us to look after the vulnerable when times were hard.
We paid taxes into a common fund to look after the poor, the weak, the old and the sick, and to educate the young.
This is what we did as citizens, bound together by what we share rather than separated by what divides us.
Now care has been outsourced to charity, to food banks.
Some think this is a sign of the Big Society, but we think it’s the sign of a failed society.
Individual charity is no substitute for collective justice.
For 40 years the rich and powerful have forced us to live in their fantasy world – a world that suits the minority not the majority.
This is a world imagined from the point of view of the healthy, the wealthy and the privileged.
Where there is a satisfying job just round the corner if only we could be bothered to look for it,
where resources are limitless,
and where the only obstacle to total fulfilment is the psychology of individual failure.
Meanwhile, in the real world where most of us live, we are young and old, sometimes poor and sick, jobs are scarce,
the Earth groans under the weight of our demands,
and the obstacles in the way of our flourishing can be stubborn and unyielding.
How should we organise life in this real world?
Do we want our security to depend on the underpaid zero-hours worker
of an outsourced company, maximising shareholder profit?
No, we want well-trained, committed workers, properly paid and secure in their own lives
– because our well-being is linked to everyone else’s.
Do we want a world in which privatisation is the solution for everything?
Or have we learnt from energy, water and rail that down that road lies private gain rather than the common good?
It’s public ownership and democratic control that lead to fairer services and better outcomes.
The market makes us impatient with the suffering of others, tolerant of inequality, prone to prejudice, suspicious of difference.
We know we can be cooperative, appreciative, understanding and fair.
We just need a world that encourages us to be these things.
Together we can create that world.
The challenges that lie ahead of us are unique in their combination: declining resources,
global warming,
deepening inequality,
footloose capital.
But these problems have been created by us, so they can be solved by us.
We need to remake society.
And in this remaking we need finally to realise that consumer capitalism is the problem, not the solution.
The solution lies in a democratically managed economy
that operates within the Earth’s resource limits.
We don’t want a privatised outsourced state, we want a green and democratic one.
We want a public National Health Service, not privatised healthcare.
The uncoordinated actions of millions of individuals, with unequal access to wealth and power and urged to maximise their own interests without regard for anyone else’s, will only deepen the crisis.
This is what’s on offer from the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, from Labour and from UKIP.
We need a party prepared to challenge the damage this has done, a party that expects something better.
We need a party prepared for the real world.
We need a party for the common good.
We need the Green Party.
Imagine having a secure, fulfilling and decently paid job, knowing that you are working to live and not living to work.
Imagine coming home to an affordable flat or house, and being valued for your contribution and character, not for how much you earn.
Imagine knowing that you and your friends are part of an economy that works with the planet rather than against it.
Imagine food banks going out of business.
Imagine the end of poverty and deprivation.
The key to all this is to put the economy at the service of people and planet rather than the other way round.
That’s what the Green Party will do.
What is the economy for?
The main issue for many at this election is the economy.
Many people have very practical worries:
Is my job secure?
Will our family have enough this month to pay the bills and put food on the table?
Can we keep paying the mortgage or the rent?
Will we have to continue to work unreasonably long or unpredictable hours?
Is my pay fair compared with others?
Will my benefits be cut?
Will I ever get a pension?
Will I ever get a job with a future?
Will I ever pay off my student loan?
Will I ever find a decent place to live?
Will the economy provide a decent livelihood long into the future for our children and grandchildren?
Our solutions to these worries are very different from the other parties.
The Coalition parties and Labour agree on one thing about the economy: it’s got to grow because growth is the answer to everything.
If the costs include ruining our climate and countryside by exploiting shale gas, tolerating massive inequality and the insecurity of zero-hours contracts or massive underemployment – then too bad.
We don’t agree with the growth objective.
Our economic policy promotes a fair, just and more equal society
while recognising that we live on a finite planet.
It’s easy to forget the fact that everything we make and everything we buy comes from the Earth.
And we have only one of them.
If everyone on Earth consumed at the rate we do in the UK, we’d need nearly three planets to sustain us.
If it’s the average North American, then we’d need nearly four planets.
Greens are sometimes accused of being unrealistic about economics.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
It’s our opponents who are the fantasists, believing that continual growth is possible on a finite planet
. Greens are the realists, understanding that the planet imposes limits and focusing on essentials such as jobs, housing and the household budget.
The economy depends on society,
which depends on the Earth and its resources.
That’s the order of things – not the other way round.
And what’s growth for, anyway?
The aim of politics is to help us flourish, and by this measure growth has failed in recent decades.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) tells us that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person has grown by more than three times since 1955, allowing for inflation.
Are we three or four times more content?
No, levels of life satisfaction have dropped in this period.
We’re told that growth has returned to the UK.
The result? More than one in four children is growing up in poverty.
The bosses of the UK’s 100 biggest companies earn on average 143 times more than their staff.
The top 1% of the population has the same wealth as the bottom 55%.
Five families in the UK have the same wealth as 12 million UK citizens.
913,138 people received three days’ emergency food from Trussell Trust food banks in 2013–14 compared with 346,992 in 2012–13.
Debt levels are growing.
By 2018, 2 million households are expected to spend more than half their disposable income repaying loans.
Household incomes adjusted for inflation are still on average 2% below what they were in 2009–10.
Joining up the policies.
Government is run too much by Departments, which rarely take any notice of each other.
Greens like to join things up...
So what do social justice and greater equality have to do with health, education, opportunity, the numbers in prison, and even recycling?
This manifesto has many other policies designed to improve all these things.
But just making us more equal will improve all of them.
So it’s not the economy, stupid.
Or at least not one that grows forever.
The Green Party believes that equality is much more important than growth.
And growth doesn’t bring equality; in fact it helps to justify inequality.
The result of the corrosive trickle-down fantasy is plain: the sixth-richest society in the world is disfigured by high levels of deprivation.
And it’s not only those right at the bottom who have problems.
Despite the fact that household incomes are now back to 2007–08 levels, families on ordinary incomes have faced a real squeeze since 2009–10 as prices go up and incomes stagnate.
We will abandon GDP and the pursuit of growth as a measure of economic success.
We would use a measure of Adjusted National Product (ANP), which would take account of capital and environmental depreciation and include the value of many things not currently paid for, such as unpaid work at home.
Green councillors mobilise alternatives to payday lenders...
In a move to break people’s dependence on payday lenders, in Stowmarket, Suffolk, Councillor John Matthissen is leading a cross-agency project to launch a collection and information point for the local credit union.
Short-term economic stimulus
We make an important distinction between short-term growth, or ‘regeneration’, and long-term dependency on continuing economic growth.
The measures we propose as alternatives to austerity will, by halting and reversing the cuts to public services, restore lost jobs and create new ones.
The increased economic activity will cause the economy to grow rather than shrink in the short term, restoring employment and living standards.
However, we see such short-term growth as transitional, as a side-effect of ending the failed austerity project.
We do not see it as a contradiction to adapting the economy for One-Planet Living in the longer term.
Alternatives to austerity
There is an alternative to austerity.
The crunch of 2008 was the result of the pressures of our consumer society and an unregulated finance system; people borrowed too much and banks were too willing to lend.
Now people and businesses are paying down their debts, businesses contract haphazardly and workers are laid off.
The Coalition’s reaction was to use this as an excuse to impose austerity – in order to cut the debt, especially the government’s deficit – while doing little to strengthen the economy.
The winners are those who absorb corporate surpluses, the chief executives and the shareholders.
The biggest losers are the unemployed, the low paid and the vulnerable, especially those who depend on public services.
Labour plans to match the Tories’ ‘fiscal envelope’ for Departmental spending – code for more austerity.
We think the economy should work for us all.
We want a One-Planet economy that will address the challenge of climate change and unacceptable levels of inequality.
We have to throw off the shackles of market ideology and consider afresh what really needs to be done.
We need to: Ensure that everyone who wants one has a decent secure job paid at least a living wage.
So we have to encourage and create jobs.
In total, the policies in this manifesto will create over 1 million jobs.
See the section on Work in Chapter 9.
Address the issue of climate change.
We need huge investment in using energy more efficiently and generating energy sustainably.
This will not happen without public investment.
See Chapter 4 on Energy and Climate.
Stabilise and tightly regulate the financial sector, whose greed and recklessness have been a major cause of our recent economic difficulties and of growing inequality.
See the section on Finance in Chapter 9.
Provide equality and security in a mixed economy by committing to the common good, a larger public sector and higher taxation, funding our health, education and local services properly, and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
See the section on Taxes in Chapter 9.
Be prepared to borrow on good terms to fund investment rather than making closing the deficit the main objective of our economic policy.
The plans in this manifesto require borrowing of £338 billion (in real 2015 terms) over the Parliament as compared with the Coalition’s plan in the 2015 Budget to borrow £115 billion.
If monetary policy demands quantitative easing, we will spend that money directly on green investment.
However, the programme of public spending and taxation in this manifesto would show a surplus on the current account (that is, excluding investment) of 2.7% by the end of the Parliament.
Reject the dogma that everything is best done by the private sector.
A sensible economy is a mixed economy, where some things – health, education and public transport, for example – are better in community or public ownership.
See Chapters 6, 7 and 12 on Health, Education and Transport.
Support those without jobs and treat them with respect in a system that makes getting some work worthwhile
`and provides pensions that allow older people to live with dignity.
`See Chapter 10 on Social Security.
Mobilise the talents and energy of everyone and serve everyone,
`including the young and the old, men and women, those who are disabled and minority groups, including ethnic minorities and different sexual orientations.
See Chapter 5 on Equalities.
Recognise that not everything that is valuable has a price attached to it.
`
Create a robust taxation system that promotes equality
and sustainability.
Rein in huge companies that put shareholder returns ahead of the common good.
Foster institutional change in the economy that we want, with changes to company law
and encouragement for small firms and mutuals.
See the Changing Economic Organisations and Small Firms sections in Chapter 9.
Create an efficient economy that encourages innovation and the use of science but does not rely on dangerous technologies.
See the Science section in Chapter 3.
Foster an economy that is open to Europe and the wider world, that accepts people will move from country to country
and that is willing to assist countries poorer than ours.
See Chapter 13 on International Affairs.
Ensure that the Treasury’s priority objective is to deliver an economy with these aims.
How we will do this is set out in detail in the following chapters.
CHAPTER 3
The third planet from the sun.
Our home.
Home to 9 million other species.
The only planet with liquid water at its surface.
The only planet in the solar system with 21% oxygen.
As far as we know, the only planet in the solar system that sustains life.
Imagine a political party that prioritises the protection of the land, the seas and their inhabitants.
Imagine one that believes that animals have a right to flourish and aren’t just a means to the end of human satisfaction.
Imagine one that believes the common good embraces other species and not just our own.
That’s what a real political party, the Green Party, does.
The Earth is our home, and this is what we are doing to it: We have lost half the wild animals on Earth in the past 40 years.
We lose between 200 and 100,000 species every year.
This is between 1,000 and 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate.
We are causing a ‘sixth extinction’.
The other five occurred naturally; this one is down to us.
We have increased CO2 concentrations from a pre-industrial 280 parts per million (ppm) to about 400 ppm.
Global temperatures are due to rise between 1.5 and 4.8 degrees C by 2100.
And that’s just the internationally agreed range without feedback effects.
Many experts are predicting rises as high as 6 degrees C.
For the first time in the history of the Earth one species is changing it forever – the human species.
They call this new era the ‘Anthropocene’.
We now have our very own geological epoch.
This brings with it massive responsibilities, which no other party understands or acknowledges.
The rich and powerful, in particular, have spent too long treating the Earth like an indestructible storehouse, to be thoughtlessly pillaged of its natural resources.
UK biodiversity is threatened by development and agricultural practices such as intensive farming, the draining of wetlands and the deforesting of hills.
Genetic selection is causing endemic health and welfare problems in domestic and farmed animals.
Animal experimentation is still routine; millions of animals suffer pain and death every year in the UK.
Overfishing is devastating marine ecosystems.
Our attitude to the natural world is epitomised by the fact that some circuses still tour with wild animals, including zebras, lions, snakes, tigers and camels.
The Green Party will put policies in place that will stop us treating other species and the wider environment as a means to the satisfaction of humans only.
This is because the common good includes other species too.
We depend on them for our own welfare.
Every second breath we take is made possible by phytoplankton releasing oxygen into the oceans.
As the oceans acidify and heat up through global warming, their capacity to ‘fix’ CO2 and release oxygen is compromised.
This is interdependence at work, and we ride roughshod over it at our peril.
But we should also care for other species because the planet is their home too; we share it with them and we need to take their interests and well-being – as well as ours – into account.
Wildlife and open spaces
We need to halt the damage to nature in the UK and return protection of our natural landscapes to a central part in our national life.
The time has come for a new legal framework for the protection of landscape and wildlife, and we would promote a new Nature and Well-being Act.
On landscape and habitats we will: Protect, expand, properly fund and improve non-car access to our National Parks.
Make good the Coalition’s unfulfilled promise to protect forests through a Forests Protection Bill.
Reduce dramatically the use of pesticides and prioritise non-chemical farming methods through improved agri-environment schemes, legislation, education and the promotion of good practice in all farming,
as well as increased support for organic farming.
Secure protection of rural residents and communities from exposure to pesticides sprayed on nearby crop fields and prohibit the use of pesticides in the locality of homes, schools and children’s playgrounds.
Improve the management of woodlands through new planting and the local use of sustainable woodland products.
Aim to ensure through planning that everyone lives within five minutes’ walk of a green open space,
and ensure local authorities have the resources to extend and maintain local parks.
Introduce a nature improvement area in every town, city and county.
Help bees by reducing pesticide use (banning neonicotinoids),
‘greening’ farming,
improving planning guidelines to preserve/ create bee habitats
and making bees a priority species in biodiversity strategies.
Promote landscape-scale conservation,
using reform of the Common Agricultural Policy,
improved agri-environment schemes
and the planning system.
In particular, all farm payments should be designed to protect the soil,
reduce flood risk,
conserve wildlife,
improve water quality,
increase recreation
and assist carbon capture.
We would also include protecting ecosystems in our aid for developing countries.
Repeal the National Planning Policy Framework and in particular its presumption in favour of development,
and put planning back in the hands of local people and government,
while requiring local authorities to map local ecological networks and work collaboratively to develop national spatial plans.
Increase the amount of land offered long-term protection through the European Union’s Birds Directive and Habitats Directive,
make sure these directives are properly enforced
and defend them in the EU against attempts to weaken them.
Work with local communities, scientists and conservation groups to expand the UK’s network of Marine Conservation Zones to create areas specifically for the protection of mobile species
as well as reference areas off limits to fishing and other extractive activities.
Play our part in creating a Southern Atlantic Reserve and champion internationally the protection of the Arctic.
Produce a strategy for capturing carbon and reducing greenhouse gases through improved land management, for example by encouraging and preserving peatlands.
Because of the interaction between water supply and the wider environment, require Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority) and the Environment Agency to work together to create a healthy water environment
and long-term low prices for consumers.
In particular, build new reservoirs in the south and east of England.
Prohibit developers from being allowed to destroy unique habitats by way of biodiversity offsetting elsewhere.
Because 94% of the biodiversity for which the UK is responsible is found in our Overseas Territories, ensure that conservation of the environment of the Overseas Territories, including their marine areas, is funded to a level equal to their global significance.
We would also immediately extend ratification of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to all uninhabited territories,
and work with territory governments to agree a timeline for ratification of the Convention in all inhabited territories.
Greens in power carry out our policies
The Green-led administration in Brighton has secured open access to more green space in perpetuity.
It declared over 800 acres of Council-owned downland and farmland as ‘open access land’, meaning residents can freely use land that was once closed to them.
It added another 670 acres in July 2014, protected in perpetuity.
Food, farming and fisheries
Market forces and government policies have favoured increasing industrialisation of agriculture, mass-produced food and dependence on fossil fuels.
This comes with great ‘external costs’ to the environment, human health, farming people and animal welfare.
Soil erosion, depletion of water resources, pollution, loss of biodiversity and animal suffering are commonplace.
In addition, agriculture accounts for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions,
and pressure on land resources is linked with deforestation in many parts of the world.
But food supply and farming are not just another business, and we need to ensure: That nutritious food is available to everyone at prices they can afford;
Decent rural livelihoods and support for rural communities;
That there is national and international food security;
That farming respects the environment and treats farm animals well.
To secure these objectives we will: Seek to reform the Common Agricultural Policy
and reform our national agri-environment schemes to prioritise and support farmers who farm sustainably and enhance biodiversity on farmed land with a variety of farming styles, methods and scales.
Foster environmentally sustainable agriculture, land management and a secure food supply by properly supporting valid, rigorous and reliable research into all areas and types of farming including organic farming.
Encourage farming to operate in fair trade conditions, which guarantee a decent livelihood for farmers at home and also in countries that export food to the UK.
Protect productive farmland from development except for that associated with agriculture and those engaged in it.
In particular, review the current classification of farm land to maximise local production of food.
Work to reduce food imports and increase home and local food production where feasible.
Increase localisation of the food chain and encourage direct sales via local markets;
support fair trade for farmers
and enable them to gain independence from disadvantageous contracts with supermarkets by strengthening the powers of the supermarket ombudsman.
Help hospitals and schools and other food buyers in the public sector to lead the way in buying sustainable products,
and encourage children to be involved in growing and cooking food.
Work to ensure sustainable fishing policies, leading to sustainable fishing communities, at both the national and European levels as appropriate.
In particular, fishing quota allocations should reward local sustainable fisheries.
Research, promote and support farming methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
enable carbon storage
and have minimum impact on wildlife, as established by rigorous and reliable research.
In particular, we should encourage eating less and better meat.
Support a moratorium, at national and EU level, on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in all agricultural systems, including production of human food and animal feed, and on importation of GM food or feed.
Work to reduce food waste.
Green councillors promote local food...
Councillor Molly Scott Cato in Stroud secured £100,000 in the District Council budget to invest in local food production for everyone.
‘In a rural area like Stroud, it makes sense to support local food producers so that everyone can eat food grown within the district,’ she said.
Molly was elected in 2014 as the new Green Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the South West.
Animal protection
We support calls for a new Commission on Animal Protection, which would cover animal protection issues in all the areas specifically addressed below.
In farming, we must move away from the intensification and industrialisation of animal farming.
Sustainable farming means animals freed from cages and returned to the land.
We will end factory farming and enforce strict animal welfare standards.
In particular we will work for: A complete ban on cages for hens and rabbits
and on zero-grazing units for dairy cows.
Improved food labelling and better traceability of our food to prevent further food scandals such as the horse meat scandal;
mandatory labelling of meat and dairy products as to method of production and method of slaughter.
Mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses.
Tougher regulations on animal transportation, including a maximum limit of 8 hours and an end to live export from the UK.
Action to stop the overuse of antibiotics in intensive animal farming,
with mandatory targets and surveillance of the human health impacts.
A ban on the production and sale of foie gras.
A ban on the cloning of farm animals and on the sale of meat and milk from these animals.
Ending genetic selection for fast growth or high yields where this results in compromised welfare such as ill health or pain.
Protection for British farmers from low-welfare imports.
Joining up the policies
So what do farming, health, insurance and carbon dioxide emissions have to do with each other?
Good farming respects ecology, promotes biodiversity and encourages us to get out and enjoy the wildlife and landscape, improving both our mental and our physical health.
And local food saves food miles, combating climate change,
while good land management can retain water, reducing flooding and our insurance premiums.
Illegal wildlife trade is causing great suffering; it devastates species across the globe and is linked to other serious organised crimes.
Greens will implement: Increased support and resources to build expertise in wildlife crime within the justice sector,
including: strengthening sentencing in this area,
gathering data on the trade,
ensuring police forces implement local strategies
and ensuring funding of the Wildlife Crime Unit.
A ban on the import of exotic pets.
An end to the keeping of primates as household pets.
Enhanced public education and awareness to reduce demand.
Allocation of resources to support other countries in tackling poaching and human/wildlife conflict.
On other animal protection issues we would: Maintain and strengthen the ban on hunting with dogs
and extend this ban to all hunting of all animals for sport or pleasure.
End the badger cull (see ‘Badger culls’ box).
End the use of snares.
End the practice of grouse shooting and other ‘sport’ shooting.
End the use of all animals in circuses.
End the use of the whip in horse racing and conduct a full review of the sport.
Take action over other sports or entertainment that cause suffering to animals.
Ensure UK taxpayers’ money is not used to fund bullfighting.
Ensure greater protection for racing greyhounds and initiate a formal independent review of the industry.
Ban the import of fur products.
Work for stronger international protection of endangered sea creatures, and an end to the killing of porpoises, whales and dolphins in all waters and keeping these animals for commercial purposes.
Badger culls – inhumane and unscientific
The Green Party has been strongly opposed to the badger cull from the outset, saying that all the evidence showed it would be both inhumane and ineffective at tackling bovine tuberculosis.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) controversially went ahead with culling by ‘free shooting’ in Gloucestershire and Somerset in 2013.
The trial was a failure, being shown to be both inhumane and ineffective, as predicted.
The Coalition has nonetheless chosen to continue to pursue this strategy.
In October 2012 Green MP Caroline Lucas secured a major parliamentary debate to challenge the government’s badger policy and led MPs in a successful vote against it.
Greens want to see an end to all animal experimentation and will ensure that research funding is directed away from failing animal disease models and towards modern human biology-based techniques, which offering greater opportunities to cure disease and improve product safety.
We will work to end animal experiments but believe immediate action must be taken to Stop non-medical experiments, experiments using primates, cats and dogs.
End the use of live animals in military training.
Stop the breeding of and use of genetically altered animals.
End government funding of animal experimentation, including any that is outsourced to other countries.
Provide greater funding for non-animal research methods and link funding to a target for developing of humane alternatives to animal experiments.
Increase transparency and ensure publication of all findings of animal research, including negative findings.
Introduce a comprehensive system for reviewing animal experiments and initiate a comparison of currently required animal tests with a set of human biology-based tests.
On companion animals Greens will push to: Completely review and update existing dog legislation, particularly relating to dog control.
Ensure properly coordinated action on dog fighting.
Update the rules on selling animals and tackle problems associated with online advertising of pets and illegal imports.
Introduce mandatory licensing of breeders and control on genetic manipulation through breeding to prevent exaggerated characteristics likely to cause suffering.
End puppy farming by banning the sale of young puppies unless the mother is present.
Introduce regulations that make it illegal to use aversive training aids such as electric shock collars.
Greens in power carry out our policies
In Brighton, the Green-led Council ensures that new Council tenancy agreements include a requirement that dogs living in council owned homes should be micro-chipped.
This has encouraged more tenants who own dogs to behave responsibly as their pets are much easier to trace.
Science and technology
Greens are pro-science.
Our policies on everything from climate change to eradicating bovine TB are based on the best possible scientific evidence.
But just because science allows us to do something, that does not mean that we should do it.
We oppose nuclear power
and the release of genetically modified crops into the environment.
We need to balance our scientific and technological abilities against the social, economic and ethical consequences of using them
– including their impact on future generations and other species.
Greens will support the development of technologies that have strong social, economic and environmental benefits.
That is why we support investment in energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy//,
which will be vital in helping to secure improvements in people’s quality of life
and to combating climate change.
We would: Ensure that adequate government funding goes to research on major environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss,
and less is spent on military research.
Ensure that basic research is adequately funded and is not controlled by large corporations,
and gradually increase public spending on scientific research from 0.5% to 1.0% of GDP over the next ten years.
Ensure that scientific research is conducted ethically, with regard in particular to human and animal welfare.
Publish freely the results of all publicly funded research.
Prevent the patenting of genes and living organisms.
What scientists say So... the Green Party... a party of sentimental tree-huggers?
Yes, we do love trees, and many of us take great moral and spiritual solace from the natural world.
But we are also a party of science, and we listen to scientists.
Here is what the Royal Society, the UK’s pre-eminent scientific body, said in its 2012 People and the Planet report (pp. 7–8):
‘First, the world’s 1.3 billion poorest people need to be raised out of extreme poverty.
This is critical to reducing global inequality, and to ensuring the wellbeing of all people...
Second, in the most developed and the emerging economies unsustainable consumption must be urgently reduced.
This will entail scaling back or radical transformation of damaging material consumption and emissions
and the adoption of sustainable technologies, and is critical to ensuring a sustainable future for all...
Third, global population growth needs to be slowed and stabilised, but this should by no means be coercive.’
We agree.
In the General Election you can vote for the only real party of science or for the parties of neo-liberal economic ideology, which believe in the illusion that we can continue to expand forever on a finite planet.
Waste and recycling
Reducing the amount of waste we produce and being more careful about how we dispose of it has benefits for our planet, our economy and society as a whole.
We want to move towards a jobs-rich circular economy with as much waste minimisation as possible.
We would: Reduce what we use, reuse it when we have finished with it and recycle as a last resort.
Provide the framework and the infrastructure to help people make more positive choices.
Use taxation and regulation to ensure that products and packaging are designed with a view to what happens to them when they stop being useful and packaging reduced.
We want waste designed out and fixing things – making them last – designed in.
Follow Scotland in banning waste food and other organic material being sent to landfill.
Increase national spending on recycling and waste disposal by about 50%, an extra £4 billion a year, so that we can do away with damaging incineration and landfill.
Aim to recycle 70% of domestic waste by 2020 as a move towards a zero-waste system.
CHAPTER 4
Imagine flicking a switch and knowing that the energy was coming from the sun, the wind, the earth and the tides; energy forever, not just for now.
Imagine not having to decide between ‘heating or eating’; no fuel poverty
Imagine glancing out of the window and seeing a van arrive to insulate your neighbour’s house as part of a funded nationwide programme – reducing demand as well as creating supply.
Imagine your energy bill coming from a community-owned company or cooperative rather than from one of the ‘Big Six’.
Imagine being part of the company or cooperative yourself; energy security for us all rather than profits for the few.
This is all possible; this is Green Party energy policy.
Energy for all without climate change.
We all use energy.
It keeps our houses warm, powers much of our transport and home appliances, and cooks our food.
Our lives depend on it and it takes up a large part of our spending, especially if we are poor.
Too many people suffer fuel poverty.
We get a bad deal on energy.
When wholesale prices go up, the prices for domestic electricity and for fuel at the pumps go up rapidly.
When wholesale prices go down, the retail prices seem to stick.
The big energy companies make huge profits but do not serve the common good.
We need to put this right and ensure that: Everyone is able to cook and keep warm;
We are charged for what we use, and not penalised for using less;
We are not cut off or forced to use pre-payment meters.
But burning fossil fuels for energy causes climate change.
If we are to secure a safe and habitable climate for current and future generations, we need a rapid shift to a zero-carbon energy system;
we need to leave the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves underground and unburned.
Other ways of getting energy, such as nuclear power, pose other unacceptable risks.
So we have to build a secure and affordable energy system that meets our basic needs while protecting our environment.
We believe this requires an energy policy that: Reduces the amount of energy we need, mainly by improving energy efficiency.
Ends fuel poverty.
Invests massively in renewable generation.
Reorganises the energy generation and supply industry, in particular breaking the dominance of the Big Six suppliers.
Puts community, cooperative and locally owned clean energy generation and supply at the heart of our energy system.
We have to start with climate change, because this drives the degree of urgency with which we change our energy system.
Climate change
The climate is the ultimate common good.
The effects of a rapidly warming climate will affect everyone, but poorer people, in the UK and worldwide, will be the hardest hit.
Many are already struggling to cope with rising sea levels, flooding, drought and extreme weather.
Climate change threatens to make parts of the world uninhabitable.
Climate refugee numbers will increase.
More intense weather events will further affect health and food production and make global conflict more likely.
The science makes it clear that, to avoid the risk of runaway climate change, we must leave around four-fifths of all existing fossil fuel reserves in the ground.
So the problem now is not too little fossil fuel but too much.
Exploiting new sources of unconventional fossil fuels such as shale gas and oil and tar sands is incompatible with tackling climate change.
We must reduce our dependency on oil, coal and gas as quickly as possible while developing a society that can thrive on renewable energy.
And there’s not much time.
To have a reasonable chance of avoiding catastrophic climate change, we need a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases in the UK in the next 15–20 years
and a zero-carbon economy by 2050 (see the box for how we derive these targets).
This is much more challenging than the 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050 in the Climate Change Act 2008.
Although we celebrate, defend and uphold the Climate Change Act, it must also be strengthened.
A Green transformation would have huge benefits: more comfortable homes,
better health,
less pollution,
lots of jobs,
and far less dependency on foreign fuel imports.
The UK can and must do better: The government’s climate change advisers say we are on track to miss even the government’s unsatisfactory carbon targets.
Progress on energy efficiency has plummeted.
The government’s Green Deal to save energy in our homes has been a disappointing failure.
The UK is 25th out of 27 in the European renewable energy league table, despite having some of the best resources for renewable energy in Europe.
We have the highest level of fuel poverty in Western Europe.
Why we need to do better than the Climate Change Act
If the global average temperature rise can be kept below 2 degrees C, runaway or disastrous climate change can be avoided,
though severe damage will occur in some parts of the world.
Many countries and civil society organisations argue that the international goal should be to keep to 1.5 degrees C of warming, highlighting the severity of the climate impacts we are already seeing.
All countries including the UK agreed at Copenhagen in 2009 to recognise the need to limit the average temperature rise to below 2 degrees C, despite the fact that the UK’s climate change target means that there is an almost two-thirds (63%) chance of exceeding this 2 degrees C.
To meet the 2 degree C target, the world needs to limit total global emissions over the rest of the century to about 1,000 gigatonnes (Gt) CO2.
Current projections have us exceeding that figure by 2040, leading to devastating average warming of around 4 degrees C by the end of this century.
As the UK has about 1% of the world’s population, its allowable budget would amount to 10 Gt CO2.
But the UK is a relatively rich country that has benefited from the world’s highest cumulative historical emissions per person.
The Green Party therefore believes that the UK should plan to emit only half this amount by 2030 (which amounts to around 80 million tonnes CO2 a year by 2030),
and have negligible emissions thereafter.
This translates into our target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 10% of their 1990 levels by 2030.
This goes much further than the 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050 mandated by the Climate Change Act.
Using energy wisely
Renewables can supply all the energy we need for a comfortable standard of living, but only if we invest wisely and manage our demand more sensibly – by reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.
The Green Party would seek to cut energy demand by one-third by 2020,
one-half by 2030
and two-thirds by 2050.
The UK already has the technology it needs.
What is lacking is the political will to build a cleaner, home-grown, more local, more affordable, more democratic and ultimately more reliable energy future.
Caroline Lucas and fuel poverty
When joint chair of Parliament’s cross-party group on ending fuel poverty and promoting energy efficiency, Green MP Caroline Lucas was a leading advocate of urgent action to end the scandal of cold homes.
She initiated a debate in Parliament’s Westminster Hall about curbing the power of the Big Six energy companies
and has asked parliamentary questions, lobbied ministers, spoken in debates and tabled amendments to legislation demanding action on warm homes and lower bills.
Caroline has campaigned for home energy efficiency to be made a UK National Infrastructure priority and to be given the necessary funding.
She has stood up in Parliament for an Energy Bill revolution – the creation of the world’s most ambitious home energy-efficiency programme,
which would slash energy bills and carbon emissions,
create over 100,000 jobs
and help end the fuel poverty crisis once and for all.
Home energy improvement will be central to this drive to accelerate energy saving
while ensuring energy is affordable to all.
We will: Provide a free nationwide retrofit insulation programme, concentrating on areas where fuel poverty is most serious.
This is designed to insulate 9 million homes in total
and take at least 2 million homes out of fuel poverty,
aiming for the Passivhaus ultra low-energy refurbishment standard by 2020.
It will offer up to £5,000 worth of free insulation, or other energy improvements such as solar photovoltaics (PV) if the insulation is already up to the standard, to every home in designated areas.
To reach Passivhaus standards, there will be the option of up to a further £15,000 in subsidised loans from the Green Investment Bank for each dwelling for further improvements.
This programme will invest £45 billion over the course of the Parliament (including investment in training and awareness), be delivered by local authorities
and create well over 100,000 jobs.
It will become part of a new Green National Infrastructure programme.
Give tenants the right to require landlords to achieve the same improvement to the energy performance of their home, and require all private rented sector housing to meet Energy Performance Band C by 2025.
Require all new homes to be built to the Passivhaus standard.
Support this investment in insulating and building to Passivhaus standards with investment in training for the design and building industries, by creating a national college for training in energy home improvement,
and building relationships with a network of affiliated facilities, including existing colleges and private training providers.
Invest too in energy awareness programmes so that people become as aware of the energy performance of their home (and of other buildings too) as they are now of the miles per gallon of their car.
Continue a fully funded Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.
Provide £4.5 billion over the Parliament to support research and development into less energy-intensive industrial processes.
Prioritise public over private transport,
electrification of the transport system
and access over mobility.
Give councils the power to insist that communal heating schemes, for example using waste heat from industrial sources, are implemented where practicable.
Establish mandatory standards for commercial building performance such as ISO 5001.
Use carbon taxes (based on the present system) to fund investment in energy-efficiency measures,
and prepare for the following Parliament a carbon quota scheme to regulate the level of demand for energy.
Green councillors make home insulation happen...
Work began last year in Stroud on a five-year £12 million programme planned by Green councillors Phillip Booth and Simon Pickering to improve the energy efficiency of over 1,000 homes in the district.
New local jobs will be created for trades people to install insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.
The four Greens on Kirklees Council secured three years of free home insulation funding, against the active opposition of Labour councillors, who later tried to claim credit!
This saved householders around £76 per year at 2011 prices
and cut emissions.
It also created 243 jobs in the local economy.
Carbon quotas – how they would work The fairest way to share emissions rights is equally.
So we support the idea of an economy-wide system of carbon quotas, with everyone guaranteed the same basic entitlement, regardless of wealth.
Those who use less than this could sell some of their quota to those who use more, rewarding their carbon thrift.
About half the available carbon units could be distributed, free of charge, to all adults in the country.
The rest of the carbon units could be sold by the government to companies and other organisations.
Whenever you bought fossil fuels or electricity your carbon account card would be debited.
You would be able to sell excess carbon units – or buy extra units if you need to.
Owning and controlling our energy system
Our vision for the energy system is a diverse mix of public and private participants, including community, cooperative and municipal generation, supply and distribution.
We will end the dominance of the Big Six energy companies.
We will stabilise the ‘policy landscape’ for renewable energy to provide certainty for investment decisions, including long-term targets and stable feedin tariffs.
We will: Maximise opportunities for community or municipally owned, or cooperative not-for-profit organisations to generate and supply electricity and heat at the retail level.
Set a target for at least 42 gigawatts (GW) of community power by 2020.
Require grid operators to give priority access to community energy projects at an affordable cost.
Split up the large vertically integrated companies so that they can’t both produce energy and supply it to consumers.
Secure public control over the strategic direction and policies of the National Grid.
Support long-term stable fixed-price feed-in tariffs for renewable energy generators.
Ensure that consumer energy tariffs are progressive, so small consumers pay less per unit than larger ones,
that special needs are recognised,
that people are not cut off when they can’t afford to pay,
and that people are not forced to have prepayment meters.
Ensure that there is a single scheme of regulation for the entire industry,
whose objectives include achieving climate change targets
as well as protecting consumer interests.
Why we say no to fracking
Fracking is a process where water, sand and chemicals are injected at high pressure into shale rocks under the ground to release shale gas or oil.
Three years ago we called for a moratorium on fracking-related activity while the environmental and economic impacts of drilling for shale gas were evaluated.
On that basis, we are now emphatic and unambiguous in proposing an outright ban on fracking and related extreme energy technologies (coal-bed methane and underground coal gasification, as well as hydraulic fracturing).
Fracking is incompatible with the UK’s climate change obligations.
There is already around five times more fossil fuel globally than we can safely burn if are to avoid dangerous climate change.
Encouraging a whole new fossil fuel industry is deeply irresponsible and undermines international efforts to secure a global climate agreement.
Fracking will put communities and our environment at risk.
There are serious and legitimate concerns about the potential for fracking to cause water contamination, air pollution and harm to wildlife and public health.
Fracking sites would entail mass lorry movements, blighting our countryside and villages.
Speeding the renewables revolution
The Green Party strategy for energy efficiency ensures that we can change to an energy system based mainly on electricity from renewables within 15–20 years (a little longer for transport).
This will require substantial investment over the period.
We also need to pay more attention to energy storage.
So we will: Invest substantial amounts of public money (up to £35 billion over the Parliament) in renewable generation and in the National Grid, if necessary, to make sure renewable generation grows quickly enough.
This would include both large-scale generation and small- and medium-scale renewable generation schemes funded through local authorities.
This capacity would not necessarily be publicly owned and would include community-owned schemes.
Give the Green Investment Bank full borrowing powers to help fund this investment.
Concentrate on expanding mature renewable technologies such as wind energy and solar PV in the period until 2030
and bringing down costs, in part by reducing planning constraints, including those for onshore wind.
Ensure that all schools, hospitals and other public buildings have solar panels by 2020.
Encourage all social landlords to develop plans to install solar panels on all suitable properties, building on Kirklees Council’s pioneering £10 million plan to install solar panels on 2,000 Council homes over the next two years.
Schemes such as these can save people on low incomes the equivalent of up to two weeks’ rent.
Set deployment targets to bring down costs and attract investment in manufacturing and supply chains,
aiming for 42 GW of offshore wind by 2020
and 60 GW by 2030,
and for 25 GW of solar PV by 2020.
Spend £2.5 billion over the Parliament on an intensive research and deployment programme for other renewables such as wave and tidal stream generators or other approaches,
and also for storage technologies.
Phase out fossil-fuel-based generation, including the closure of all coal-fired power stations by 2023 at the very latest.
Phase out nuclear power within ten years.
Ban all UK fracking operations – following a growing number of nations worldwide – and withdraw all relevant licences as soon as possible.
Ban other new fossil fuel developments such as other unconventional fossil fuels and open cast coal.
End fossil fuel industry tax breaks, phase out other harmful fossil fuel subsidies (domestic and international) and use the money saved to help fund other parts of our energy programme.
Work with financial institutions, local councils and others to encourage divestment from fossil fuels and develop alternative investment in efficiency and renewables programmes.
Support the potential deployment of carbon capture and storage to existing biomass and gas power stations only as a transitional technology.
Develop biomass generation only where it can be done in a sustainable way giving regard to the environmental and human costs of some large-scale biomass fuel operations.
Set in law a decarbonisation target for the power sector of 25–50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour by 2030.
Expand electricity storage capacity, including using the potential storage capacity of electric vehicles, and develop the commercial and regulatory framework to make this a reality.
Introduce smart meters and appliances.
Adapting to climate change
Apart from rebuilding the UK’s energy system, we also need to adapt to the climate change that will take place as the effects of past emissions work their way through the system.
In the UK there will be wetter winters and hotter and drier summers.
We can expect greater instability, with more episodes of extreme weather, such as the heavy rain and floods of the 2013–14 winter.
We need to begin urgently to prepare for this by: Providing help for people and communities to prepare for an increasingly variable climate.
We would give an extra £1 billion a year to local authorities and the Environment Agency to spend on assisting communities with flood protection
and on defending homes and public buildings, such as hospitals, from heat waves.
Obliging government departments and local authorities to consider climate change and carbon reduction in all their planning over a long time horizon of 50–100 years.
Specifically, local authorities should do so in all planning decisions.
Having the government act as an insurer of last resort where commercial insurance companies are refusing to provide flood cover.
Preventing new building on flood plains.
Encouraging storing water in uplands through full river system management – including wetland restoration, natural regeneration, allowing rivers to meander and allowing flooding upstream.
Water management needs to become part of the rules for farming subsidies.
Green councillor sets the pace on flooding.. Thanks to a lone Green councillor, who at the time held the balance of power, Islington became the first UK Council to set a minimum amount of ‘permeable’ land to prevent flooding.
Nuclear energy – it’s still no thanks
In recent years, the nuclear industry has tried to re-brand itself as ‘green’.
As the UK’s only environmental party, the Green Party needs to set out why it still considers that nuclear is no answer to either climate change or our energy needs.
Nuclear energy is not green.
Nuclear energy is neither zero carbon nor renewable and there is serious debate about whether it is even low carbon.
Uncertainties involved in carbon costing, radioactive waste management and the carbon costs of obtaining uranium mean that the carbon costs of nuclear are unknowable.
Unlike renewables, we simply cannot rely on it being low carbon.
In addition to its highly dubious ‘low-carbon’ credentials, nuclear energy is a seriously flawed policy in other ways:
Nuclear energy is extremely expensive: not one nuclear plant has ever been built, anywhere in the world by private investors without huge public subsidies.
The Coalition government has agreed to guarantee EDF nearly double the current market electricity price at Hinkley, in addition to other financial backing not available to other low-carbon generators.
These subsidies would impose enormous and unjustifiable costs on householders and businesses.
Nuclear remains a uniquely dangerous form of energy.
If the new plant being built by EDF at Hinkley were to release an equivalent amount of radiation to Fukushima, and the wind was in the south-west, Bristol would need to be permanently evacuated.
No long-term solution has yet been found to the question of dealing with nuclear waste.
Wind power has been found to create around 12 times as many jobs as the same investment in nuclear, and solar power is estimated to create around 360 times as many jobs.
Investing in energy efficiency (e.g. insulation) creates even more jobs.
Renewables can provide the same ‘base load’ production as nuclear power at a lower cost without the risks.
Nuclear power diverts investment, skills and expertise away from securing the economic, employment and energy security benefits of home-grown renewables, smart grids and demand reduction.
The current UK nuclear programme is planned around a reactor design, the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR), which has an atrocious construction and cost record.
EPRs being built in France and Finland are years behind schedule and have huge cost overruns.
Even if nuclear were the answer, the EPR would still be the wrong plant to build.
CHAPTER 5
More equal societies almost always do better than unequal ones – and that’s true for the well-off as well as for the poor.
Almost every modern social and environmental problem – ill health, lack of community life, violence, drugs, obesity, mental illness, long working hours, big prison populations – is more likely to occur in a less equal society.
Imagine a world in which everyone is respected whatever their ethnicity, gender, age, religious belief or non-belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, size, disability or other status.
Imagine a world in which no one earns more than ten times what anyone else earns.
We’d all be healthier, happier and more confident.
This could be the real world the Green Party creates.
The Green Party is opposed to inequality not just because it is wrong in itself and because more equal societies are happier societies,
but because it fosters inappropriate growth.
We are encouraged to measure our prosperity by comparing it with the material conditions of others.
Celebrity culture and the lifestyles of the rich create a climate of envy and a desire to match them.
This fuels consumption that satisfies pointless wants for some rather than vital needs for all.
Growth justifies inequality.
It is claimed that: if the economy gets bigger some benefit will ‘trickle down’ to the poor and vulnerable;
A rising tide floats all boats – forgetting that not everyone has a boat.
However, recent research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) confirms that this theory is just wrong.
In a resource-constrained world, equality makes much more sense than inequality.
Our taxation, pay and social security plans will make the UK a materially more equal society.
Equality and diversity
Equality is a matter not just of material goods but of treating people fairly – celebrating diversity rather than punishing it.
The Green Party aims to treat everyone equally and fairly.
We will: Reinstate the funding for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Make equality and diversity lessons mandatory in all schools, from the first year of primary education onwards, to combat all forms of prejudice and bullying,
to promote understanding and acceptance of difference
and to ensure community cohesion.
Continue to tackle institutional racism in the police force and the wider criminal justice system.
Require all police forces to have equality and diversity liaison officers whose remit is to tackle and take preventive action on crimes originating in discrimination against any group,
and to treat crimes arising from such discrimination on a par with racist crimes.
Implement a UK-wide strategy to tackle violence against women, including domestic violence,
rape and sexual abuse,
female genital mutilation
and trafficking.
Ensure that effective action is taken to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities.
Provide comprehensive training for teachers and educational staff on all diversity and inclusion issues.
Oblige schools to promote equal opportunities in their anti-bullying procedures and to monitor equality issues in teaching recruitment.
Work towards ending stigma against people with mental health problems, including discrimination in employment.
Progressively introduce anonymised CVs so that Black and Minority Ethnic and female candidates are not excluded before the interview stage because of their identity.
Ensure that the public sector does more to employ more Black and Minority Ethnic employees.
Strengthen Travellers’ rights to sites and guarantee proper protection of the nomadic lifestyle of Travellers
while ensuring that the lifestyle of the settled population is also protected.
Enforce penalties against employers who continue to implement unequal pay.
Work vigorously towards ensuring that all levels of government and public bodies are representative of the diversity of the populations for whom they work.
Support proposals by the Speaker of the House of Common to set up an Equalities Committee.
Greens in power carry out our policies
Stonewall put the Green-led Brighton Council in first place in their 2014 Education Equality Index.
Stonewall has described the Council as ‘leading the way’ in celebrating difference and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students.
Brighton Council also introduced the landmark trans scrutiny panel, looking how to address transphobia in the city.
Of the 37 initial recommendations, 25 have started or been implemented, including addressing transphobia in schools,
allowing genderless honorifics for Council documentation
and easing access to healthcare for trans people.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people
Despite recent modest advances, discrimination against LGBTIQ people remains in areas such as housing, education, employment and health.
The Green Party supports campaigns to advance LGBTIQ rights and aims to build a society where everyone is valued, respected and empowered, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
We will: Legislate to remedy inequality in pension inheritance for same-sex marriage partners and same-sex civil partners.
Consider reducing the 12-month blood donation deferral period for men who have sex with men, based on individual risk assessment where the donor is identified to be not at risk of passing infections into the blood supply.
Apologise to and pardon all 50,000–100,000 men convicted of consenting adult same-sex relations under anti-gay laws that have now been repealed.
Provide mandatory HIV, sex and relationship education – age appropriate and LGBTIQ inclusive – in all schools from primary level onwards.
Require every school to have an anti-bullying programme that explicitly combats homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
Combat homophobic, biphobic and transphobic violence by ensuring uniform legislation against all forms of hate crime.
End the cuts to the NHS, which have undermined HIV services and made it harder for trans people to access gender reassignment services.
End the detention of LGBTIQ (and other) asylum seekers and the culture of disbelief that often denies them refugee status.
Challenge criminalisation, discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ people in other countries and work in solidarity with campaigners there.
Press the Commonwealth to grant accredited status to a Commonwealth LGBTIQ Association and to urge all member states to end the criminalisation of homosexuality and to protect LGBTIQ citizens against discrimination and hate crime.
Joining up the policies Anti-discrimination policies on their own aren’t enough.
It’s vital to see the connections between one policy decision and its effects elsewhere in society.
Cuts and austerity measures have a disproportionate effect on LGBTIQ people because of higher levels of reliance on public services due to family estrangement, societal and workplace discrimination, and specific healthcare needs.
Likewise, cuts in youth, housing and social services are more likely to affect young LGBTIQ people, particularly those who are estranged from their families.
LGBTIQ people are more likely to face unemployment and the impact of this can be much greater because they may not be able to rely on wider social networks.
Cuts to services for older and disabled people will have a much greater impact on LGBTIQ people, who are less likely to have children and will be more reliant on public services.
So, restoring the public realm contributes to equality and diversity.
Women
Since 2010, recent progress in advancing women’s equality has been undermined and reversed
Women are now: Poorer – nearly three-quarters of the government’s ‘savings’ have been paid for by women;
Earning less – the value of low pay in particular is declining, and the pay gap between men and women in their twenties has doubled;
Over-burdened – as support services have been slashed, women are left carrying the load;
and More at risk of gendered violence – because funding for services that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence has been reduced.
This is all a consequence of deliberate government action.
The Public Sector Equality Duty, which assesses the impact of gove ivered, is designed to solve problems in isolation – the lack of a job or of a place to live, an illness – but problems usually arise together.
An alternative approach, based on Women’s Centres, has shown the potential to break down barriers and provide an effective holistic approach that facilitates resilience and recovery for women and their families.
The Green Party would fund the creation of a nationwide set of pilots, and if their early promise turns out to be fulfilled would intend expanding this to a universal nationwide scheme, run in the voluntary sector by women but given secure long-term core funding through local government.
We will also: Make equal pay for men and women a reality.
Require 40% of all members of public company and public sector boards to be women.
Listen to girls and young women about relationships education and about sexism in the media
and make personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) a compulsory part of the school curriculum.
Take steps to tackle media sexism, starting with working with retailers to stop lads mags and other pornography from being sold in supermarkets and newsagents.
Ensure that the laws to prevent discrimination against women on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity are properly enforced.
Follow Scotland’s lead and make it illegal to stop nursing mothers feeding their babies in a public place.
Ensure consistent long-term funding for a national network of Rape Crisis Centres, spending up to £100 million on the network over the course of the Parliament.
Disability
Instead of helping disadvantaged people, the Coalition has scapegoated and isolated them.
Private firms assess people on the verge of death as fit for work.
The ‘bedroom tax’ plays havoc with any person who is disabled and needs an extra room for equipment or a carer.
Austerity has brought cuts to disability benefits, harming the most vulnerable in our society.
The Green Party is committed to the social model of disability.
People who are disabled have a right to participate fully in society.
We will: Support the principles of, and enforce the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
End the pernicious system whereby an external contractor assesses whether people are fit for work and return to the system of relying on the judgement of GPs or other health professionals.
Increase the budget for Disability Living Allowance / Personal Independence Payments by around £1 billion a year.
Retain the Independent Living Fund, which enables over 18,000 severely disabled people to stay in their home instead of being in residential care, costing around £300 million a year.
Provide a further £0.5 billion for free social care for adults aged 18–65 who have a proven care need.
Increase the Carer’s Allowance by 50%, costing £1.2 billion a year (6.5 million carers save the state £119 billion),
and provide carers with a legal right to 5–10 days paid annual leave.
Raise the profile of the Access to Work scheme among smaller firms and under-served disabled people, with far great transparency over how the scheme is administered.
Provide older carers with more generous and consistent support through a Citizen’s Pension.
Integrate health and care services so as to look after carers as well as those they care for.
Recognise the rights of children who are disabled, and their families, in education, in the transition to adult life, in childcare, in healthcare and in the benefits system.
Recognise fully the housing needs of people who are disabled, including support with planning and obtaining housing.
Make it a licensing condition for taxis that drivers have Disability Awareness Training.
Young people
Young people face very practical immediate problems with getting a good start in life.
Decent jobs, jobs with a future and training, are hard to come by.
The lucky few can get an internship or take advantage of good connections, but overall social mobility is in reverse.
You can go to university, but only if you are prepared to saddle yourself with a huge debt.
Affordable housing is scarce.
And threats such as climate change
and ever-rising levels of inequality will have a far greater impact on future generations.
Young people must be supported outside school as well as in it; online and offline.
They need places they can call their own, where they can safely play and explore.
This means playgroups for toddlers, safe streets for kids to play in, and youth centres for teenagers.
The Green Party would: Ensure that the UK’s child protection systems are effective at tackling child neglect and abuse early on,
including changing the law so that emotional abuse is treated on a par with physical abuse
and giving police and child protection professionals clear guidance to help them work effectively.
Set clear targets for ending child poverty, including ways to measure it and fund local authorities properly so they can focus on early support to help children, young people and their families.
Increase the current investment in young people’s services, providing a comprehensive and inclusive youth service, including youth clubs, youth councils and non-curricular education and training, costing an extra £1.1 billion a year.
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Extend free local public transport to young people and students, spending up to £4 billion a year.
`This would encourage the habit of using public transport among young people early on, with a view to making this a behaviour for life.
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Support 20 mph zones, cycle schemes and public transport to make our streets safe and useful for young people.
Raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14.
Lower the voting age to 16.
Reform the judicial system to create a strong statutory presumption against the imprisonment of young offenders.
Restrict police use of random stop and search powers, which especially damage police relationships with young people.
Make higher education free and end the student loan system.
End the exploitation of interns; ensure no unpaid full-time internship lasts more than four weeks.
Make renting affordable and possible again for young people through our housing policies, especially those on regulating the private rented sector and rents.
End the exploitation of young people in low-wage jobs through our living wage policy.
Keep Housing Benefit for under 25s.
Do more for young people who have no family; a basic first step would be to pay foster carers a salary, costing about £0.9 billion a year.
Provide access to suitable emergency accommodation for the 200,000 young people who go missing every year if they are unable to return home safely.
Support the right of young people all over Europe to go to other parts of the EU to work and broaden their experience.
Provide more training and work experience for young unemployed people through expanding apprenticeships;
specifically, provide an apprenticeship to all qualified young people aged 16–25 who do not have one and want one.
What Green councillors do for young people out of school.. In 2012, Green councillor Simon Grover persuaded Tory-run St Albans, Hertfordshire, to pledge to provide a youth centre in the town in the next five years.
In Malvern, Worcestershire, Green councillor John Raines led the campaign to allow the community to buy a Council-owned youth centre earmarked for demolition and housing development.
It is now thriving under community ownership.
Older people and pensions
Age used to be respected.
Now there’s the beginning of a backlash against older people, particularly the baby boomer generation approaching their seventies.
They’ve had it easy, it’s said – secure jobs, final salary pensions, good health and a housing market that has rewarded them but made it almost impossible for today’s young people to get housed.
And, as a generation, they have despoiled the planet and their swelling numbers threaten to bankrupt our health and pension systems.
The real picture is more complex.
There are huge inequalities between older people, and many have had difficult lives.
The free university education of the past was a privilege for a tiny group of people.
Many more working lives were totally disrupted by Margaret Thatcher’s assault on manufacturing industry in the 1980s – these older people bear the scars of industrial diseases and health inequalities.
Many older women in particular have lead lives confined by lack of opportunity.
The Green Party’s policy for older people is simple.
First they are people, and they have the same rights and hopes as everyone else.
They should be treated fairly and equally in employment, education, healthcare and avenues for enterprise.
Ambition should not be shut off just because we get older.
Second, there are certain things they should be able to rely on without the indignity of means testing.
The most basic is a universal state pension.
We would introduce a Citizen’s Pension, paid to all pensioners regardless of contribution record from 2016, so no pensioner will live in poverty.
It will pay £180 per week to a single pensioner and £310 per week for a couple, taking all pensioners above the poverty line.
Future increases will be at the higher of the price increases of basic goods and services or average earnings.
The failure of private pensions – making pensions secure Private pension schemes have failed.
The £40 billion government subsidy given to private pension schemes in the form of income tax and National Insurance reliefs is huge.
The performance of the private pensions industry is dismal – the total paid out in private pensions each year is no more than the subsidy that the government gives the industry.
We will begin to reform this.
We would raise part of the money needed for the Citizen’s Pension by abolishing about half of the value of these concessions; the money is better invested in a better pension for all.
We would further limit the amount of relief an individual can get on contributions in any one year, so that more of the subsidy goes to the lower paid.
We would make saving for retirement safe and predictable, by offering a new state earnings-related pension scheme.
This would invest through the Green Investment Bank in long-term public assets such as the railways, renewable energy and the National Grid, social and affordable housing, projects sponsored by local authorities, and public facilities such as hospitals.
These assets offer a safe, long-term and predictable rate of return – ideal for pensions – and the pension fund will provide the savings needed to invest in these assets.
Such public assets would replace pension fund assets, many of which consist of shares in energy companies whose main assets are unusable fossil fuel reserves.
Employers would be obliged to offer and contribute to this pension scheme, as they are now with stakeholder pensions;
the default would be for employees to be contracted in to the scheme, and a person’s contributions would be unaffected by changes of employer.
In addition we will: Provide free social care funded by taxation on the same basis as the NHS.
Keep the pensioners’ bus pass and Winter Fuel Payment.
Provide free prescriptions for all and abolish the TV licence, making the current concessions unnecessary.
Support enforcing the rights of older people through the Dignity Code.
Make sure that all pensioners living abroad receive the same pension and annual pension increase as those living in the UK.
Support 20 mph zones, cycle schemes and public transport to make our streets safe and useful for older as well as young people.
Keep the NHS a public service, comprehensive and free at the point of delivery,
especially recognising that the current generation of older people have paid for it all their lives and are now beginning to need it.
As is traditional, we have listed here items that are specifically in the interests of older people.
But we hope and believe that many older people will vote with their children and grandchildren in mind as much as themselves, and that they will in particular have in mind the long-term threats to our climate and environment.
Green councillors look after older people...In 2012, Green councillor David Brookes was appointed the elderly people’s champion for Lancaster City Council and has persuaded the Council to advertise almshouse charity vacancies on its lettings site and to devote a web page to events and issues for the elderly.
In Bradford, Greens secured £300,000 to fund free cavity wall and loft insulation for older residents.
Joining up the policies So what do health, food, equality and transport have to do with each other?
We all know that, to be healthy we need to eat well and take more exercise.
So if we promote healthy eating, local food, good free school meals and active transport, we will be healthier.
And if we are all more equal, not only will we be healthier but more of us will use public transport and standards will rise.
And if as a result we are healthier, we’ll be more inclined to get an allotment, walk to the bus stop and get a bus, reducing climate change-producing gases.
It’s a virtuous circle.
CHAPTER 6
Imagine a National Health Society.
Imagine living in a clean environment, with satisfying work, good housing, a balanced diet, a good education, active, safe and sustainable transport, and much greater equality.
This is well-being – so vital to good health.
Imagine being in no doubt that the health service is publicly funded, with free prescriptions, dentistry and chiropody; one in which you have a human relationship with your doctors and nurses, who make your care their principal aim.
A health service in which individual and local knowledge take the place of protocols and pathways,
and free social and nursing care is provided for the elderly;
one which prizes prompt and local access to care, and encourages a culture of prevention as well as cure.
Imagine a system that respects and trusts health professionals and gives them the time, space, training and rewards to do their job.
This could be the real health service; it is the Green Party’s joined-up approach to health and well-being.
We will end NHS privatisation
The Green Party believes healthcare shouldn’t be bought and sold.
All the other parties have encouraged the marketisation and privatisation of provision and this has led to: Fragmentation of services, with patients falling into gaps between providers, and poor communication between clinicians;
Outsourcing, with companies cutting corners to win contracts;
Cherry-picking of profitable treatments by private providers, leaving the NHS to provide treatments that are not properly funded; and
An increase in administration costs of 9% of the NHS budget.
We will maintain a publicly funded, publicly provided health service free at the point of use.
Money spent on health will remain in the public economy, supporting the NHS rather than going into private companies’ profits.
We will: Repeal the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and introduce an NHS Reinstatement Bill restoring the obligation upon the government to provide a comprehensive health service,
abolishing competition and the purchaser–provider split ,
ending market-based commissioning and procurement,
re-establishing public bodies,
a role for not-for-profit organisations
and public accountability,
restricting the role of commercial companies,
and repealing the right of the Secretary of State to close hospitals or departments without effective public participation.
Promote transparency by ending commercial confidentiality.
Carry out an investigation into the opaque system of patronage and lobbying that has characterised the privatisation of the NHS.
Require NHS staff to declare financial interests that conflict with their role.
Stop further private finance initiative (PFI) contracts and end the inappropriate sale of NHS assets.
Seek ways to buy out existing PFI contracts where that would represent good value for money, and set aside up to £5 billion over the Parliament to do so.
Restore the public sector ethos of partnership between staff and patients.
Caroline Lucas opposing the Health and Social Care Act 2012 in Parliament:
‘The Bill opens the way for private companies to determine much of English health care and takes away the government’s duties and powers, which is why I believe it should be opposed.’
‘Either we want an NHS free at the point of delivery and with free eye tests and so forth or we do not.’
Caroline has since introduced the NHS Reinstatement Bill.
We will end Health Service austerity
The Coalition government has not increased funding to keep up with inflation and increasing demand – indeed it has continued ‘efficiency savings’.
And money has been diverted into the cost of reorganisation and into profits for the private companies now running many services.
The result is one in four people going to crowded A&E Departments because they could not see a GP quickly enough,
and a crisis in mental health care.
International comparisons underline that we can spend more – we spend just 9.6% of GDP on health (including private healthcare), the French 11.7%, the Germans 11.5% and the USA an astonishing 17.6%.
We would: Immediately increase the overall NHS budget by £12 billion a year to overcome the current funding crisis, increase investment in mental health care and provide for free dentistry, chiropody and prescriptions in England.
Thereafter, increase the overall NHS budget annually in real terms by 1.2% to take account of our ageing population.
Together with the previous item this will raise NHS budgets by about £20 billion by 2020.
Increase alcohol and tobacco taxes to help fund the annual increases in NHS spending over the Parliament.
Provide free social care as well as free healthcare for older people along the lines of the report from the Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England (Barker report), at an additional cost of around £8 billion a year initially but rising to £9 billion by the end of the Parliament.
Provide free social care at the end of life, enabling dying people to choose where they die.
We would also: Provide accessible, local community health centres that provide a wide range of services, including out-of-hours care.
These will help people access healthcare quickly rather than being a replacement for GPs.
End phony patient choice.
For most of us patient choice is much less important than getting good treatment at our local hospital or health centre – which is often, for many, the only practical choice.
Listen to and work in partnership with third sector organisations that are championing patient care.
Ensure that all cost-effective treatments are available to all patients who need them.
Work to ensure that cancer outcomes in the UK are as good as the best in Europe.
Build systems to measure and improve the ecological impact of healthcare, from carbon costings of treatments (building them into the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines),
to setting targets on recycling in NHS Trusts,
and the issue of waste disposal.
A colossal amount of material waste is produced through the disposable culture that has taken hold in the fight against hospital-acquired infections.
Green councillors support NHS dentistry...The market town of Stowmarket, Suffolk, became the first in the county to open a new NHS dentist surgery after a lengthy campaign by Green councillors.
We will act to prevent illness and expand primary and community care
The Green Party takes a whole society approach to health.
We care about what happens before you access the NHS.
Get that right, and a lot else falls into place.
How to achieve this affects how we organise the health service.
Those involved in primary and community care – GPs, practice nurses, district nurses, health visitors, midwives, counsellors, pharmacists, occupational therapists and all the other community based professionals – are best placed to prevent ill health from developing in the first place.
They can carry out checks and give advice or treatment to people who, for instance, are stressed, obese, inactive, or alcohol or nicotine dependent.
Intervention by a trusted health professional can make the difference at an individual level.
This can often be linked to local services, such as advice centres, opportunities for physical activity, lunch clubs and so on.
And it’s primary care that is most important in dealing with problems before they become acute and require costly and distressing interventions such as admission to hospital.
Local health professionals can also manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, respiratory and cardiac conditions and mental illness in ways that are both more patient centred and less expensive than hospitalbased care.
They are best placed too to integrate medical and social care.
Where parents want it and there are no medical complications, normal childbirth could take place at home, increasing satisfaction for the woman in labour and reducing costs for the NHS.
Similarly, many people would prefer to spend their last days at home rather than in hospital and a small increase in community care would save hospital beds and make the experience better for the dying patient, their family and friends.
We would therefore place more emphasis on prevention and on primary and community care and less on hospitals.
We would: Restore the proportion of NHS funding for primary care from the present 7% to 2005 levels (11%) and review the case for increasing it further;
we would also ensure that the distribution of funding reflects the local need.
Always consider whether services currently offered in or by hospitals could be transferred to the community.
Look for low-tech, local solutions as well as technical advances.
Encourage cooperation between all the primary care providers, e.g. pharmacies and hearing, optical and old age care organisations.
Tackle air pollution, which causes an estimated 29,000 premature deaths each year in the UK.
UK and EU standards on air pollution are out of date, and we would follow more rigorous standards that respect World Health Organization guidelines.
Give special attention to the well-being of children from conception to 2 years old, the first 1001 days.
For example, there should be national investment in evidence-based parenting programmes in order to improve the life chances of children and the well-being of families,
and a free and universal early education and childcare service should be introduced.
Extend VAT at the standard rate to less healthy foods, including sugar, but spend the money raised on subsidising around one-third of the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables.
This could prevent around 5,000 premature deaths every year.
Put a minimum price on alcohol of 50p per unit.
This will reduce the physical, psychological and social harm associated with problem drinking, and will have only a negligible impact on those who drink in moderation.
Put the UK at the centre of efforts to end the AIDS, TB and malaria epidemics and the threat they pose to the health of women, men and children living in poverty.
Treat drug addiction as a health problem rather than a crime, making drugs policy the responsibility of the Department of Health in order to ensure that resources are targeted at supporting, not punishing, drug users.
Adopt an evidence-based approach to the step-by-step regulation, starting with cannabis, of the drugs currently banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act as well as ‘legal highs’, with a view to introducing a system that reduces harms and brings the market under state control as a potential tax revenue generator.
A Royal Commission or similar body would be established to review currently controlled drug classifications, within a legalised environment of drug use.
Introduce a regime of presumed consent for organ donation, which respects the right of relatives to refuse consent.
Provide the right to an assisted death within a rigorous framework of regulation and in the context of the availability of the highest level of palliative care.
End mixed-sex accommodation in hospitals.
Improve hospital food.
Green councillors will stand up to fast-food chains...After KFC applied to open a drive-through store close to a primary school in Solihull, Green councillor Andy Hodgson persuaded the Council to toughen up its planning rules to allow refusal of fast-food chains near schools.
We will restore a person-centred approach to the NHS
The Green Party listens to knowledge and experience, not political dogma
The introduction to this sub-section has been written by Dr Jillian Creasy, who worked as a GP in Sheffield for 25 years. It draws on her real experience of the NHS over that time. Jillian is also Green Party Health Spokesperson and candidate for Sheffield Central.
Patient care has been damaged by two policies:
punitive governance based on arbitrary targets;
over-management by numbers to achieve those targets, leading to a climate of fear among managers and frustration among professionals.
The NHS should have the needs of the patient at its heart. Ultimately, healthcare is provided by a professional to a person in need. Every interaction should begin by connecting with that person to really understand their needs. Interventions – from simple advice or booking an appointment, to planning complex medical treatment – will then be more appropriate and efficient, of real value to the user and economic for the organisation.
The NHS has been subjected to 20 years of ideological tampering by successive governments (marketisation, targets and performance-related pay) to the point where professionals are often prevented from responding appropriately to an individual’s needs. This has also driven up the cost of care. Fragmentation of care, especially outsourcing, has led to a loss of continuity, so the human relationship between professional and patient is diluted. Professionals can no longer make the overall care of the patient their primary aim. Huge amounts of time and money are wasted on ‘failure demand’ – where the patient goes round in circles trying to get an answer to their problem and often has unnecessary investigations and treatment.
More problems are created by so-called ‘economies of scale’ where, in an attempt to emulate industry, common services have been merged into larger entities regardless of the nature of the variety of demand. Individual and local knowledge are lost and problems are dealt with according to protocols and pathways, not what is best for the patient. This has to change. The system must be designed around what the patient needs, not what Monitor (the sector regulator for health services in England) or the Care Quality Commission demand. Professionals must be given the time to care, rather than ticking governance boxes.
The ‘human-centred’ approach also applies to NHS staff. The vast majority of NHS workers are highly committed, caring and careful individuals, but current systems often put them under stress and prevent them doing the right thing. We need a culture in which all staff are able to shape the system they work in and to openly share learning from mistakes and ‘near misses’. It should be a source of pride and joy, not fear and frustration, for those who work in it.
The Green Party would: Place the quality of patient care, especially patient safety, at the heart of the system.
Reducing costs would not be the primary driver of behaviour but would be the outcome of best practice.
Evolve the best system of care with the help of the service providers.
Engage, empower and hear patients and carers at all times, treating both with dignity.
Foster whole-heartedly the growth, development and training of all staff, including their involvement in improving the systems in which they work.
Embrace transparency in the interests of sharing best practice, accountability and cooperation.
Use quantitative data to better understand how the system is working, not to set targets, and to see them as a route to continuously improving patient care, not an end in themselves.
Ensure that there are clear lines of responsibility, especially for safety and interdepartmental cooperation.
Respect the NHS Pay Review Body and bring NHS pay back in line with inflation and negotiate improved conditions.
Expand the workforce to drive the wholesale improvement of mental health services.
The extra funding proposed for the NHS and social care will create a total of 400,000 jobs.
We will tackle the crisis of our time: Mental health
There has been an alarming rise in mental health problems in recent years, especially among young people.
According to NHS England, mental illness accounts for 28% of illness but only 13% of NHS spending.
In the course of a year, one in four adults experiences some form of mental ill health
If you have diabetes there’s a 92% chance you’ll get treatment.
If you have a mental illness, that chance goes down to 28%.
Around 70% of prisoners have two or more mental health conditions.
The government’s own Chief Medical Officer says mental health should be given greater priority.
It will take time to train more staff and expand services but the Green Party will put an end to mental health’s Cinderella status and achieve parity of esteem by 2020.
We will: Ensure that spending on mental health care rises within our overall commitment to increase real spending on health.
Ensure that no one waits more than 28 days for access to talking therapies.
Ensure that everyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including children and young people, should have safe and speedy access to quality care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The use of police cells as ‘places of safety’ for children should be eliminated by 2016,
and by the end of the next Parliament should only occur for adults in exceptional circumstances.
Ensure that everyone who requires a mental health bed should be able to access one in their local NHS Trust area, unless they need specialist care and treatment.
If specialist care is required, then this should be provided within a reasonable distance of where the patient lives.
Implement a campaign to end the discrimination and stigma associated with mental health through supporting the Time for Change programme and offering employment support to those with mental health problems.
Invest in dementia services, ensuring that support is available for all affected by this debilitating disease, including families and carers.
Pay special attention to any mental health issues of mothers during and after pregnancy,
children and adolescents,
Black and Minority Ethnic people,
refugees,
the LGBTIQ communities
and ex-service people and their families.
Improve access to addiction services, including both drugs and alcohol addiction.
Give higher priority to the physical healthcare of those with mental health problems.
Joining up the policies So what do mental health, drugs, crime and welfare have to do with each other?
Our current welfare system breeds desperation and stress, not security, causing mental health problems.
Ending workfare and making work pay better will bring security and encourage better mental health.
Mental health problems foster drug dependency and crime.
If we can improve mental health, drug use and crime rates will fall.
With lower drug use and crime, and a supportive welfare system, more people will find useful things to do, improving their mental health.
It’s another virtuous circle.
CHAPTER 7
Imagine free universal early education and childcare, with compulsory education starting at 7.
Smaller classes and free nutritious lunches.
More opportunity for outdoor education.
More trust in teachers.
Less teaching to the test and the abolition of SATS and league tables.
Accountability at local level.
Apprenticeships for 16–25 year olds who want them.
The restoration of the Education Maintenance Allowance for 16–17 year olds and the abolition of university tuition fees.
Imagine schools and colleges fit for children and young adults
Education is good for each of us, but it is also good for all of us – it’s a common good.
That’s why the Green Party will make education free for everyone up to and including university or equivalent.
Early years education and childcare
Although the single most important factor for a child’s development is the learning environment at home, high-quality pre-school education can make a big difference.
The government has focused on lower-quality childcare, which has little or no effect.
Moreover, disadvantaged children who attend settings with children from mixed social backgrounds make more progress than those in settings serving mainly disadvantaged children.
These findings are why we want to create a universal high-quality early years education system used by everyone, to give every child the best possible start.
Great credit is due to the previous Labour government for its Sure Start children’s centres. But too many of these have closed as a result of austerity.
Although support for childcare has grown under the Coalition, the government provides scant support to parents in the first two years of a child’s life, and too much of the emphasis for the next three years is on expanding free and subsidised childcare so that parents, especially women, can work.
Too little attention is paid to the child and to the value of early education.
The Green Party proposes to extend the education system to provide a free, universal and flexible system of good-quality early education and support for parents from birth until the age of compulsory education.
We would: Build a free but voluntary universal early education and childcare service for all children from birth until compulsory education age, which we would raise to 7 years.
Integrate this into the local education service, run by local education authorities, and build on existing infant schools.
Local authorities would be would be given freedom as to how to do so in the light of their local circumstances.
Ensure that the system includes children’s centres for the very youngest children and their parents, and childcare and early education for children from age .
Ensure that those who lead early years education are qualified teachers with qualified teacher status and with specialist knowledge of early years education; and ensure all other staff are qualified to level 3.
Encourage parents to participate in helping to run the service.
Ensure that parents would receive much increased Child Benefit from 2016 and would continue to receive Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay.
We estimate that in the longer run this will cost around £8 billion a year over and above the cost of the existing free and subsidised schemes and tax concessions, which would be abolished.
Schools
Teachers feel undervalued and their professionalism is undermined by a strict curriculum.
Two-fifths of teachers quit within five years of beginning their careers, ground down by an excessive workload, much of it unrelated to teaching.
The Green Party believes that children are over-assessed and teachers are over-regulated.
Teaching to the test is not satisfying teaching and it’s boring for students, yet that’s what successive governments have obliged teachers to do.
We need to free teachers and pupils to rediscover the excitement of learning,
released from the shackles of a system designed with only economic competitiveness and preparation for work in mind,
and with excessive teacher workloads burdened by bureaucracy.
We are determined to make schools fit for children rather than the other way round.
In line with Green Party principles, decisions around education will be taken at the most local level possible,
but in general we support: Democratic accountability and a key role for local authorities in planning, admissions policy and equality of access for children with special needs.
A comprehensive system of local schools offering mixed-ability teaching and staffed by qualified teachers,
and the integration of grammar schools into the comprehensive system.
Restoring education current and capital funding to 2010 levels in real terms (costing around £7 billion a year)
and distributing it fairly among local authorities, reflecting the core costs of education, pupil needs, the quality of existing school buildings and equity between school types.
With the new early education service above, and counting the expansion of apprenticeships below this, would create around a quarter of a million jobs.
Action to reduce teacher workload and introduce professional pay levels for all teachers.
Ending the marketisation and outsourcing of education.
Leaving local education authorities free to decide how much to allocate to current spending and how much to capital projects.
Class sizes of 20, costing £1.5 billion over the Parliament.
The integration of academies and free schools into the local authority system.
Academic learning from 6 years old, with earlier years education focusing on play, social cohesion and confidence-building, and compulsory education beginning at age 7.
The abolition of SATS and league tables and the evaluation of schools by parents, teachers and the local community, not Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills), which we would abolish, reducing the accountability-related workload.
A broad, balanced and enriching curriculum, including creative and vocational areas, and making PSHE (including sex and relationships education, and also first aid) compulsory,
with a coherent 16–19 qualifications framework allowing a real choice of academic and vocational areas, or a mixture of them.
An increase in outdoor education and physical activity so children establish an early and strong relationship with their local environment.
The right for every child who is disabled to a mainstream education.
The removal of charitable status from private schools, with a view to absorbing them into the state system, but nevertheless ensuring that no schools are run for profit.
We will phase out public funding of schools run by religious organisations.
Schools may teach about religions, but should not encourage adherence to any particular religious beliefs.
Home education and flexi-schooling.
Free nutritious lunches, with local and GM-free ingredients, and children involved in growing, preparing and cooking food where possible.
The number of infants eating school lunches since the current free meals were introduced has increased from just 300,000 to 1,640,530 now.
The extension will cost an additional £2 billion a year.
Ensuring that all schools that serve particular vulnerable communities, for example the Jewish, Muslim or Sikh communities, are adequately protected from sectarian attacks.
An end to the trend whereby parents have to buy as extras equipment needed at school or for participation on expensive school trips.
Caroline Lucas on personal, social, health and economic education
In Parliament, Green MP Caroline Lucas led on making sure that all young people get taught high-quality PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education).
She introduced a Bill in Parliament to require all schools to teach the subject and for teachers to get proper training and support.
Good PSHE is key to ending violence against women and girls
and also has significant knock-on benefits for both academic attainment and future employability.
Statutory PSHE is supported by the National Union of Teachers, Mumsnet, Stonewall, Girlguiding, Everyday Sexism and the Royal College of Nursing, among others.
Further education and skills training
We will: Oppose the privatisation of further education and return further education colleges to the democratic control of local government.
Reverse the trend whereby 45% of apprenticeships, that is, jobs with structured training, are now taken by people over 25.
We would reinstate the government’s duty to provide an apprenticeship to all qualified young people aged 16–19 who do not have one and want one, but extend it to age 25,
and increase funding for apprenticeships by 30%.
Restore the Education Maintenance Allowance for 16 and 17 year olds.
Provide the further education sector with £1.5 billion a year extra funding.
Connect universities with local schools and colleges through nationwide Widening Participation programmes.
Encourage local authorities to use some of the additional money we propose to give to them to restore a full range of local adult education programmes.
End the anomaly whereby schools and academies can reclaim VAT on goods and services whereas sixth form colleges and further education colleges cannot, by allowing the latter to claim, costing around £170 million a year.
Prioritise training in the skills needed to build a low-carbon economy.
Greens in power carry out our policies
Education in Brighton & Hove was for long a major concern to parents in the city, but since the Greens came to office results have improved.
The 2013 GCSE results were the best ever, though they fell in 2014 after tougher marking was introduced across the country.
‘A’ level results continued to improve in 2014.
And 80% of sixth forms and colleges are good or outstanding as judged by Ofsted.
Higher education
Higher education is in crisis.
The fundamental purpose of universities should be to promote critical enquiry, social innovation and cultural renewal.
But these aims have been sidelined in an atmosphere of increasing managerialism and commercialisation.
Higher education is vital to our cultural health.
It should be concerned with public engagement and increasing social participation, not considered merely a production line for enhancing the earning power of individuals.
The current focus on research ‘outputs’– in the narrow definition used by the Research Excellence Framework – means that the crucial role of lecturers as teachers has been denigrated.
This emphasis needs to be reversed.
The Conservative-led Coalition and the Labour Party bear responsibility for the current system of university funding, which is largely dependent on tuition fees that now stand at £9,000 a year for undergraduates.
This was a betrayal of a promise and has blighted the future of thousands of young people who now graduate with a debt of at least £45,000.
With the removal of public funding from most undergraduate and all postgraduate courses, UK universities are now all but privatised.
The only people to benefit from the current system are university Vice-Chancellors and senior bureaucrats, who award themselves massive pay rises, while those on the ground who carry out teaching and research face ever more punishing terms and conditions of employment.
In practice, this severely compromises the quality of education through reduced student-contact hours with overstretched staff.
Zero-hours contracts are now commonplace and shocking disparities in pay characterise every campus, especially among service workers, who are commonly denied a living wage.
Conversely, university administrative departments continue to swell as money is routinely wasted on copying expensive private sector practices – including ludicrous rebranding exercises – in search of ‘market share’.
The future of the arts and the humanities has been endangered by a systematic denigration by the dominant political parties and university administrations alike, who create a perception of such courses as an expensive luxury without the vocational ‘use-value’ that renders them worth the financial risk.
The Green Party believes that the arts and humanities have an essential part to play in creating a more democratic, sane and participatory society.
The situation for mature students is even more dire.
Over the past five years, every continuing education department in the UK has been scaled back or closed down altogether, often as a managerial response to caps on students numbers and diminished funding for the sector as a whole.
Adults wishing to return to education are faced with a situation where short courses and part-time study are considered not cost-effective in market terms.
In December 2010, just after the trebling of tuition fees, Caroline Lucas MP argued that the costs of a free higher education could be met by increasing corporation tax for larger companies to the level paid in other G7 countries and ring-fencing some of that money.
Businesses depend enormously on graduates’ skills and knowledge, so it’s only fair that they invest in the higher education system from which they benefit.
Allied to this, the cost of studying the qualifications that universities stipulate as entry requirements is prohibitive.
An ‘A’ level for those who are not registered as school or college students attracts a fee of several hundred pounds.
Access to education diplomas are also meshed within a loan system for those over the age of 24, and uniformly cost in excess of £3,000.
The part-time and short courses for which non-traditional applicants can enrol are often hugely expensive, especially when measured against the contact-time with lecturers.
‘Lifelong Learning’ is a phrase that is much used by politicians and education professionals.
Giving people the opportunity to be ‘second chance’ learners should be a crucial part of what universities offer to wider society.
Countering the monetisation of higher education across the entire sector is vital to reverse the destructive and wasteful market model of university education.
The Green Party would address this through: Ending undergraduate tuition fees.
We appreciate that the current level of applications to study at university reflects the paucity of other opportunities available to young people.
This is part of a wider social problem that must be tackled
To be saddled with a huge debt for the right to access higher education at the beginning or middle of adulthood is neither ethical nor sustainable.
Because of the way the student loans system works this would cost about £4.5 billion over this Parliament, and in the long run around £8 billion a year.
Cancelling student debt issued by the Student Loans Company and held by the government.
Taking account of the loans that it is expected would never be re-paid, the total value of these loans is estimated to be around £30 billion.
Assuming that these loans would be paid off over the next 25 years, and taking account of interest, this amounts to around £2.2 billion a year in revenue that the government would not receive.
Reintroducing student grants costing £2.2 billion over the Parliament.
In the longer run we would support student living costs through the Basic Income.
In the longer term, considering scrapping fees for academic postgraduate courses.
Restoring access to lifelong learning by supporting mature students and their families.
We will reverse the 20-year programme of dismantling the lifelong learning sector.
Reintroducing the block grant to universities.
It is essential that teaching and learning can be supported effectively across the sciences and the humanities.
Encouraging universities and pension funds such as the Universities Superannuation Scheme to divest from fossil fuel companies.
This would follow the example of the University of Glasgow.
Supporting the 10:1 ‘fair pay campus’ campaign.
We are committed to ending the scandal of Vice-Chancellors paying themselves £300,000 a year while cleaners on the national minimum wage have to resort to food banks.
Green councillors support apprenticeships...Greens in Brighton have made it standard practice for apprenticeships and training schemes to be included in all Council construction contracts.
CHAPTER 8
Want to rent? Want to buy? Struggling to do either? It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Green Party has policies to make housing affordable and sustainable,
to make sure there is enough to go round,
and to provide better quality and greater security in the private rented sector.
A secure and affordable place to live is one of our most basic human needs.
But houses and flats are now sites of speculation rather than simply somewhere to call home.
They were at the heart of the crash seven years ago, when reckless lending left banks unable to support themselves.
We need to return housing to its original purpose: providing us – each and every one of us – with affordable and sustainable shelter.
There are three reasons for the current chaos and unfairness: A misplaced faith in the market as the way to meet housing needs,
where the market for houses has too often reflected a desire to make an investment rather than buy a place to live,
and prices have risen faster than inflation;
A lack of investment in public housing for at least 20 years, following Right to Buy and restrictions on what local authorities can do;
and A private rented sector where too often people have insecurity of tenure and are being charged extortionate rents for unsatisfactory housing.
Caroline Lucas and housing In July 2014 Caroline Lucas MP introduced a Housing (Affordability, Supply and Tenant Protection) Bill to highlight the problems faced by private tenants.
The Bill required the Secretary of State to commission a programme of research into reducing rent levels in the private rented sector,
improving terms and conditions for tenants,
increasing housing supply,
and providing a large-scale programme of sustainable council housing in England.
Caroline has published a Housing Charter, suggesting how these national policies would help in Brighton. You can find it here:
http://www.carolinelucas.com/assets/files/localparties/brighton/publications/Caroline/Caroline%20Lucas%20Housing%20
Charter%20(2).pdf; or
http://tinyurl.com/m8xh4g3
The housing market: House price stability
House prices continue to rise quicker than wages and inflation, and first-time buyers find it almost impossible to buy a home.
If wages had gone up by as much as house prices since 1997, the average person would be earning almost £30,000 more a year.
When house prices crash there are consequences for the whole economy.
The Green Party will aim for house price stability by making property investment and speculation less attractive and by increasing housing supply.
We will: Give the Bank of England the powers it has requested to limit the size of mortgages in relation to the property value and the borrower’s income.
Take steps to ensure that development is more evenly distributed across the whole of the country, so reducing pressure on housing in the South East in particular.
Make ‘buy to let’ less attractive, so reducing pressure on house prices, by removing tax incentives, including the deduction of mortgage interest as an expense, and reforming the ‘wear and tear’ allowance.
Introduce new higher Council Tax bands for more expensive homes, with higher rates for empty homes.
Scrap the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which does nothing to help those in the greatest housing need and contributes to excessive demand, saving £600 million a year.
Take action on empty homes to bring them back into use.
There are about 700,000 empty homes.
Halve this number through Empty Property Use Orders.
Gradually phase out Stamp Duty Land Tax and consider a Land Value Tax.
Minimise encroachment onto undeveloped ‘greenfield sites’ wherever possible by reusing previously developed sites that have fallen into disuse.
Reduce VAT on housing renovation and repair work (including insulation) to 5%, costing £1.6 billion a year.
At present there is no VAT on constructing new dwellings but there is VAT at 20% on converting and renovating old buildings to be used as homes.
This encourages new building at the expense of saving land and using what we have.
Introduce the right to rent (where local councils step in to help those in difficulty with their mortgage to rent their home).
Onethird of mortgage borrowers are expected to struggle if interest rates increase by 2%.
Break up the big builder cartels and diversify the house-building industry so that more homes are built by small- and medium-sized builders and by community-led and cooperative initiatives.
In the short term we would achieve this by measures including bringing transparency to the land market,
the transfer of public land into community land trusts,
and parcelling big regeneration sites into smaller plots through the Custom Build model.
Public housing: Providing 500,000 new social rented homes
Successive governments’ affordable and social housing policies have failed.
There is not enough housing for those unable to afford either to buy or to pay market rents.
The time has come to reverse the decline of council housing, started by the ‘Right to Buy’.
We would: Provide 500,000 social rented homes to high sustainability standards by increasing the social housing budget from £1.5 billion a year to £6 billion a year in the lifetime of the Parliament,
removing borrowing caps from local councils,
and creating 35,000 jobs.
Devolve Housing Benefit budgets to councils, so they can design packages that improve access to housing in their local market and enable them to provide more council housing.
End mass council house sales and the Right to Buy at a discounted price.
Provide more rights for homeless people, giving local authorities the same duties with regard to single people and childless couples as to families, and ending the practice of declaring people ‘intentionally homeless’.
Aim to end rough sleeping completely, and give public authorities a duty to prevent it.
Oppose new arm’s length management organisations and ensure genuine tenant participation in existing ones.
Greens in power carry out our housing policies
In Green-led Brighton: In November 2012 Brighton Council introduced a new licensing scheme by which private landlords letting a property for sharing by three or more people must bring it up to an agreed standard.
More than 1,500 licences were applied for by April 2014.
By July 2014 the Green-led Council had brought some 416 council homes and more than 460 empty private homes back into use.
By November 2014 Greens had overseen the delivery of 389 affordable homes (as part of wider residential and mixed developments).
Another 130 are due to be completed before May 2015.
In the Green Party’s term of administration it will have overseen the building of 639 homes.
A further 681 affordable homes, including more than 200 new council homes, are in the development pipeline.
For the first time in living memory, communal heating bills in some Brighton & Hove Council blocks have fallen as Council tenants benefit from a major programme of energy efficiency retro-fitting.
Make renting normal and not a rip-off
There is a place for a private rented sector.
But experience shows that it needs to be well regulated and the difference in power between landlord and tenant corrected.
We would: Reform the private rented sector by introducing a ‘living rent’ tenancy (including five-year fixed tenancy agreements),
smart rent control that caps annual rent increases linked to the Consumer Price Index,
security of tenancy and local not-for-profit letting agencies,
and abolishing letting agents’ fees and insurance-based deposit schemes.
Set up a Living Rent Commission to explore whether controls could bring rents more in line with local average incomes.
Introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for landlords.
Abolish landlord perks, such as tax deductions against a variety of expenditures, including mortgage interest relief.
Ending mortgage interest tax relief alone will raise £5.8 billion a year.
Increase the supply of small lets by raising the tax-free amount under the Rent a Room Scheme to £7,250 a year.
Abolish the ‘bedroom tax’, which has saved less than £400 million a year.
A Department for Work and Pensions report found that more than half of affected tenants have cut back on essentials, and only 1 in 20 has downsized.
Bring Housing Benefit for all age groups back in line with average market rents, so that it provides all citizens with the means to meet their housing costs, costing £2.3 billion a year.
Subject the Shared Accommodation Rate to a comprehensive review to ensure it reflects the real cost of renting shared properties.
Change the definition of affordable rented housing to depend on local median incomes and not on local market rents.
The ‘bedroom tax’ The ‘under occupancy charge’ – the bedroom tax – came into effect in April 2013.
It affects nearly 500,000 people – the equivalent of a city the size of Leicester.
Two-thirds of those affected are disabled.
Cash-strapped housing associations have spent millions helping affected tenants.
By February 2014, two-thirds of residents hit by the bedroom tax were in rent arrears.
The Tories devised it, the Lib Dems backed it and Ed Miliband took a year to decide he didn’t like it.
Green MP Caroline Lucas has voted against the bedroom tax at every opportunity.
Green councillors and homelessness..In Solihull, Green councillor Chris Williams publicised the plight of a woman who had just had a heart transplant and her 14-yearold daughter who were forced to live in a private hotel for 18 months with rats running through their room as they slept.
Since then Solihull has reduced the use of B&Bs to house the homeless.
CHAPTER 9
Imagine a world of sustainable prosperity for all,
one in which secure, satisfying, decently paid jobs are the norm.
Where the power to create money is taken out of private hands and democratised for public benefit.
Imagine going to a People’s Bank, confident that it is working for you rather than for its shareholders.
Imagine that you and everyone else are being taxed with fairness and sustainability in mind,
and that tax is actually collected.
Imagine working in a more mixed and localised economy.
Imagine a revival of workers’ rights and vibrant trade unions.
Imagine knowing that almost half of national income is spent on the common good – on the ties that bind us together – rather than on paying down debts you didn’t cause.
This is the common wealth we create by working together, sharing the fruits of our work fairly and building the infrastructure of our common life.
Right now, society is too unequal,
too much valuable work goes unrecognised,
and our infrastructure is not fit for a common and sustainable life.
The Green Party’s proposals will make for a fairer and more sustainable society.
Work
People want to work and the Green Party believes in helping make that happen.
We also believe everyone should be properly paid for the work they do, ending working poverty and the job insecurity that has people lining up outside food banks and left at the mercy of payday lenders.
We don’t just need jobs, we need more worthwhile secure jobs.
Under the Coalition, 1 million jobs have been lost from the public sector – from the NHS, from schools and colleges, from local government, from the institutions that bind us together, from front-line services.
We will put them back.
The Coalition claims to have created 2.5 million jobs in the private sector to compensate.
But: Many job-market casualties have turned to self-employment, where life can be precarious and salaries low (there has been a 20% fall in the salaries of the self-employed since 2007, compared with a 6% fall in employee earnings);
15% of the workforce is self-employed.
For some this is by choice, for others it is because they can’t get better work;
Many new jobs are insecure, poorly paid and with contracts that fail to balance the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees;
The young in particular suffer, with one in three young workers now on low pay;
and They’ve redefined some jobs out of the public and into the private sector.
In place of this workplace lottery, the Green Party proposes a package for sustainable prosperity
: ending austerity,
expanding and renewing public services such as social care, transport and social housing,
investing in energy conservation and sustainable resource use,
and promoting green public works for environmental benefit.
This will create 1 million new satisfying jobs and training places within a year.
Green councillors support the living wage... In Lewisham, Norwich, Lancashire, Camden, Worcester, Stroud and Brighton & Hove, minority Green councillors successfully campaigned for a living wage to help tackle poverty.
We will: Increase the minimum wage so that it is a living wage.
We propose a minimum wage target for everyone who is working in the UK of £10 per hour by 2020.
In 2015 this would mean a minimum wage of £8.10 an hour generally (and £9.40 in London), saving £2.4 billion a year in tax credits and generating an additional £1.5 billion a year in income tax and National Insurance.
This would be offset by £0.7 billion a year additional costs in the public sector.
Revive the role of democratic trade unions, including the right to belong to a union and have the employer recognise it,
and the right to take industrial action, including strikes and peaceful picketing.
Phase in a 35-hour week.
Apart from improving the quality of our lives, this would combat unemployment by sharing available work out more equitably.
Provide a comprehensive nationwide system of good-quality pre-school early education and childcare, free at the point of delivery.
End exploitative zero-hours contracts.
End the exploitation of interns, and ensure no unpaid full-time internship lasts more than four weeks.
Make equal pay for men and women a reality.
Introduce a maximum pay ratio of 10:1 between the best paid and the worst paid in every organisation.
End blacklisting.
We will set up a full investigation into blacklisting in the construction industry and consider the creation of a new criminal offence.
Give workers a greater say in the running of their companies, including employee-elected directors in medium and larger companies.
Reduce Employment Tribunal fees so that tribunals are accessible to workers.
Greens in power carry out our policies
The Green-led administration in Brighton cut the chief executive’s salary and raised the pay of the lowest grades, bringing the ratio between the highest and lowest paid Council staff to just over 10:1.
Finance
The UK finance industry is a disaster area.
Far from generating genuine wealth, its recklessness and greed created the greatest recession since the 1930s, which in turn contributed to the present regime of austerity and cuts to public services.
It has presided over other failures, from the mis-selling of endowment mortgages and payment protection insurance, to the appallingly low returns and high charges of the state-subsidised private pensions industry,
its failure to mobilise long-term finance for renewable energy
and its collusion in and creation of a whole industry of tax avoidance and evasion.
Meanwhile, those who work in the industry at senior level show no signs of remorse and continue to pocket huge salaries and bonuses.
Finance needs root and branch reform.
We would: Move towards creating all national currency through a national monetary authority, answerable to Parliament.
The power to create money must be taken out of the hands of private banks.
Detailed proposals are set out in the ‘Regaining control of our money’ box.
Separate retail and investment banking.
Retail banks should be required to limit their role to taking deposits and making loans that facilitate economic activity;
investment banks should take the form of partnerships rather than limited companies.
Introduce controls on bank lending.
Act to control payday lenders and offer alternatives (see the ‘Greens in power’ credit union box).
We will use the government-owned Royal Bank of Scotland to create a network of local banks for every city and region, ensuring that each bank is a People’s Bank, obliged to offer cheap basic banking services.
Invest £2 billion in a network of community banks, mutually owned and serving local areas or particular groups.
Expand the role and the funds of the Green Investment Bank by offering green Individual Savings Accounts and pensions, allowing the bank to borrow and boosting the equity in the bank by £9 billion over the Parliament.
Introduce a Robin Hood tax (a financial transaction tax) to reduce destabilising speculation (see the ‘Taxes’ section below for details).
Work for the abolition of the City of London Corporation and the special statuses it enjoys.
Greens in power carry out our policies
The Green-led administration in Brighton invested £100,000 in a local credit union, partly to help it set up an online system for residents to access loans, making the credit union as accessible as high-interest payday lenders.
It also banned such lenders from advertising on Council billboards.
In 2013 Green MP Caroline Lucas worked with East Sussex Credit Union to show ministers how to help credit unions fulfil their potential by, for example, ending the restrictions that put them at a competitive disadvantage when compared with banks.
Regaining control of our money One of the most fundamental tasks of government is maintenance of the currency.
Without stable money accepted by all we can’t buy and sell things or plan for the future.
Inflation in particular makes it hard to take the long-term view that the environmental crisis demands.
Most people believe that our money is currently created by the nationalised Bank of England.
It isn’t.
A pound in your bank account is no more than a promise by the bank to pay you that pound; you don’t actually own any publicly created money.
In fact, commercial banks create new money (in the sense of money in bank accounts) whenever they make loans, and that money disappears when the loan is paid back.
The fact that the size of our money supply – the total amount of money in circulation – is dependent upon millions of separate commercial lending decisions by banks makes it hard to maintain economic stability.
During the great recession of the past few years, the unwillingness of banks to make new loans and the desire of people to pay down their debts has meant that the money supply has shrunk, and the government has had to resort to the emergency policy of printing money (called ‘quantitative easing’) to prevent an even worse slump.
We believe that the time has come to recognise that the creation of currency and the control of the money supply is far too important to be left to profit-seeking private sector banks and should be brought back under the democratic control of the state.
Quantitative easing was but a first step.
Commercial banks should be no more than the custodians of publicly created money in current accounts, and the creation of that money should become the function of a new monetary authority, independent of day-today government control.
This policy would protect ordinary bank accounts, and allow banks to fail safely
separate ordinary and investment business
provide some control on overall lending and debt
This would be a massive and complex change to our banking system, with many ramifications, and its implementation, involving many years of consultation, legislation and the creation of transitional arrangements, would not be appropriate for one Parliament.
But we would take the first steps of preparing detailed proposals and consulting upon them, and Green MPs will press this issue in the next Parliament.
The change to the new system would create a new and substantial cash flow for the government, which could be spent on social and environmental priorities
and assist in paying down the national debt.
Changing economic organisations
Most economic activity takes place in limited companies, many of them vast multinational organisations.
The way they are run has a huge effect on our lives, yet their workers, customers and suppliers have no say in them.
Even shareholders are often remote, and their connection with a company, and responsibility for what it has done, can be severed overnight by the simple act of selling their shares.
The economy would be better, more stable and more responsive if there was (a) much greater diversity of economic models and
(b) more control by those most directly involved in some of the economic organisations we already have.
We would: Encourage small firms, which are more embedded in their local communities and provide less opportunity for creating huge disparities of income and wealth.
Amend company law to ensure that medium and large companies take account of and report on the environmental and social impact of their activities.
Amend company law to ensure that medium and large companies have employee and consumer representatives on their boards.
Ensure that Companies House actually collects data due from companies and has accurate data on their beneficial ownership.
Set local authorities free to run local enterprises for their own communities.
Support social enterprise.
Introduce a cooperative development fund managed by community banks to finance new and expanding cooperatives, alongside a much more comprehensive nationwide network of cooperative development bodies providing the necessary education, training and legal support.
Grant employees the legal right in certain circumstances to buy out their companies (funded by the Green Investment Bank) and turn them into workers’ cooperatives;
or, for example, grant the right to turn sporting clubs, in particular football clubs, into community and supporter cooperatives by giving powers for season ticket holders backed by the local community to take over the running of a club.
Expand cooperative education, teaching young people the history of cooperatives as well as how to set them up in practice//.
We will ensure business qualifications will give the same emphasis to cooperative and mutual business models as to other private enterprises.
Small firms and the local economy
The UK economy needs to be more local.
Transporting basic foodstuffs all over the planet when they can be grown and sold near to home adds to greenhouse gas emissions and reduces security of supply.
Local businesses are more responsive to local communities and are often better employers than remote, large ones.
Income differences are smaller in small firms.
If poorer people are better off, they tend to spend their extra income locally.
So Greens champion small businesses and the local economy, and our Green MP Caroline Lucas was an official Parliamentary champion of the Federation of Small Businesses.
We will: Make it easier for small businesses to employ people and contribute towards paying the living wage by using receipts from a wealth tax to reduce employers’ National Insurance in the longer run to 8%.
Improve the competitive position of small firms, maintaining corporation tax for small firms at 20% while raising that for larger firms to 30%.
Increase access to finance by investing £2 billion in a network of community banks, mutually owned and serving local areas or particular groups.
Reduce the tax on conviviality and help small businesses in the tourism and restaurant businesses by lowering VAT to the reduced rate (5%) for cooked food, entertainment and accommodation, costing £6 billion a year.
Keep trade local by allowing local authorities to favour local procurement to help their local economy.
Ensure that legislation requiring that small businesses should be paid on time is properly enforced.
In the longer run, simplify PAYE through our Basic Income proposals.
Encourage greater diversity among entrepreneurs, including young people, women, ex-service people, the previously unemployed, people who are disabled and older people.
Ensure that the great majority of honest small businesses can compete fairly with the less scrupulous by cracking down on tax evasion, especially in the informal economy and through non-payment of VAT.
Give BT and other public telecommunications operators an obligation to provide affordable high-speed broadband-capable infrastructure to every small business.
Green MEP lobbies for VAT exemption for small firms
`
Molly Scott Cato MEP has been lobbying in Europe for VAT exemption for micro-businesses.
`This follows new European VAT rules on digital products sold in the EU making VAT chargeable in the place of purchase rather than in the place of supply.
Microbusinesses are now therefore obliged to collect VAT from up to 28 different EU states at 75 different rates.
Rules designed to ensure that corporations pay fair taxes have entangled many tiny enterprises, and the complexity of administration involved is putting them at risk.
Molly has called for a VAT exemption for businesses with a turnover of less than €100,000 across the whole of Europe.
Many micro-businesses have welcomed her intervention;
small businesses are responsible for around 80% of jobs across the EU.
Taxes
Tax is not a punishment and it is not stealing by the state.
It is our money, spent on our behalf by the government we elect.
Tax redistributes wealth and pays for services that are important to us all.
There are services we share but don’t always use, such as roads, healthcare and schools.
We don’t all drive, we don’t all go to the doctor and we don’t all have children.
But we know these things are important for our common life: sharing these things binds us together.
Taxation pays for them.
And, to be fair, taxation needs to be progressive, taking proportionately more from those most able to pay.
What should we spend, and on what?
How much should we decide together to spend on the common good, and how much should be left for individuals to spend for themselves?
The pressure in the UK in recent years from the main three parties has been for the state to tax less and spend less, culminating in the dismantling of public services in the name of austerity.
But we need to put this in a wider context, in both space and time.
Different countries spend different amounts of their national income on public goods.
The table below compares the Green Party plan, set out in this manifesto, of 45% of GDP spent on public goods with other European countries and the USA, and with the planned decline in investment in the public sphere in the UK.
Every percentage drop represents an assault on the ties that bind us together,
on support for those who most need it
and on investment in a democratic, just and sustainable economy.
And the level of spending on the common good has changed over time, responding to changing circumstances.
In 1900, UK government spending was just 14% of GDP.
Much of that was defence; there was no welfare state.
Spending climbed to 57% in 1918, the last year of the First World War.
During the inter-war years spending fell back to around 27%, only to climb to a new peak of 70% at the end of the Second World War.
With the creation of the welfare state, spending fell back less after the Second World War, and has moved between 38% and 46% in the past 20 years.
What do the cuts mean?
After George Osborne’s 2014 Autumn statement, the Director of the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies asked ‘How will these cuts be implemented?
Is this a fundamental reimagining of the role of the state?’
The answer is yes.
The Coalition used to say that it was cutting out of necessity.
But this pretence was dropped in 2013 when David Cameron admitted that his commitment to cuts was ideological and permanent: ‘We are sticking to the task... this... means building a leaner, more efficient state.
We need to do more with less.
Not just now, but permanently.’
Now we know what this means: more for the rich, less for the poor.
There are three reasons for a fundamental shift to increased taxation and spending:
To reverse the politically inspired, damaging and unnecessary cuts in public services we have faced in recent years;
To improve these services in key areas such as early education and social care for older people;
To meet the challenge of building an entirely new sustainable economy in a world where the private incentives of the market are simply not up to the job.
Almost half our income for the common good?
That’s what sustainability and equity require.
So the first purpose of taxation is to pay for the things we do in common, and to redistribute income and wealth between us.
But there is a second purpose.
Taxing something discourages us from buying or doing it.
Tax on tobacco reduces smoking.
Exempting the tax on something encourages us.
The exemption of aviation from fuel taxes was instituted long ago in the early days of flying to encourage aviation.
We need to use taxation to encourage sustainability and discourage unsustainability.
Finally, for a tax system to be seen to be fair, everyone must pay their tax.
The tax gap – that is, tax that is illegally evaded, legally avoided by exploiting loopholes, or for which collection is abandoned – is estimated to amount to more than £120 billion a year.
That’s more than the deficit, expected to be £75 billion in 2015.
It’s more than 30 times the total of benefit fraud, and twice the net cost of a Basic Income scheme.
The Green Party is the only party with the political will to make the system fair,
to collect unpaid taxes and to challenge powerful tax dodging both in the grey economy and by huge corporations.
Recent governments can’t be serious about collecting tax fairly and efficiently when HMRC staff have been cut from 93,000 in 2004 to just 52,000 in 2015.
Tax dodging Caroline Lucas MP secured a debate with the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke) in order to champion a Fair Tax Mark, much like the Fair Trade Mark, to be awarded to companies that take their tax responsibilities seriously.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Molly Scott Cato MEP worked with other Greens on the European Parliament’s Economics Committee to ensure that there will be a full parliamentary inquiry into the scandal of corporate tax avoidance, ensuring that multinational companies will pay the taxes governments need to pay for infrastructure and public services.
Also, as a member of the European Parliament’s tax working group, Molly Scott Cato is working to achieve an end to the exemption of aviation fuel from taxation.
Green MPs will lead on bringing a Tax Dodging Bill before the next Parliament.
That’s the Green Party’s tax policy in a nutshell: tax for fairness and to redistribute income and wealth,
and tax for sustainability.
To make taxation fairer we would: Introduce a wealth tax of 2% a year on the top 1% (see the ‘Wealth tax’ box) to raise about £25 billion a year by the end of the Parliament.
We accept that such a tax would need to be phased in gradually and that the potential yield is uncertain.
We would tie the yield on the wealth tax to our proposals to lower employers’ National Insurance (see below); to the extent that revenues from the wealth tax grow, employers’ National Insurance will be reduced.
Get serious about collecting tax.
We would steadily increase staff in HMRC by 15,000 per annum over the Parliament, in particular reopening local offices.
This would cost successively an additional £1 billion each year and is estimated to bring in cumulatively each year an additional £6 billion, still only one-quarter closing the tax gap, and collecting an extra £30 billion a year by the end of the Parliament.
Introduce an urgent programme of legislation, starting with a Tax Dodging Bill designed to reduce the tax gap and establish a general anti-avoidance principle.
Our plans include obliging banks to provide information about companies automatically to HMRC, and abolishing the rule that allows non-domiciled residents not to pay tax on foreign income.
Consider making the £2 billion industry of designing, promoting and selling tax avoidance schemes illegal.
Introduce a Robin Hood tax of 0.1% on transactions in bonds and equities and 0.01% on derivatives, replacing the existing stamp duty on share transactions.
This would raise up to £20 billion a year later in the Parliament and would help stabilise financial markets.
Reform Council Tax by asking people in bigger homes to pay more and those in smaller ones less, and adding two additional bands at the top for the biggest homes worth more than around £2 million and £4.5 million.
Under these proposals two-thirds of people would pay less, with the more substantial increases for those in homes worth more than £1 million.
Overall this would be revenue neutral.
Make preparations to replace both Council Tax and the Uniform Business Rate by a system of Land Value Tax, where the level of taxation depends on the rental value of the land concerned.
The rates would be decided locally with no caps, and subject to a degree of equalisation between richer and poorer areas, and would be kept and spent locally.
Transition to Land Value Tax could begin by the last year of the Parliament, and then extend over the following 10 years.
Further details are in the ‘Land Value Tax’ box.
Abolish the employees’ National Insurance upper threshold.
This would raise £28 billion a year in a full year from those on higher incomes above £42,380, but we would phase this increase in, with the first half of it in 2016–17.
Raise the additional (top) rate of income tax to 60%.
This will help bring down the maximum salary ratio in any workplace from the best paid to the lowest paid to no more than 10:1 and also act as a disincentive to paying excessive salaries.
It would raise approximately £2 billion a year.
Not allow corporation tax relief on any part of a salary that exceeds the maximum allowed by the 10:1 ratio in that company, to make it harder for companies to pay excessive salaries.
Increase corporation tax from 20% to 30%, yielding around £12 billion a year in a full year.
Small firms would remain on 20%.
Abolish the capital gains tax personal allowance, raising around £3.8 billion a year.
Fundamentally reform inheritance tax and turn it into an accessions tax.
At present, inheritance tax is one of the easiest taxes to both avoid and evade, and the very rich usually find ways of paying very little.
We would make the level of the tax depend on the wealth of the recipient, not the donor, so that all bequests to individual recipients who have less than £200,000 would be tax free.
This would encourage people to spread their wealth more widely.
Counter avoidance by abolishing the seven-year rule and making all gifts by living donors subject to a similar accessions tax, with exemptions for small annual amounts as at present.
In addition we would tighten up the tax treatment of certain trusts widely used for inheritance tax purposes.
A wealth tax Most of the emphasis on inequality is about inequality of income.
But there is even more inequality in the ownership of accumulated wealth – property, pension rights, stocks and shares, and other assets.
The top 10% of households hold nearly half the UK’s wealth, the top 1% hold at least 12.5%.
Many other countries – France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain and Norway for example – levy annual wealth taxes of up to 2%.
The Green Party is part of a movement to build a global wealth tax, the only sure way to counter avoidance and evasion of such taxes
The introduction of automatic information exchange for income tax purposes from 2016 from tax havens will make it easier to trace hidden wealth.
We would introduce a tax of 2% a year on the 1% of the population whose wealth exceeds £3 million.
There will be an exemption for farmers with agricultural land worth less than £10 million.
For those with little income and a rather illiquid asset such as a house, arrangements could be made to defer the tax until the sale of the house.
In a full year this tax could raise £25 billion.
To tax for sustainability we would commit the UK economy to a long-run plan to reduce the use of natural resources through the introduction of resource and pollution taxation.
In particular we would: Begin a major ecological shift in the taxation of companies by removing disincentives to employ people.
Specifically we would reduce employers’ National Insurance contributions by the same amount as the yield from the wealth tax above.
In the long run this will remove £25 billion a year from a tax on jobs, enabling the tax to be reduced from 13.8% of pay to around 8%.
Reintroduce the fuel duty escalator, raising £2.2 billion in 2015 and an additional £2.2 billion in each successive year through the Parliament.
Put aviation on a level playing field with other modes of transport by making it subject to fuel duty and VAT, raising £16 billion in a full year.
If outdated international law makes this impossible, introduce a flight tax dependent on distance and aircraft type that has the same overall economic effect.
Reduce VAT on housing renovation and repair work (including insulation) to 5%, costing £1.6 billion a year.
At present there is no VAT on constructing new dwellings but VAT at 20% on converting and renovating old buildings to be used as homes.
Reduce VAT on the tourism industry (meals and drinks out, accommodation and also live performances) to 5%, putting the UK on a level playing field with our international competitors and costing around £6 billion a year.
Tax plastic bags and unnecessary packaging, raising perhaps £1 billion by 2020.
Levy eco-taxes on non-renewables or pollutants, in particular pesticides, organo-chlorines, nitrogen and artificial fertilisers and phosphates, raising £1 billion by 2020.
Introduce new taxes on the use of water by businesses and on waste heat from power stations, raising £3 billion by 2020.
Increase alcohol and tobacco duties by a successive £1.4 billion every year in the Parliament.
Land Value Tax Land Value Tax is a system of local taxation where the landowner pays a proportion of the rental value of the land itself, but not of buildings or improvements upon it, in tax each year.
It has many advantages: It taxes the value of land and rents, which derive from nature and the efforts of the wider community and not from any effort by the landowner, rather than taxing wages and profits, which derive from labour and capital;
It is hard to avoid because land cannot be hidden or moved;
It dampens speculation in land and land hoarding;
It favours tenants in particular, since the tax cannot be passed on from the landowner, and would substitute for Council Tax, which tenants have to pay;
and It discourages landowners from not using derelict or vacant land.
The land would be valued at the value that could be obtained if sold for the current planning permitted use.
Commons, urban open space, some nature reserves and land used in common such as roads would be exempt.
The rate would be set by the local authority.
Special arrangements would allow those with land but a low income to pay their Land Value Tax upon the sale of their land or upon their death.
A Land Value Tax set at around 2% of total land values would raise about the same amount as Council Tax and Uniform Business Rate combined.
Moreover, 83% of properties would attract lower bills for Land Value Tax than for Council Tax (and many of these would be paid by the freeholder rather than the tenant).
Joining up the policies So what does taxation have to do with equality and sustainability?
It can be used to promote both, rather than promote things we don’t want.
It’s folly to give capital allowances to investment in coal-fired generation,
or VAT concessions to new buildings rather than reusing old ones.
It’s unjust to spend billions on tax relief on pension contributions used overwhelmingly by the rich,
or not to use inheritance tax to encourage people to spread their wealth.
Taxation is not just a matter of getting in the money for the common good; we can use it to shape behaviour.
It’s another virtuous circle.
CHAPTER 10
Imagine a tax and benefit system so simple that we could all depend on a small basic income depending on our age, and then, when we did paid work, we simply got taxed at a higher rate the more we earned...
Introduction – what we have now
In the world of the current government, social security means exactly the opposite of what it says on the tin.
Living on benefits is to experience constant insecurity, wondering if payments will stretch to cover today’s food, next week’s school bus, next month’s electricity bill.
It’s to experience discrimination, as society is divided into strivers and scroungers, the deserving and the undeserving poor, taxpayers and those on benefits
It’s to be subject to delayed payments and sanctions, which push you to the food banks.
It’s to lose up to four weeks’ payments simply for missing an interview.
Worst of all, the benefits system takes no account of people’s real lives.
You can pay more in transport costs to attend compulsory sessions at the Job Centre than you receive in benefits.
All the while, more and more people fall through the cracks in a social security system that, thanks to ideology and incompetence, offers no security.
Being on benefits creates a poverty trap that discourages employment or increased hours of work.
Yet work in today’s UK doesn’t pay either.
It’s why, for the first time, there are more people living below the poverty line in working families (6.7 million) than in workless and retired families combined (6.3 million).
It’s why one of modern UK’s growth industries is payday loan sharking.
And it’s one of the reasons why nothing short of a Green revolution in how we think about social security will do.
The Coalition government has introduced more work-for-benefits schemes, tougher rules on claiming benefits and more sanctions.
Job Centre staff are encouraged to do whatever it takes to get people off the dole and deny them the money to which they are entitled.
Employment and Support Allowance is a disgrace, with harsh, inaccurate fitness-for-work assessments that are frequently overturned on appeal.
Claimants suffer because of huge delays in assessment of Personal Independence Payments.
The Coalition’s flagship policy, a so-called simplification of the system, Universal Credit, is a disaster waiting to happen.
Implementation dates are constantly revised and the computer systems are never quite ready.
Although Universal Credit claims to improve incentives to work, if you earn an extra £100, £65 will be deducted from your benefit.
This is higher than the 45% tax charged on incomes over £150,000, yet we are told that, if we increase that top rate, high earners will lack incentives to work or will leave the country.
So should we be surprised if many on benefits decide not to work?
In a sensible world, we’d have much lower deductions from earnings for those who earn least.
Instead of entrenching the difference between being in and out of work, which is what mainstream welfare tries to do, the Green Party will work to eliminate it altogether.
Green MP Caroline Lucas and welfare reform In the last Parliament, Green MP Caroline Lucas took a stand against the removal of the link between benefit levels and inflation,
the government’s welfare reforms,
the widespread scapegoating of the poor and disabled,
and the myth that welfare and other public spending was the cause of the economic recession.
Here are some of her comments: ‘As well as being callous and cruel, the bedroom tax is counter-productive.’
‘If our priority is fairness, we should be seeking savings from those who can afford it, not penalising the poorest and pushing them into ever more precarious misery.’
‘The government’s misguided austerity programme is leading to social devastation and is economically illiterate.’
A radical long-term plan to reform the tax and benefits system
The Green Party thinks the time has come to reconsider the whole tax and benefits system and to rebuild it from the ground up
– a system not built on punishing and isolating people, making them jump through hoops to get hand-outs from the state, but one that goes back to the founding principles of the welfare state,
in the belief that, as members of society, we have a shared responsibility for one another’s well-being in times of need
and a shared commitment to helping others play the most active role they can in our society.
The idea in a nutshell is this.
Scrap most of the existing benefits apart from disability benefits and Housing Benefit.
Abolish the income tax personal allowance.
Then pay every woman, man and child legally resident in the UK a guaranteed, non-means-tested income, sufficient to cover basic needs – a Basic Income.
For those who earn, the Basic Income compensates for the loss of the personal allowance.
Children will receive a reduced Basic Income, Child Benefit.
Pensioners will receive their Basic Income at a higher level, as a Citizen’s Pension.
The advantages are many and we support the principle of a Universal Basic Income because it has the potential to: Act as a springboard rather than a safety net;
people can take jobs without fear of prosecution for working while on benefits;
Prevent people falling into absolute poverty rather than trying to help them when they are already there;
Reward people for all the work that’s done outside the formal economy, and most of this work is done by women;
Encourage more of this unpaid activity, much of which – such as food growing, fixing things that have gone wrong, converting older buildings, protecting the natural environment – is a vital part of a transition to a more sustainable economy;
Avoid the poverty trap in which an increase in wages leads to a massive loss of benefits;
Make everyone who earns, however little, a citizen who contributes to society by paying taxes, giving almost everyone a stake – raising the personal allowance takes us in precisely the wrong direction;
Be simple to administer and easy to understand.
Basic Income would be a massive change to the entire UK tax and benefits system.
We recognise that it would not be practicable or right to carry out that change within a single Parliament.
We are publishing alongside but separate from this manifesto a detailed set of proposals for a comprehensive Basic Income scheme.
It contains full details of the scheme itself, costings and proposals on how to pay for it, and an initial analysis of how the scheme would affect the net income of different groups.
We would use the forthcoming Parliament to Consult upon this scheme,
Have government departments carry out and commission research (including research into behavioural changes and how Basic Income would affect those on the lowest incomes and child poverty), and Draft appropriate legislation, with a view to implementing the full scheme in the following Parliament.
There are further things we would propose to do in the forthcoming Parliament as steps towards this major reform:
Reform the existing working-age benefits regime.
Pay an enhanced Child Benefit.
Introduce a universal Citizen’s Pension.
Working-age benefits
A major problem with existing working-age benefits and tax credits is the poverty trap.
We would be prepared to invest up to £30billion over the Parliament to reduce the amounts that people lose from their benefits when they move into paid work and to fund the other changes to the benefits regime set out in this section.
In complex ways, eligibility for some benefits (e.g. Jobseeker’s Allowance) is lost altogether once a person is employed for a certain period, or reduced pound for pound if certain small disregarded amounts are exceeded.
Some other benefits (e.g. Housing Benefit) are reduced in a different way, by withdrawal rates that allow those earning to keep a small part of what they earn and not lose all of it.
We would make small changes in the direction of allowing those who earn some income from paid work to keep more of that income, starting with increasing the disregards for Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
Initially we would increase the income disregarded on JSA for all categories of client to £50 a week,
with similar increases for those on Universal Credit.
It is not possible to be precise about how much the increased costs of such moves would be offset by more people on benefits taking up employment or working for longer hours.
Depending on results, we are prepared to invest up to £30 billion on such employment-stimulating measures over the Parliament.
We would also explore the introduction of a more generous treatment of earnings within Universal Credit for all claimants, whatever their housing circumstances.
We would also: Halt implementation of the Universal Credit programme and carry out a thorough review of its structure and implementation, including the treatment of earned income, and removing conditionality.
End work-for-benefits programmes, or workfare, and ensure a fair choice of waged work opportunities or voluntary training for jobseekers.
Ensure that all those on training or work placements as part of the benefits regime are either in college-based training or at work earning at least the minimum wage.
Review the harsh systems of sanctions and benefits caps introduced by the Coalition government and its predecessors.
Consider offering more personalised job-seeking support for people with mental health problems.
Restore Council Tax Benefit at the equivalent of 2012–13 levels for low-income householders, costing around £500 million a year.
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Cancel the Department for Work and Pensions contracts with the private sector for benefit entitlement assessment.
Restore the link between state benefits and earnings; ensure state benefits rise as fast as prices or wages, whichever of those grows more.
Abolish childcare tax credits and tax reliefs in the light of our proposals for free universal early education and childcare.
Pay students maintenance grants until Basic Income is introduced.
Raise the minimum wage and outlaw exploitative zero-hours contracts, so that the jobs taken by unemployed people are above a minimum standard.
Child Benefit
Bringing up a child is expensive.
It is also vital work on behalf of society as a whole; those of us without children will depend on the children of others when we grow older.
It is right that society as a whole makes a contribution, as is recognised by our free state education system.
But that system needs two extensions: a free universal early education and childcare service (see Chapter 7 on Education),
and a more realistic level of Child Benefit.
We will: Raise Child Benefit as from 2016 from £20.70 a week for the oldest or only child and £13.70 a week for additional children in 2015–16 to £40 a week for each child.
Pay for the £15.5 billion net cost of this by using this much of the £28 billion raised from those on higher incomes by abolishing the National Insurance upper threshold.
Citizen’s Pension
The bedrock of our pension policy is the Citizen’s Pension, which, unlike the new flat-rate pension, would be paid to all pensioners regardless of contribution record, and to existing as well as new pensioners, so no pensioner will live in poverty.
We would introduce this in 2016.
It will pay £180 a week to a single pensioner or £310 for a couple, taking all pensioners above the poverty line.
Increases will be at the higher of the increases in the prices of basic goods and services or in average earnings.
The existing State Pension and Pension Credits cost £90 billion a year, while the new pensions above will cost £116 billion.
The net cost is therefore £26 billion.
We will fund this by reducing tax and National Insurance incentives for private pensions by onehalf, raising £20 billion (see the ‘Older people and pensions’ section in Chapter 5) and using a further £6 billion available from abolishing the National Insurance upper threshold (see the ‘Child Benefit’ section above).
Joining up the policies So what do housing, pensions and investing in a new sustainable economy have to do with each other?
Pensions need sound, long-run infrastructure to invest in, such as energy generation and social housing.
And, if the pensions system is broken, people will invest in houses instead, pushing up prices and rents.
So, if we create a new pensions system investing in the things we need, and discourage the things such as mortgage interest relief for landlords that encourage investment in housing, 501then we reduce the money chasing existing housing, and prices and rents fall.
It’s another virtuous circle.
CHAPTER 11
Imagine being part of another kind of coalition.
Not the grubby one that’s handed democracy over to the private sector, but one made up of elected politicians determined to govern for the common good,
a revitalised local government,
a regulated private sector, the third sector and non-profits
– and you and me.
Imagine a voting system in which your vote actually counts.
Imagine more decisions being taken where they really matter – locally.
Imagine going to your reopened public library, strolling round your well-tended local park, taking your child to a school brought back under local authority control, and visiting an elderly relative in a local authority care home staffed by trained and well-paid carers.
Imagine the end of cronyism, corruption and the ‘Westminster bubble’.
Imagine Parliament belonging to the people...
Who governs?
We elect politicians to govern in our name, not to hand power over to huge corporations acting in shareholder interest.
Successive governments, and particularly the current one, have outsourced government to the unaccountable private sector.
This hollowing out of government is based on dogma – that the private sector does things better than the public sector.
Successive scandals and failures of provision have proved this dogma wrong.
But still the contracts get handed out, with the private sector taking all the profit and the taxpayer – you and me – shouldering all the risk.
Government has been put out to tender.
Corporate interests, heading a coalition of the rich and powerful, have ruled the roost for too long.
This has brought politics and politicians into disrepute.
When things go wrong, the government blames the companies to which it has outsourced its work, and politicians are accused of being on the make.
Some are, as we found out during the expenses scandal.
But many aren’t, and the Green Party will lead a revolution in standards, putting politics back in the hands of the people and governing for the common good.
It is well placed to do this.
The Green Party has made electoral gains at local, national and European level.
Our councillors, our MP and our MEPs work effectively for the people who voted for them.
The biggest lesson of the Scottish referendum was that, when people are given the responsibility for making big decisions, they grab it with both hands.
The Green Party will turn the tide on apathy and disillusionment by making these opportunities the rule rather than the exception.
A Green government would: Regulate the private sector in the common interest, including curbing excessive pay for executives and senior managers.
Introduce a Public Service Users Bill to bring back into public ownership sectors of the economy on which we all depend.
Recognise that, if government is small, society doesn’t automatically become big – the third sector needs strong, enabling government.
Treat citizens as grown-ups, capable of recognising the common good and acting on it.
Not accept the dogma that government cannot lead or innovate and has no entrepreneurial drive.
We will set creative government free.
Recognise that efficiency in public services does matter, provided it is not at the cost of poor service or exploitation of staff.
We would expect to find very modest savings of 0.3% over 50% of the government’s operations each successive year.
In contrast, the Coalition has too often described actual cuts in public services as efficiency savings.
Green MP Caroline Lucas and the Public Service Users Bill
In January 2014, inspired by We Own It, Green MP Caroline Lucas presented in Parliament a plan to defend our public services.
Her Public Service Users Bill would: Make public ownership the default option before any service is sold off.
Ensure people are asked – and genuinely listened to – before any service is put out to tender.
Give the public a right to recall private companies if they’re running our services poorly.
Make private companies running public services more transparent.
A new constitutional settlement
UK politics is rooted in the past and has lost touch with the present.
Our Parliament looks back to feudal times rather than forward to democratic times;
we cling to 18 as the age of political maturity despite young people’s growing sophistication and capacity to make decisions for themselves;
we legitimise corruption through unfair funding of political parties;
our MPs pay more attention to their parties than to the people when it comes to voting – constituents need to be re-empowered.
To put this right the Green Party will: Move towards a written constitution with a Bill of Rights.
Bring in proportional representation (PR) using the Additional Member System for parliamentary elections
and continue fixedterm Parliaments.
Only the 200,000 votes in marginal seats really counted in the last election – that’s less than 0.5% of those eligible to vote.
We would make everyone’s vote count.
Introduce the right to vote at 16.
Reform the House of Lords to become a fully elected body chosen by PR;
but, to promote its independence, members should be elected for only one fixed term of ten years, with half the House being elected every five years.
Bring in a fair system of state funding for political parties so there’s no longer a need for reliance on private and trade union donations, which can have a corrupting effect.
Ensure that all lobbying, and in particular corporate lobbying, is registered and fully disclosed, including lobbying of elected politicians and of civil servants.
Immediately repeal the unsatisfactory Lobbying Act, so that civil society organisations can campaign properly.
Retain the principle that human rights are the common property of the whole world by keeping the Human Rights Act
and retaining the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe.
Aspire to a 50:50 Parliament by 2025 with equal numbers of women and men.
Introduce referendums on local government decisions if called for by 20% of the local electorate.
Introduce recall referendums on MPs and other representatives if 20% of electors request it.
Make equality before the law a fundamental constitutional right.
But this is only a reality if all can afford to use the law.
We would restore the cuts to Legal Aid, costing around £700 million a year.
Localisation
The Scotland independence referendum put decentralisation back on the political agenda – a cause that Greens have championed for years.
We have long argued that nothing should be decided at a central level that can be decided at a local level.
We need to improve the way the UK is governed, passing power back to the people, back to where they live and work.
Local councils have been starved of the funds they need to do their job.
That is why requests for social care go unheeded, libraries are shut and public parks neglected.
And it isn’t just money.
Local democracy is withering and dying because councillors are hemmed about by regulation and their functions have been systematically removed over the past 30 years.
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has virtually abolished onshore wind energy by overriding local planning and halting turbine projects.
We will fund local government properly and extend its functions, reviving local democracy.
We will: Money Provide a £10 billion a year uplift in local authority budgets to allow local authorities to restore essential local services,
creating more than 200,000 local jobs.
Add further higher bands to Council Tax to allow authorities to raise more on the largest homes.
Not cap what local authorities are allowed to raise in Council Tax,
allow local councils to conduct revaluations and to set their own multiplier rates, provided they are more progressive,
and not require a Council Tax referendum when they do so.
Ensure that grant funding is sufficient to pay for all statutory services that councils are required to provide.
To fund discretionary activities, we would allow local authorities to set local business rates, and then distribute the whole of Council Tax receipts and Business Rate receipts between local authorities on a basis decided by a Commission independent of central government set up by local authorities themselves.
Also allow local authorities to levy new local taxes, such as local tourist taxes,
empty homes levies,
supermarket taxes
or workplace parking levies,
and to set rates for and keep part or all of some taxes collected locally, such as income tax and VAT, and distribute them as above.
Allow local authorities freedom to set local fines, fees and charges.
Put these taxation arrangements beyond future Whitehall revision by giving formal constitutional protection to local democracy and tax-raising powers.
Scrap the New Homes Bonus and add the money to the Revenue Support Grant.
Not start any new private finance initiative projects
and set local authorities free to borrow to fund local capital investment in social housing, electricity generation and distribution, and local public transport.
Set up a fund of up to £5 billion over the Parliament to buy out existing PFI projects where it is a good deal to do so.
Democracy
Restore local authority control over education, with full delegation of the appropriate budgets.
Allow local authorities to run local public transport and other local services such as domestic and commercial waste disposal, community energy schemes and local food production entirely as they wish,
including using publicly owned and run services and employing social enterprise and voluntary sector organisations.
Keep trade local by allowing local authorities to favour local procurement to help their local economy.
Give local authorities powers to encourage local live performance in the arts by moving funding from the regional to the local level
and modifying regulations so that small-scale live performance in pubs and similar venues is not stifled.
Create an Assembly for Cornwall, with similar powers to the Welsh Assembly.
Work for the abolition of the City of London Corporation and the special statuses it enjoys.
Residents will decide on the future governance arrangements for the local functions exercised by the Corporation, with the same division of roles between the local and the strategic as in any other part of London.
Planning Require local authorities to set out a local carbon plan showing how their area will meet overall greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Put planning back in the hands of local government by: repealing the National Planning Policy Framework
and in particular its presumption in favour of economic development;
restricting the ability of the Secretary of State to call in planning applications;
restricting the right of applicants to appeal only where there has been an error in the planning process;
strengthening local authorities’ powers to prevent changes of use for important community facilities such as local shops, pubs and meeting halls;
giving local authorities planning powers to support local shops and businesses through planning policies including business conservation areas,
ensuring basic shops are available within walking distance in all urban areas,
restricting the number of payday lenders
and restricting the power of supermarkets;
and introducing a community right of appeal where a development is non-compliant with a neighbourhood plan or local plan.
Support preservation of the historic environment, in part by being flexible about how older buildings reduce their energy use.
Constitutional Convention The Green Party supports calls for a Constitutional Convention led by citizens – a People’s Convention.
We’d use that opportunity to make the case for the changes detailed above.
Parts of England, based on groups of local authorities, could come together to exercise greater powers; these might amount to existing regions, or possibly city regions.
The process must be driven by the bottom up decisions of local authorities, not by top down direction.
The Convention would also consider further devolution to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
As set out above, we favour much greater devolution to and tax-raising powers for local authorities, with this settlement put beyond future Whitehall revision by giving formal constitutional protection to local democracy
. Any constitutional changes should be subject to referendums.
Wales
Greens have long supported the process of devolution in Wales.
We believe that the people of Wales should enjoy the degree of autonomy, perhaps including full self-government or independence, that they wish to have, as expressed in a referendum.
Up until any such referendum, Greens in Wales will focus on improving and maximising the potential of the current devolution settlement.
Reflecting the devolved status of Wales within the UK, the Wales Green Party has an autonomous status within the wider party and publishes independent policy statements and its own manifesto covering all areas of devolved power.
These include matters such as health, education, transport and housing.
Greens in Wales would: Increase real power at all levels, from local councils up to the Welsh Assembly.
Increase the number of Assembly members.
Push for the National Assembly to become a Parliament with powers equal to those in Scotland.
One benefit of these increased powers would be the ability for Wales to fully realise its potential as a producer of clean renewable energy.
Greens recognise that cultural diversity is as vital as ecological biodiversity in maintaining and enriching a healthy and fair society.
We would promote and protect this cultural diversity at a grassroots level with the promotion of community radio, television, live arts, etc. in both the Welsh and English languages.
Wales Green Party policies would help create the strong local sustainable economies and thriving communities necessary for the future of the Welsh language and the nation’s rich cultural diversity.
Information and digital rights
We live in the information age and we know that information is power.
But how should information be controlled?
What information should be available, and to whom?
The Green Party supports a world of open, freely flowing information.
We don’t want disproportionate or unaccountable surveillance or censorship.
We want a transparent state, but we want control over the data that our digital lives create.
We need copyright laws that reward creators but that are consistent with digital technologies.
Above all we want democratic political control of this technology
We would consider combining elements of the policies below into a comprehensive Digital Bill of Rights.
We would: Oppose any case for secret unaccountable mass surveillance of the type exposed by Edward Snowden.
We do accept that government law enforcement agencies may occasionally need to intercept communications in specific circumstances.
Such specific surveillance should be proportionate, necessary, effective and within the rule of law, with independent judicial approval and genuine parliamentary oversight.
Replace the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which has failed to regulate the deployment of undercover police;
to support the confidentiality of journalistic sources; // to support legal confidentiality;
and to enshrine an open and effective right of redress.
Support and protect Internet freedom.
Follow human rights judgments limiting surveillance and data retention in full.
Support the EU’s proposals to strengthen data protection laws against opposition from large US data-driven companies.
Limit the censoring or takedown of content or activity to exceptional circumstances, clearly set out within a comprehensive legal framework.
Make copyright shorter in length, fair and flexible, and prevent patents applying to software.
Introduce a more satisfactory law on so-called malicious comments made on social media than the blanket and crude section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Oppose the privatisation of data held by the government that should be open to all, such as the Postcode Address File,
or by companies providing public services, such as data on the progress of buses that can be used by Smartphone apps to predict waiting times.
Oppose the sale of personal data, such as health or tax records, for commercial or other ends.
Use government purchasing power to support open standards in information technology.
Media, sports and the arts
How politics is reported is vital for our democracy – active citizenship has to be informed citizenship.
Public support for the arts is part of a civilised society.
We would: Tighten the rules on cross-media ownership and ensure that no individual or company owns more than 20% of a media market.
Support the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics and for the cross-party Royal Charter.
But if this is not supported by all the major newspapers we will support legislation to implement the Leveson system of independent press self-regulation.
Maintain the BBC as the primary public service broadcaster, free of government interference, with funding guaranteed in real terms in statute to prevent government interference.
Increase government arts funding by £500 million a year to restore the cuts made since 2010
and reinstate proper levels of funding for local authorities, helping to keep local museums, theatres, libraries and art galleries open.
Reduce VAT to 5% for live performances.
Work to support fair pay productions in the arts.
Support initiatives to make the arts and sports accessible to all.
Set targets for participation in sports by women, ethnic minorities and disabled people in particular.
Make sure all children get at least a half-day equivalent of sports in school
and encourage both the use of schools sports facilities by the community
and participation in regional and national sporting events by our young people.
Ensure that all have digital access and give BT and other public telecommunications operators an obligation to provide affordable high-speed broadband-capable infrastructure to every household
and small business.
This in particular will encourage video-conferencing, helping to reduce both business and family travel.
Strengthen controls on advertising directed at children.
Value the contribution made by civil society organisations both here and abroad.
In particular, we would repeal the Lobbying Act 2014 (see the ‘Green MP opposes the Lobbying Bill’ box below).
Support state funding of political parties.
Give fair representation to political parties in televised debates.
Caroline Lucas opposes the Lobbying Bill At every stage of the Lobbying Bill’s progress through Parliament, Green MP Caroline Lucas was at the forefront of attempts to stop the Bill becoming law.
She was one of a group of MPs who tabled an amendment to reject the Bill outright and was a vocal critic of moves to drastically curtail the debate we need for a healthy democracy.
Caroline campaigned for legislation that would shine a real light on lobbying activity and criticised the Coalition’s proposals for letting most corporate lobbyists off the hook, at the same time as effectively gagging the activities of civil society groups speaking out on anything from housing policy to wildlife conservation.
She tabled an amendment to the Bill that would have opened up to proper scrutiny how much is spent on lobbying
– as well as who is doing it.
She called for details to be made public about when staff transfer between the civil service and the private sector.
And she has stood up in Parliament time and again to reiterate the Green Party’s commitment to repealing what’s dubbed the Gagging Bill.
Imagine being able to leave your car in the garage – or not needing one at all... because reliable, affordable public transport, coupled with safe, clean, welcoming streets for walking and cycling, meets your transport needs.
Could that not be the real world?
Like so much else, the UK has got transport upside down.
The big picture is a world of finite resources, especially the type that runs much of our transport – petroleum.
This is running out, and we know we need to leave much of what is left in the ground.
We have to create a transport system based on sustainable alternatives.
We also have an increasingly car-dependent population because the cost of public transport has risen faster than wages and faster than the total cost of driving,
and in many areas public transport is so scarce that people have little alternative but to get around by car.
This has led to a public health crisis caused by rising levels of physical inactivity and health-damaging air pollution.
We also face an increasing toll of death and injury on the roads, particularly among pedestrians and cyclists who face unacceptable danger in our vehicle-dominated and congested towns, cities and villages.
Our privatised railways are fragmented and uncoordinated, ticket prices are high and unpredictable, and timetables do not connect seamlessly with buses at stations.
This means rail fails to play its full part in delivering an effective alternative to the private car.
Long-distance travel by air is one of the most energy-intensive and polluting forms of transport and causes health-damaging local pollution near airports.
Aviation fuel goes untaxed and there is no VAT on tickets, amounting to a £16 billion a year subsidy in the UK.
We need a shift in priority, removing subsidies from air travel to invest in public transport that supports the common good.
In the long run we have to create a transport system that is socially just and addresses health inequality by prioritising affordable access to services by walking, cycling and public transport,
by reducing road danger,
by cleaning up our air
and by minimising congestion.
This transport system should use electricity, not oil,
and make our towns, cities and villages into more liveable, socially inclusive places.
Against this backdrop, mainstream transport policy, which urges us to travel further and faster than ever before, is senseless, yet this is what all parties except the Green Party offer you.
The key to getting this right is to manage demand rather than increase it; that is, to reduce the need to travel in the first place.
We need to: Reduce the distances travelled,
reduce the number of journeys made by car
and switch as many journeys as possible to walking, cycling and public transport;
Encourage alternatives to travel, such as video-conferencing;
Integrate different transport options and provide seamless door–to-door journeys;
Prioritise everyday access for everybody wherever they live to local facilities such as the shops, the doctors’ surgery, schools and workplaces;
and Enable more people to get to where they need to go while using a car less.
Green Party transport policy prioritises in this order, building from the bottom up:
walking and disabled access to all other forms of transport;
cycling;
public transport (trains, light rail/trams, buses and ferries)
and rail- and water-borne freight;
light goods vehicles, taxis and low-powered motor cycles;
private motorised transport (cars and high-powered motor cycles);
heavy goods vehicles;
and aircraft.
Green councillors mean safer streets...
Green councillors were instrumental in bringing in 20 mph limits on many residential roads in Norwich, Islington and Leicester, as well as a default 20 mph limit on all residential roads in Lancashire and in Brighton & Hove.
Bringing the railways into public hands
For trains to play their part in the total journey experience, they need to connect seamlessly with buses and convenient walking and cycling routes to local centres of habitation.
The Green Party is committed to bringing rail services into public ownership and control.
The current fragmented structure does not put the passenger and the total journey experience at the centre of planning and has created a costly, wasteful, uncoordinated outcome.
Recent experience in running the East Coast Main Line within the public sector has shown that both quality and receipts to the Treasury go up when a rail service is run in this way,
whereas experience on the West Coast Main Line in the private sector shows that the franchise system is costly, wasteful and not fit for purpose.
The Green Party will consult widely on the organisational details of a rail operation in public ownership and how it will link to democratic accountability at the regional and city-region geographical scales.
Diesel exhaust emissions are a known human carcinogen
and diesel trains do not perform as well as electrified rail operations in terms of passenger comfort, acceleration and deceleration, and the ability to make more stops at intermediate stations with minimal impact on overall journey time.
The Green Party wants to see electrification of the railway system to achieve levels to be found in Germany (59% of track electrified) or Sweden (73% electrified).
The UK has 34% of its track electrified.
High levels of electrification reduce health-damaging air pollution,
reduce greenhouse gases
and deliver a much-improved passenger experience.
Electrification will also require new rolling stock and the Green Party will promote the design and manufacturing of this new stock in the UK,
contributing to job creation in those regions with higher than average unemployment.
Putting this plan into action for the common good means bringing the railways back into public ownership – making them belong to you and me, run by rail workers for passengers.
On 26 June 2013, Green MP Caroline Lucas published a Private Members’ Bill to do just this, a policy supported by 66% of the British public.
The privatised railways cost over £1 billion a year in: Interest payments; Debt write-offs; The costs of railway fragmentation; The profit margins of tiers of contractors and sub-contractors;  Payments to shareholders; and Bonuses paid to railway bosses (up to 166% of annual salaries).
Between 1997 and 2013, rail fares leapt by 22%, while road users have experienced a 9% drop – exactly the wrong priority.
Rail isn’t really ‘private’ anyway – 60% of the network is owned by state-backed foreign companies.
And this ‘private’ system takes £4 billion in public subsidies every year.
Labour’s response is to require the state to bid for franchises it already owns – at millions of pounds a time.
As Caroline says, a privatised railway ‘is a blatant transfer of public money to private interests at the expense of the taxpayer and rail passengers’.
Bringing the railways back into public ownership would cost very little if it was done as existing franchises fell due for renewal.
This will: Save money;
Mean a better deal for passengers;
Allow local authorities to plan and run local services;
Increase the scope for the democratic involvement of local communities in planning and running railways;
and Reduce congestion and improve safety.
In addition on the railways, we would not support HS2 (the proposed high-speed network).
The money to be spent on this hugely expensive project, which at best will reduce journey times for a few passengers, would be much better spent on improving the conventional rail connections between various major cities,
improving the resilience of the existing network to climate change
and reopening lines and stations that have been closed.
Decarbonising transport
The major challenge for our transport system is to decarbonise it and end its reliance on fossil fuels.
We would: End the wasteful and destructive national major roads programme, saving £15 billion over the Parliament.
Spend part of this £15 billion on improving and subsidising public transport, with an average fare reduction of 10% costing £8 billion over the Parliament,
fixing potholes in existing roads
and investing in walking and cycling.
Support walking and cycling.
In particular, we would ensure that pedestrians and cyclists get their fare share of road space and would spend at least £30 per head on them over every year of the Parliament.
Funding should be allocated flexibly to make safe, convenient routes that address the needs of pedestrians and cyclists while reducing any risk of conflict between them.
Support the re-regulation of bus services to provide a better, more reliable service.
End the favourable tax treatment of aviation
and have a separate target for aviation emissions of below 37.5 million tonnes CO2 equivalent a year.
Stop airport expansion, in particular no new runways at either Heathrow or Gatwick,
and ban night flying.
Invest in electric vehicle charging points for buses and taxis, and for cars where there are gaps in the network of public and community transport.
Incentivise consolidation of white van deliveries so that last-mile deliveries can be made by cargo bikes and electric vehicles in local areas.
Affordable public transport
Instead of prestige projects such HS2 and new runways, we need to prioritise local transport and make sure it is accessible to everybody.
The Green Party would: Prioritise affordable local public transport,
accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
Support free local transport for pensioners, including the existing local bus pass scheme and the Freedom Pass in London.
Extend free local public transport to young people and students, costing around £4 billion a year.
Develop regional smart payment systems with integrated ticketing, like the London Oyster system.
Extend networks of public transport to include rural areas.
A step change in road safety
The numbers of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s roads have fallen in recent years.
But they are still appallingly high: 1,713 people died on the roads in 2013, and 21,657 were seriously injured, far worse than for other modes of transport.
We will: Work for a road transport system that results in zero deaths or serious injuries by systematically reducing sources of danger on the roads.
Reduce both collisions and fuel use by bringing down speed limits, in particular to 20 mph in residential areas, including main roads where people live, work and shop;
enforce speed limits with speed cameras and policing.
Change the culture of road justice and civil compensation with a road danger reduction approach.
A greater duty of care should be expected of drivers in reducing injury and intimidation of vulnerable road users.
Motor vehicle drivers should be presumed liable for injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
If the casualty has contributed to the collision, compensation may be reduced, but not when the victim is a child, elderly (70+) or impaired.
Reduce the alcohol limit for drivers to as close to zero as is practicable.
Require newly manufactured lorries to be equipped with best practice technology to make sure that drivers are fully aware of the presence of all pedestrians and cyclists.
Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and serious injuries when involved in collisions with lorries are predictable, preventable and unacceptable.
The technology already exists and is in use in several countries and consists of a mixture of in-cab screens linked to cameras, multiple wing mirrors and physical modification to prevent people being dragged under the vehicle.
Lorries already in use must be retro-fitted with the same equipment and lorries not so equipped will not be allowed into our towns and cities.
Reduce lorry activity and road freight volume by improving rail freight services,
reducing the number of empty or partially loaded trips,
and using cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries to replace some white van trips.
Towns and cities for people We need to rescue our towns and cities from traffic and turn them back into places where we want to be.
The Green Party will support an Active Travel Bill for England in order to achieve this.
Make streets healthy and safe places for people to cycle and walk and for children to play,
while building physical activity into their daily journeys.
Help schools and workplaces to support active travel to and from work, and encourage local authorities to assist this by linking their public health and transport functions.
Ensure that all planning decisions have to take into account the active travel and public transport implications.
Make public transport more convenient by integrating ticketing with smart regional ticketing systems such as the LondonOyster card.
Introduce road-pricing schemes such as the London congestion charge and road-user tolls for heavy lorries.
Begin consultation with a view to developing a framework for the progressive elimination of diesel exhaust emissions.
A major cause of air pollution is emissions from diesel vehicles (cars, buses and trains).
We recognise the latest scientific evidence of the harmful effect of diesel on human health.
Introduce Ultra Low Emission Zones to ensure air pollution reduces to comply with EU limits.
Reduce the need for car parking spaces by reducing car dependency and transferring trips, where appropriate, to walking, cycling and public transport.
Car parking is expensive to provide, can obstruct pedestrians and people with disabilities if it takes place on pavements, and takes up valuable road space that could be reallocated to pedestrians and cyclists.
Reduce parking spaces in new developments and increase rates of walking, cycling and public transport by strengthening planning law to make best practice travel plans mandatory for workplaces, homes and other destinations.
Eliminate pavement parking and, in close cooperation with waste collection and emergency services, make sure that these essential services have unimpeded access to all addresses.
Ensure that parking policies in residential areas deliver a high-quality street environment and reduce the numbers of those who are clogging up residential streets as part of a commuter trip or other activities not related to a visit to an address in that street.
Parking charges of all kinds in public car parks and streets will be proportionate to the full cost of providing that facility.
Provide cycle parking throughout towns and cities at locations where there is demand
and invest in on-street secure cycle storage in residential streets.
A rural transport revolution
Approximately 20% of the UK population live in rural areas and many of these are retired and may have to adjust to a lifestyle without a car for health and income reasons.
It is essential that rural areas get the best possible deal for widening transport choices.
The Green Party does not accept that there is a fundamental and intractable rural transport problem.
Rural transport in many parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland is of a very high quality and the quality is based on careful planning, coordination and investment and recognition that, although a car will be needed for a proportion of journeys, it is not the default option.
The small village of Gempen in Switzerland, with a population of about 800, has ten buses each day that connect with tram and train services at the next-larger settlement (Dornach).
We will: Make sure that rural areas are not neglected when transport budgets and planning for our cities and city regions are under discussion.
Develop networks of community and public transport to provide regular links to onward transport networks.
Introduce speed limits of 20 mph in villages and 40 mph on rural roads.
Green councillors bring safer cycling...
Lancaster Greens helped to deliver the Cycling Demonstration Town project with more than £4 million external funding for safer routes and cycling promotion.
Greens in power carry out our transport policies
In Green-led Brighton, the Council has: Introduced the largest connected 20 mph zone in the country, and casualties fell by 19%;
Built a new cycle hub at the station;
Introduced cycle priority at junctions, proper cycle lanes and cycle contraflow lanes;
Introduced the first ‘floating’ bus stop, resulting in: bus usage increasing by almost 9% over two years,
falling nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions,
an 11% increase in daily cycle journeys between 2009 and 2012,
and falling road casualties, with 200 fewer killed and injured in 2013 than in 2011.
CHAPTER 13
Imagine the UK as a good global neighbour,
committed to peacemaking
and to helping create the conditions for a flourishing life for everyone on the planet.
This is a UK bent on resolving conflicts rather than making them worse, determined to listen as well as to speak.
How about the chance to vote for a Europe of self reliance rather than free trade and indiscriminate growth?
Imagine a climate change agreement that is both just and effective.
Picture a world where the big decisions are made by democratically elected governments and not by private corporations – picture the end of talk of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)...
We live in an interconnected world, which brings huge benefits as well as drawbacks.
Decisions that we make affect people in other countries, and events in other countries affect us.
In particular, UK foreign and military policies over many years have contributed to challenges to our security today:
By using up global resources or polluting the air or water that we all share;
By influencing how much we pay for diminishing natural resources
and how much we get paid for our labour;
By driving displacement;
By creating insecurity at home and abroad.
Greens are internationalists and want to live in a world that is just and fair, secure and peaceful, and where human rights are universally respected.
We will make the UK a force for international good,
respected throughout the global community,
with coherent foreign policies based on building effective and cooperative security relations across the world.
All countries deserve a voice in global decision-making, and we want to use ours to support the following:
A new, holistic and consistent approach to peace and defence, which is focused on genuine peacekeeping and respect for the sovereignty of peoples around the world.
A fundamental restructuring of our global economy, with power held at the local and regional level and only passed upwards when international cooperation is necessary.
We call this ‘subsidiarity’ – this principle is the basis of our approach to the European Union and other international organisations.
Writing off and writing down unpayable international debt,
avoiding paternalistic aid,
and securing the rights of First Nations peoples.
Trade that supports the well-being of workers that can be achieved without breaching sustainability limits is useful, but a blind commitment to ‘free’ trade is not.
A global policy of Contraction and Convergence in which rich countries’ use of finite energy resources contracts, while that of poorer countries expands, to converge on an equitable and sustainable per capita sharing of global energy,
designed to keep within 2 degrees C of warming.
Only in this way can poor countries improve living standards while the world as a whole avoids hitting resource and climate limits.
Making UK foreign policy genuinely independent, based on the principles of shared responsibility, cooperative security
and human rights.
We will: Work to reform the United Nations and associated bodies, to reflect better the needs and interests of all countries,
and make the UN more representative and effective through abolishing permanent seats on the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Seek negotiated settlements to a range of conflicts around the world
and block sales of weapons and military equipment that increase misery and death for non-combatants and have particularly destructive impacts on vulnerable peoples, notably women and children.
Outlaw the use of torture,
the sale of torture equipment
and the rendition of people to countries where torture is not prohibited,
and enforce the laws against it.
Take proportionate measures to protect against terrorism,
ensuring that civil liberties are not undermined in the process
, that communities are not scapegoated
and that action reflects a genuine assessment of the threat to our security.
We need targeted policing and security service activities, not mass surveillance,
prisons that rehabilitate those convicted of terrorism offences and effective programmes to prevent radicalisation and to deradicalise individuals.
Uphold the principles of freedom of speech and peaceful protest,
including support for vulnerable communities of all religious faiths and none.
In relation to specific international challenges around election time: We opposed military interventions in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq,
and will oppose all future interventions that lack a sufficient moral, legal and democratic mandate
or when military action risks being counter-productive, for example by providing fertile recruitment, fundraising and propaganda opportunities.
We will instead advocate for regional solutions to conflicts and for the UK to take a lead in advancing diplomatic, economic and political solutions to the threats posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram.
We would provide humanitarian support for the millions of refugees displaced by these conflicts.
We seek a just, sustainable and peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, based on mutual recognition of the rights to independent statehood for Palestinians and Israelis.
We condemn human rights violations by both parties
and the oppression and disproportionate use of aggression by the Israeli government against the people of Gaza.
We seek to suspend the EU– Israel Association Agreement.
`We condemn state-sanctioned breaches of human rights by countries such as China, Syria, Sudan and Pakistan, as well as by individuals or organisations,
`and we advocate the use of sanctions and legal action via the International Criminal Court for those violating international human rights standards.
We would work to support a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine,
while developing a new security structure for the region involving the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, with opposition to arms transfers and military interventions in regional and internal conflicts.
International agreement on climate change
A global climate disaster can be prevented only if the whole world works together.
The Green Party will make it its main foreign policy priority to secure a major new international agreement,
in particular at the UN meeting in Paris in December 2015, with a wide-ranging workable plan to arrest climate change
and share global resources more evenly.
The basis of this agreement should be Contraction and Convergence (C&C).
C&C means: Allowing countries that currently emit very little carbon dioxide to increase their emissions,
using their energy resources to reduce poverty and improve their people’s well-being.
Requiring all other countries to reduce their emissions to a small per capita limit, fixed to be consistent with a global limit that keeps temperature rises below 2 degrees C.
Recognising the special responsibility of countries such as the UK that have become wealthy from 200 years of fossil-fuelbased industrialisation.
Some of this wealth will need to be shared with poorer countries that have left their fossil fuels in the ground and their forests still standing.
In these ways, by an agreed date, every citizen of the world will have a fair and equal share of global emissions potential.
Being rich will no longer permit people to unfairly affect the whole world’s atmosphere and climate.
Security and defence
The UK’s recent history has been scarred by involvement in ill-advised military interventions that have undermined our national and international security.
The Green Party opposed these interventions, which have brought havoc to Iraq and Libya and only fragile gains in Afghanistan,
as well as driving an increased terrorist threat closer to home – all at the cost of many precious lives and vast amounts of money and other resources that could have been better used for other needs.
Green MP Caroline Lucas challenged the PM in the debate on 26 September 2014 on military action in Iraq ‘Will the Prime Minister recognise that killing extremists does not kill their ideas?
On the contrary – it can often feed their ideas, and for that reason the former MI6 head of counter-terrorism has said that getting Saudi Arabia and Iran around a negotiating table would be far more effective than bombing.
Why are we not hearing far more from this Prime Minister about the political and diplomatic solutions to this situation, rather than reaching for the military solution, which could undermine them?’
We will restructure and update the UK’s security and defence establishments and services so that they contribute to the international good.
We will: Pursue a policy of ‘defensive defence’, which threatens no one yet makes it clear that threats and attacks will be resisted.
Take a leading role in preventing violent conflict, genocide and war crimes overseas through (i) helping to develop local capacities to avoid, manage and resolve conflicts;
and (ii) enhancing the UK’s well-respected role in genuine peacekeeping and the protection of non-combatant communities.
Develop policies and programmes for ‘environmental defence’ and disaster mitigation and relief, drawing on the skills and activities of our current military forces
and increasing gender representation and training to equip the UK to contribute more effectively in these kinds of human security emergencies.
Diminish dependence on arms sales through a halt to government subsidies
and introducing a strict licensing regime to prevent sales of weapons and military equipment to undemocratic regimes and those that violate human rights (including, at the present time, Israel and Saudi Arabia).
Look after veterans and their families.
International disarmament and security agreements
The Green Party will ensure that UK security and defence policies are consistent with international law, including international humanitarian law,
and that the UK implements in good faith all relevant obligations in the following international treaties: the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Outer Space Treaty, the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the Mine Ban Treaty, the Cluster Munitions Convention, the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Geneva Protocols.
We will: Enhance UK cooperation with civil society and international agencies to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSC Resolutions 1325, 1820 and 1889, dealing with the role of gender violence in war
and the necessity to involve women at all levels in preventing war and building peace and security.
Save a massive £100 billion over the next 30 years by cancelling Trident replacement and decommissioning existing nuclear forces and facilities.
Enhance international security and non-proliferation by initiating and/or joining negotiations on a universally applicable nuclear abolition treaty to prohibit the use, deployment, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of nuclear weapons and requiring their complete elimination.
Initiate and/or join negotiations on new international treaties and laws to prohibit the development, deployment and use of autonomous weapons (such as ‘killer robots’),
depleted uranium weapons,
weapon systems that are intended for use in and from outer space,
and weapons that leave explosive remnants and toxic legacies in war-affected communities,
while mandating the protection of civilians from any new weapons developments for the future.
Green MEP Keith Taylor and Palestine Keith Taylor is a member of the European Parliament’s delegation to Palestine and has visited the Occupied Territories.
As part of his work, Keith has called for Israel to end its practice of detaining Palestinians without charge, and has supported his constituents in boycott campaigns relating to goods made in illegal Israeli settlements.
Keith has long campaigned for the recognition of Palestine and has put his name to a successful Resolution calling on the European Parliament to recognise Palestine as a state.
Joining up the policies So what do war, terrorism, food policy and the oil industry have to do with each other?
If we didn’t depend on oil from the Middle East, we wouldn’t need to invent reasons to go to war there when supply lines are threatened.
If we weren’t involved in wars in the Middle East, terrorism here would lose its raison d’être.
With less fossil fuel we would have to expand renewables and grow more of our own food, making us far less vulnerable to blockade in any future war.
Security policy is not just about tanks, it’s also about acting responsibly and building resilience at home.
It’s another virtuous circle..
Europe
The Green Party recognises that the UK is part of Europe and that we cannot cut ourselves off from our geography or its political realities.
Our message on Europe is positive, not based on fear and nostalgia.
Much EU action has been progressive:
safeguarding basic rights,
peace and security achieved through mutual understanding,
environmental protection,
the spread of culture and ideas,
and regulation of the financial system.
And in other areas, such as welfare policy, open discussion and coordination are useful.
However, we prioritise local self-reliance rather than the EU’s unsustainable economics of free trade and growth.
We would not adopt the Euro, which cannot work properly without much deeper political integration, and this would be contrary to our policy of subsidiarity.
We support the proposal to have an in–out referendum so that the British people can have their say.
This is because much has changed since the UK joined the Common Market in 1974.
Endless debate on membership is a diversion from more important matters, such as ending inequality and adapting our economy to One-Planet Living.
So it’s yes to Europe,
yes to reform of the EU
but also yes to a referendum.
This is the policy that led to the election of an additional Green MEP, Molly Scott Cato, in the South West last year.
Migration
Migration is a fact of life.
People have always moved within countries and between countries.
Much of the UK’s language, culture and way of life has been enriched by successive new arrivals over thousands of years.
Most families living here will have members of their extended family who live abroad or include members who were born abroad – 5 million British citizens live abroad, around 2 million of them in the EU.
We take it for granted that we can move to live where we like within our country, and increasingly within Europe and further afield, as others do.
Much of the time, migration is voluntary, is on a relatively small scale and is a positive benefit for all concerned.
But, increasingly, people are being forced to move because Climate change affects their environment so that it can no longer support them;
The economic opportunities in their home country are so limited that they leave home to work abroad;
or War, natural disasters or political repression lead them to become refugees.
These pressures lead to growing numbers of people seeking to come to the UK from the EU and elsewhere.
But it is wrong to scapegoat immigrants for problems with housing, education, health or local authority services.
These problems are the result of successive governments’ policy failure, which the rest of this manifesto is designed to put right.
The Green Party believes that, in the medium to long term, we must reduce the pressures that lead to involuntary migration.
We will Seek through our international policies to reduce war and discourage repressive regimes that lead to the creation of refugees.
Make a global deal on climate change a priority of our foreign policy,
and help poorer countries cope with the climate change.
Seek to promote ecologically sustainable development in the poorer parts of the world,
so that there is greater equality between the richer and poorer nations.
Promote policies in the EU that improve opportunities across the Union
and refocus on social and environmental benefits, rather than economic liberalisation.
We accept that these policies will take time to work and that we must address immigration as it is here and now.
Some controls on immigration will be needed for the foreseeable future; for now, we reject an open borders approach.
We also reject the imposition of an arbitrary numerical cap on net migration.
The latter in particular is impossible to achieve (especially given that there is no control on the numbers emigrating) and leads to many individual injustices.
Any controls must respect the following principles: Mutual legal obligations within the EU on freedom of movement.
International obligations to accept refugees, whether seeking sanctuary from wars, political repression or climate change.
Respect for the integrity of families.
The arrival of a grandmother might well have no direct economic effect, but her contribution to family life may contribute hugely to our society.
We would in particular abolish the policy that requires a British citizen to have an income of at least £18,600 a year before their partner can come to live in the UK, which discriminates against poorer people,
make it much easier for adult dependants, mainly elderly parents, of British citizens to come and live here.
No restrictions on foreign students.
Foreign students contribute hugely to our education system, both financially and in terms of the wider perspectives they bring.
They also take back to their home countries skills that they have learnt here that will be valuable at home and positive attitudes towards the UK.
In particular we would allow students to work in the UK for two years after graduation;
widen the Youth Mobility Scheme to allow those from poorer countries to participate.
No priority simply for economic reasons.
We would in particular aim to retain more of those trained in the UK in the health service so that we have less need to take health service workers from countries that can ill afford to lose them.
We would also: Review the rules for those wishing to set up or do business here to ensure they are not discriminatory against smaller businesses.
Not simply accept people just because they are rich.
The London housing market in particular has been gravely distorted by the number of rich migrants buying property, bidding up prices all along the housing chain.
Ensure that no prospective immigrant is held in detention.
As a matter of urgency, the administrative detention of children and pregnant women should cease immediately.
Review the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, particularly with regard to issues of access to legal advice,
childcare and levels of subsistence allowance,
and reintroduce Legal Aid for reasonable levels of immigration and asylum work.
In addition, once immigrants have arrived, we would: Assist integration by making available free or affordable English or Welsh language lessons to all new immigrants who want them, costing about £200 million a year.
Open up ways for existing irregular migrants who have been here for three years to become legal.
In particular, a legal status must be provided for people who have not succeeded in their claim for humanitarian protection but who cannot be returned to their country of origin owing to the political situation there.
Ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Domestic Workers.
Review asylum procedures to ensure that destitution plays no role in the asylum process by allowing those seeking sanctuary to work.
Ensure that those who have been trafficked are not subject to summary deportation; we must protect the victims of trafficking.
They should receive a temporary right to stay and have the same right to apply to remain as others seeking to migrate.
Trade, aid and grassroots development
People around the world have their own strategies and priorities for improving their lives and communities.
‘Development’ should not be directed by rich countries, which too often have their own business interests in mind.
Instead we need to provide the political space, democratic voice and appropriate resources to enable people in all countries to pursue their own chosen directions in ways that work for them.
International trade can benefit or harm the world’s people, depending on its nature.
Genuinely fair trade, alongside sustainable haulage practices, can bring benefits for all of us.
But ever-growing trade, over ever-growing distances and with the sole aim of making a profit can make life difficult for workers and is a sure-fire way of exceeding the limits of our finite planet.
Similarly, the world’s current structure of international institutions and trade rules can put less developed economies at a disadvantage, while making it easy for global corporations to buy up their land and resources.
We need to work with others around the world to reform and reinvent these institutions so that they facilitate greater global equality and justice.
The Green Party will: Advocate for ambitious sustainable development goals, including a commitment to end AIDS, TB and malaria;
action to eliminate violence against women and girls;
and practical measures to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.
Take real action to end tax evasion and avoidance and transfer mispricing by transnational corporations, which steals resources especially from poorer countries.
Support global efforts to develop a fairer global tax system.
Put a stop to the corporate takeover of African food by ending UK funding of the G8’s New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.
Promote fair trade, in particular seeking to ensure that workers in poor countries receive decent pay and conditions within International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
Initiate democratic discussions, alongside international trade unions, citizen groups and the ILO, to investigate the potential for a global minimum wage to address in-work poverty and exploitation.
Ensure UK companies operating abroad respect international human rights and environmental standards
and do not encourage corruption, enforcing the UN Convention against Corruption and the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, and reporting fully upon their activities.
Ensure that every country has the political space to make its own democratic choices,
without pressure to prise open its economy for ‘free’ trade.
In particular, we oppose the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (see ‘The Green Party opposes the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership’ box).
Ensure that trade deals allow poor countries to control their economies; we will take the UK out of trade agreements that go against this.
Support the rights of indigenous people to control their own lands and resources.
The world has become a very unequal place.
Rich countries such as the UK have benefited from global flows of wealth while poorer countries and groups have tended to lose out.
Some transfers of resources from rich countries to poorer ones are therefore needed in order to redress the balance and allow poorer countries to improve living standards.
We will: Fight for the writing-off of international debts for the poorest countries and limiting repayments for other low-income countries, to ensure they can fund decent public services for their people.
Increase the overseas aid budget from 0.7% of GDP to 1.0% of GDP over the Parliament, costing around £6 billion a year in 2019.
Aid will not be tied, and will be distributed in ways that are focused on poverty eradication supporting grassroots initiatives,
women’s rights
and environmental sustainability
while respecting local priorities.
Help poorer countries to fund climate change adaptation and build resilient communities through the UN Adaptation Fund.
We recognise that the UK owes them a climate debt for our disproportionately high emissions and contributions to global pollution and climate damage.
The Green Party opposes the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)
TTIP is globalisation in its worst form, designed to submit democratically elected governments to the will of private corporations.
Companies will be able to take legal action against governments that they think threaten their profits.
National policies in EU countries for health, environmental, consumer and social protection could be challenged by companies from anywhere in the world in private international tribunals, run by corporate lawyers.
Under TTIP: Attempts to bring the National Health Service and the railways back into public ownership could be financially penalised or blocked;
Authorisations for genetically modified organisms may be accelerated at European level and risk assessment standards lowered;
and Regulation of banks and the financial industry would be harder, if not impossible.
CHAPTER 14
Imagine crime falling year on year because the causes of crime are being dealt with – unemployment, insecurity at home, school exclusions, inequality, mental health issues, drugs.
Imagine a prison population at the European average rather than way over it.
Picture prisons in public hands and actually rehabilitating prisoners.
Have you been a victim of crime?
Picture restorative justice, which gives you a voice and helps the offender to take responsibility and make amends.
It’s been said that, the more dysfunctional a society is, the more laws it has.
Here is how dysfunctional the UK has become:
Under Margaret Thatcher there were 1,724 new laws per year;
Under John Major there were 2,402 per year;
Under Tony Blair, 2,663 per year.
The UK imprisons more people than any other country in Europe.
Under the Coalition, the prison population reached an all-time high of 88,179 in December 2011,
and the number of front-line prison officers dropped by 30% between 2010 and 2013.
This is a picture of a very uneasy society.
The context of crime
Crime has a context: 60% of offenders have no qualifications at all;
48% have literacy skills below those expected of an 11 year old;
65% have numeracy skills below those expected of an 11 year old;
67% were unemployed at the time of imprisonment;
49% of prisoners ran away from home as a child;
41% were excluded from school;
71% suffer from two or more mental disorders;
70% of offenders had been drinking at the time the offences for which they were imprisoned were committed;
There is more crime in more unequal societies.
So: education, employment and security for all – this is the heart of Green Party crime policy.
We would: Treat drug addiction as a health issue (see Chapter 6 for our health policy).
Restrict police use of random stop and search powers, which damage police and youth relations.
Improve the design of our cities to provide safer streets and public spaces.
Focus on crime prevention measures, including more community policing under local democratic control, more local police stations and the return of bus conductors and others who have an important effect on social order.
Oppose the privatisation of policing and establish a Royal Commission on Policing as a first step towards delivering a service that’s fit for purpose.
Provide proper funding for Women’s Refuges for survivors of domestic violence
and make domestic abuse a specific criminal offence.
Work to change attitudes towards rape, including improving initial responses to women, early evidence collection and access to justice.
Abolish Police and Crime Commissioners, and return control of the police to local government.
Green London Assembly Member Jenny Jones saves Police Road Safety Unit
In 2009, Jenny fought the closure of the Metropolitan Police Commercial Vehicle Education Unit, which instructs HGV drivers on road sharing and awareness of vulnerable road users.
Restorative justice and offender rehabilitation
Once people have offended, what next?
Punishment for its own sake (retributive justice) gets us nowhere, and that’s why the Green Party would greatly expand the use of restorative justice, with the offender making up to the victim and the community.
This gives victims a voice and helps offenders to see the effects of what they have done.
This should enable us substantially to reduce the numbers in prison and reduce reoffending.
In particular, we believe there are far too many children in the penal system.
What happens when prisoners are returned to the community?
Nearly 50% of adult offenders released between April 2011 and March 2012 reoffended.
This is a real indictment of what happens to people in prison.
The Green Party would: Oppose the privatisation of the probation services.
Provide access to real work and education, the work to include repairing damage done by crime.
Provide access to artistic and creative facilities.
Provide access to literacy and numeracy classes from the first day of imprisonment.
Operate a smaller prison system, saving £5.5 billion over the course of the Parliament.
Grant prisoners the right to vote.
Oppose the use of the death penalty abroad.
Greens in power carry out our policies
Restorative justice works.
In Green-led Brighton, the number of young people entering the criminal justice system in the city fell over the three successive years to October 2013 as the Council’s youth crime prevention team joined with police to help young people understand the impact of their behaviour and make amends.
CHAPTER 15
It does all join up – One fine day in April 2019
You leave work at 5 pm on the dot, and check the bus stop’s electronic display – your bus home is due in 3 minutes.
It glides to a stop, electric motor whirring quietly, and you beep on with your smartcard.
The buses are not-for-profit now, and cheaper than they were four years ago.
You grab a seat and dig out your phone to check your bank balance because today is pay day!
You’re working as a cleaner at the hospital, so with the £9.60 minimum wage you get around £1,500 a month before tax.
The rent controls that were recently brought in mean you don’t pay too much to your landlord
and, since your home was super-insulated through the Green Warm Deal, your gas bill’s not much either.
With all that, you’re getting by pretty comfortably, and managing to save up a bit to buy a house.
The bus stops by your son’s nursery, where all the kids go free, and he comes tumbling out giggling.
Together you walk round the corner to your gran’s new council house for a cup of tea.
Her carer stays to chat for a few minutes before heading off to visit his next client.
He says that since social care is free now, and much better funded, he’s finding the work a lot more rewarding and might make a career of it.
Your gran is cheerful too, happy to be back on her feet after her recent stay in hospital, and glad the whole thing was noticed early and dealt with quickly so she can get on with her life.
Later, back at home, a child from down the road knocks on your door to ask if your daughter can play out at the park.
They are friends from school, the only two kids out of the 20 in their class who have packed lunches now that school dinners are free.
They head off to the park’s new play area, promising to pick up some milk at the Post Office on their way back.
You sit down at your laptop and start planning your next holiday, two weeks on the beach in Cornwall.
It’s a long trek, but the train tickets cost less than you expected and there’s a local line that gets you practically to the campsite gate....
CHAPTER 16
In 2010 the major election issue was the economy, and in particular the state of the public finances.
The Coalition parties pledged to close the deficit – the gap between government spending and government income.
They have not done so; the gap between spending and income in 2009 of 11% of GDP has narrowed, but was still 5% in 2014.
This is hardly surprising because the other parties’ election manifestos gave no costed plans for how they would reduce the deficit.
They made promises but gave no details.
We were treated to post-election surprises such as increased VAT and huge cuts to essential public services such as benefits, libraries, children’s centres and mental health support.
By contrast, the Green Party produced a worked-out financial plan in its 2010 manifesto.
Again in this manifesto, we are providing a costed plan for how we would protect and improve our NHS,
schools
and public services,
and pay for them with fairer, more progressive taxation.
We use current government data and show exactly how we would do things differently.
In this financial plan, we take no account of any extra money that could be available to government as a result of ‘Regaining control of our money’ (see the box in Chapter 9) – instead, these plans are based on the real-world current economic environment and on strict assumptions about the effects of changes.
Although it has not been our prime objective to end the current account deficit (that is, including expenditure other than investment) by the end of the Parliament, these plans show how we would do it.
After a brief note on territorial coverage, there are three sections – our basic economic assumptions, our plans for spending and our plans for taxation.
We conclude with the overall effect on government finances and on the gap between spending and income.
We are publishing separately an illustrative costing for Basic Income.
Note on territorial coverage
This is the manifesto of the Green Party of England and Wales. Separate sister Green parties cover Scotland and Northern Ireland. Many public services are devolved, with the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly or the Northern Ireland Assembly taking responsibility. However, most decisions on government expenditure and on taxation are ultimately taken on a UK basis, this is a UK general election and, despite the fact that this Green Party covers only England and Wales, and to maintain consistency and comparability, all the figures in this chapter are UK figures.
Economic assumptions
The most important assumption is what the government assumes about the growth of the economy.
If the economy grows, the revenues from taxation will be larger.
Both Labour and the Coalition made optimistic assumptions about growth in 2010.
We based our 2010 calculations on lower growth assumptions.
In the event, the economy barely grew in the middle of the period and, although we were less wrong than Labour or the Coalition, we were still some way out.
Many of the Coalition’s problems have their origin in this extraordinary optimism about growth.
The figures are as follows: The Coalition is once again assuming growth of around 12% over the Parliament, at around 2.5% each year.
We expect growth to slow a little over the Parliament.
The figures are:
Using these figures we can then work out our prediction for real GDP in each of the five years of the Parliament.
All our figures throughout this manifesto, for both spending and revenues, are in real 2015 terms. Our government spending figures are worked out as follows. We use the current government plans for real terms spending in 2015 as a baseline (that is, we repeat the same figure for each year), so we are not taking into account the Coalition’s overall plans to cut public spending up to 2018. We then express what we’d do differently in terms of how much we’d increase or reduce each item relative to this baseline figure. In most cases there is some phasing of expenditure, recognising in particular that our changes cannot realistically start with a full year’s spending in 2015.
Our additional expenditures include a line for changed interest on the national debt. Like the Coalition, we would fund the continuing deficit by borrowing. If we reduce the deficit more slowly than the Coalition’s plans, we would pay extra interest on the accumulated debt, and this line reflects that.
Our proposed savings are as follows:
2015 WESTMINSTER ELECTION MANIFESTO
Equality not Austerity - Comhionannas ní Déine
ContEnts Clár ábhar Introduction    2 Réamhrá 3 Sinn Féin: Building a united, prosperous, equal and inclusive Ireland 4  Sinn Féin: Éire aontaithe, rathúil, chothrom agus uileghabhálach a thógáil 5 A United Ireland for All  Éire Aontaithe ar son Cách 6Ending Austerity, Investing in Jobs, Defending Public Services  7  Deireadh a Chur le Déine, Infheistíocht i bPoist, Seirbhísí Poiblí a Chosaint Building a fair recovery – Returning economic power  9  Slánú cothrom a thógáil - cumhacht gheilleagrach a thabhairt ar ais Building a fair recovery – Building the all Ireland economy  11  Slánú cothrom a thógáil - geilleagar Uile-Éireann a thógáil Building a Fair Recovery – A fair society and decent work  12  Slánú cothrom a thógáil - sochaí chothrom agus obair fhiúntach Uniting The Community - Rights, Equality and Respect   13  An Pobal a Aontú - Cearta, Cothromas agus Meas Truth Recovery  An Fhírinne  14 Implementation of Agreements   Comhaontuithe a Chur i bhfeidhm  15
Equality not austErity
sinn Féin: builDing a unitED, prospErous, Equal anD inClusivE irElanD
The key priorities for Sinn Féin in this election are:
EnDing austErity
An immediate negotiation with the incoming British government to secure a workable budget including the reinstatement of £1.5bn to the budget to support job creation and the delivery of strong public services.
This is 0.002% of the total British Public Expenditure budget.
Return economic powers for a fair recovery //–
we are seeking full control over income tax, national insurance, corporation tax, capital gains tax, borrowing powers and the setting of the minimum wage.
Financial benefits flowing from such decisions must be retained and reinvested here.
DElivEring a Fair rECovEry
A civic compact for a fair recovery – bringing together civic society,
business, trade unions and all political parties.
Continue to prioritise job creation,
both FDI
and support for Small and Medium enterprises
Fully implement the welfare protection in the Stormont House agreement.
Ensure greater security of employment
and an end to zero hour contracts.
Support a moratorium on evictions for those in mortgage arrears.
Seek the provision of high-quality affordable childcare capped at 15% of income for those on low incomes
and those in education and training.
Create a Border Economic Development Zone to harmonise trade and maximise returns for border businesses.
uniting CommunitiEs, uniting irElanD
Tackle sectarianism, homophobia and racism
and deliver equal rights for all.
Support quotas and legislation to increase the participation of women in politics and public life.
Progress an Acht na Gaeilge and a Bill of Rights for all Citizens.
Continue to campaign for a border poll on Irish Unity.
Create a Border Economic Development Zone to harmonise trade and maximise returns for border businesses.
Promote the work of reconciliation.
Deliver a process for Truth, Justice and Dealing with the Past.
Oppose referendum on exiting the EU.
If there is to be a referendum on European membership, then there must be a separate and binding referendum here.
Comhionannas ní DéinE
sinn Féin: éirE aontaithE, rathúil,  Chothrom agus uilEghabhálaCh a thógáil
Is iad mórthosaíochtaí Shinn Féin sa toghchán seo ná:
DEirEaDh a Chur lE DéinE
slánú Cothrom a Chur i gCríCh
Comhshocrú Sibhialta le haghaidh téarnamh cothrom – an tsochaí shibhialta, gnólachtaí, Ceardchumainn agus gach páirtí polaitiúil a thabhairt le chéile.
Coinneáil orainn ag tabhairt tús áite do chruthú post,  d’infheistíocht dhíreach choigríche agus do thacaíocht do ghnóthais bheaga agus mheánmhéide.
Cosaintí leasa a socraíodh i gComhaontú Theach Chnoc an Anfa a chur i bhfeidhm ina n-iomláine.
Slándáil bhreise fostaíochta a chinntiú agus deireadh a chur le conarthaí náid uaireanta.
Tacaíocht a thabhairt do mhoratorium ar dhíshealbhú na ndaoine sin a bhfuil riaráistí morgáiste acu.
Soláthar cúram leanaí ar phraghas réasúnta agus ar ardchaighdeán a lorg a bheidh caidhpeáilte ag 15% d’ioncam dóibh siúd nach bhfuil ach ioncaim íseal acu agus dóibh siúd atá i gcúrsaí oideachais nó traenála.
pobail a aontú, éirE a aontú
»  Dul i nGleic leis an Seicteachas, leis  an Homafóibe agus leis an gCiníochas agus cearta cothroma a thabhairt do chách.
»  Acht na Gaeilge agus Bille Ceart a thabhairt isteach do gach Saoránach.
»  Coinneáil orainn ag feachtasaíocht ar son pobalbhreithe ar cheist na teorann agus ar Aontú na hÉireann.
»  Crios Teorann um Fhorbairt Gheilleagrach a chruthú chun cúrsaí trádála a chomhoiriúnú agus chun na brabúis is mó a bhaint amach do ghnóthaí na teorann.
»  Tús áite a thabhairt d’obair an athmhuintearais.
»  Próiseas a thabhairt i gcrích chun Fírinne, chun Ceart agus chun Dul i nGleic leis an Am a Chuaigh Thart.
»  Tacú le Cuótaí chun rannpháirtíocht ban i gcúrsaí polaitiúla agus sa saol poiblí a mhéadú.
»  Dul in aghaidh reifrinn maidir le himeacht ón AE. Má tá reifreann le bheith ann maidir le ballraíocht na hEorpa, ní mór reifreann faoi leith agus ceangailteach a bheith ann fosta.
a unitED irElanD For all
éirE aontaithE ar son CáCh
Across Ireland the support for republican ideals is growing.
People are hungry for real change.
Sinn Féin is the only all-Ireland political party with elected representatives in every forum across the island, the all-Ireland Ministerial Council, the Executive, Dáil, Seanad the Assembly, the European Parliament, and at local council level.
We are the only party with the strategy and policies to achieve Irish unity and independence.
We are seeking a new, agreed and united Ireland for all of us who share this island.
We want to build a just, fair and equal Ireland,
an economically prosperous
and socially and culturally diverse Ireland.
The question of Irish Unity is a fundamental democratic choice for all the people of Ireland.
It is about the power to choose who we should be governed by and the power to build a country that reflects our priorities as a nation.
The real democratic value of Irish Unity will be that the people of Ireland north and south are in charge.
It will no longer be possible for governments to be elected and pursue policies against the wishes of all the Irish people.
The republican vision of a united Ireland is based on the principles of equality, inclusion and sovereignty.
There can be no place for sectarianism, exclusion or discrimination.
The identities of all citizens must be respected and supported.
This includes those who cherish their British identity.
A united Ireland must and will deliver and be a place for all our citizens.
Sinn Féin has called for a referendum on Irish Unity to be conducted in the next political term.
We are seeking an informed, reasoned and respectful dialogue on the issue of Irish reunification.
The right to a referendum on Irish Unity is one of several outstanding issues within the Good Friday Agreement and other agreements which the British Government needs to act upon.
The end point of constitutional change for this island north and south is now for the people to determine through a referendum on Irish Unity.
Continue to work for full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
Build a National Conversation on Building a New United Ireland for all people.
Call for a timetable for the full integration of public services across the island.
Call for the Irish Government to plan for Irish Unity
Continue to campaign for an island-wide referendum on Irish Unity.
EnDing austErity, invEsting in Jobs, DEFEnDing publiC sErviCEs
DEirEaDh a Chur lE DéinE, inFhEistíoCht i bpoist, sEirbhísí poiblí a Chosaint
Since coming to power the Tory-led British Government has removed £1.5 billion from the budget in the north.
Parties that received no popular mandate from the people have cut the public service budget allocated to the north in the form of the Departmental Expenditure Limit in 2014 by 14 per cent.
This cut has a huge impact on our budget.
In addition to this they have sought to impose harsh welfare cuts on vulnerable citizens.
They are threatening further cuts after this election.
This is not acceptable or sustainable.
The British government attack on the north has led to greater inequality, reduced health and education services and lower living standards.
Their austerity agenda has deepened the recession.
It has had a greater impact on our society because we are dealing with the legacy of conflict,
decades of underinvestment,
a small private sector
and the cost of continued partition.
Despite the loss of £1.5bn from the local budget Sinn Féin has: Protected the Health budget.
Maintained essential public services.
Protected people from water and prescription charges.
Protected people from welfare cuts.
Ensured that older people benefit from free transport.
Retained the Educational Maintenance Allowance to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay in education.
Invested in business
and created jobs.
While other parties are solely focused upon administering the budget, Sinn Féin are focused upon delivering a fair recovery.
We have prioritised job creation and growing the economy.
This remains the core of our approach to delivering  a fair recovery.
The economy can and will be more successful if we invest in our successful industries like science, innovation and engineering,
and promote new emerging sectors like renewables,
the creative sector
and life-sciences.
Economic growth and jobs are the platforms to build prosperity, to tackle poverty and address the wider issue of societal inequalities.
Sinn Féin will:
Seek an immediate negotiation with the incoming British Government to secure a workable budget,
including the immediate reinstatement  of £1.5bn in spending power to the budget to invest in public services
and economic growth.
Seek the ability to retain the benefits of Executive and Assembly policies within the Executive budget for investment in public services rather than the Westminster budget.
Continue to oppose austerity and protect core public services such as health,
education
and welfare.
Establish a body to access EIB funding for major infrastructure projects;
Enable the Housing Executive to use its assets to borrow in order to finance a major house-building programme.
Support Small and Medium Size Enterprises by tackling utility costs,
increasing SME access to procurement
and dealing with debt distress.
Grow the Green Economy to ensure we are at the forefront of renewable energy services and supplies.
Invest in infrastructure to improve connectivity.
Create more diverse, high quality routes into work, in particular by strengthening the quality of apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications.
Introduce a progressive assets levy of 1% on assets over one million to create an Investment in Jobs programme
Conduct a review of both domestic and commercial rating systems.
Seek progressive realistion of the Living Wage.
Cut MLAs wages by 15%.
Reduce departmental spend on hospitality by 15%.
Reduce consultancy and professional fees expenditure by £22.5 million.
Review excessive, high wages in the public sector.
Remove the upper limit of £400k on domestic rates to generate £6.9 million.
Remove the rates rebate on second homes.
builDing a Fair rECovEry – rEturning EConomiC powEr
slánú Cothrom a thógáil - CumhaCht ghEillEagraCh a thabhairt ar ais
Sinn Féin believe that the constitutional future for the people of Ireland north and south is within a United Ireland.
Ensuring that the economy in the north is just, equal and sustainable is a key objective towards securing and maximising the return and stability of the island economy for all citizens north and south.
The current relationship between the Stormont and London means that Westminster’s economic and political needs will always supercede the needs of our people and our economy.
The debate on EU membership, the British HGV levy, agriculture and fisheries,  and the Tory welfare cuts agenda represent but a few examples of British policy development that has undermined the needs of the people and economy of the north.
They ignored the reality that the economies north and south are interlinked and interdependent and put British needs first.
The Tory party is advocating a vote on future membership of Europe.
There is no consideration of the needs of the people of the Six Counties and the consequences of leaving the EU on this part of Ireland.
If there is a referendum on European membership then there must be a separate and binding referendum here so our people can be masters of our own destiny.
Economic growth, investment and jobs will not be driven by Westminster but from the Assembly.
The current economic arrangements for the north, where only some powers are allocated to the north have created a fundamentally unstable economy.
We need the powers to manage and grow the economy
and we need our public services to benefit from growth.
In order to build a strong progressive tax base, to increase jobs and growth and to work towards eradicating in-work poverty, policy responsibility for taxation must be vested in the Assembly and Executive.
In particular, the full control over income tax,
national insurance,
corporation tax,
capital gains tax,
fuel duty,
air passenger duty,
inheritance tax
and the setting of a minimum wage must be returned.
Sinn Féin welcomes the transfer of powers on corporation tax to the Executive.
We are working to ensure that we receive the full benefit of any decision to reduce the Corporation Tax rate.
That means that any financial benefits flowing from a reduction must be retained and reinvested here to provide for better public services
and economic growth.
Sinn Féin continues to negotiate on that basis.
The price of maintaining the union is further austerity, economic stagnation, poverty and inequality.
That is a price we cannot and will not pay.
Sinn Féin will:
Immediately seek the transfer of all economic and fiscal responsibility to the Executive and Assembly ensuring all tax revenues are retained in the north rather than returned to Westminster.
This means control of and access to all  receipts including those which are currently collected by Westminster.
Seek authority to devolve tax rates, and vary all aspects of those taxes (bands, base rates, exemptions) in order to build a fair taxation system.
In particular, the full control over income tax,
national insurance,
corporation tax,
capital gains tax,
fuel duty,
air passenger duty
and inheritance tax.
Ensure a sustainable framework for public finances, including the necessary borrowing and investment powers.
Seek the transfer of the Crown Estate,
banking regulations,
broadcasting powers
and key economic levers including the minimum wage,
decisions over welfare policy and administration to the control of the Executive and Assembly.
Demand a separate binding referendum on EU membership for the north if one is to happen.
Campaign for all-Ireland representation at the EU commission and Council of Ministers.
builDing a Fair rECovEry – builDing thE all-irElanD EConomy
slánú Cothrom a thógáil -  gEillEagar uilE-éirEann a thógáil
Different economic structures north and south have undermined economic growth, inhibited trade and labour market mobility.
Island-wide trade has yet to reach its full potential.
The potential of our island economy is strong.
Harmonising tax regimes, currencies and legal systems, public services and two competing economies for an island nation of 6.4 million peope is central to creating a fully integrated and healthy economy,
creating greater opportunities for growth, harmonising workers’ rights and creating a better business climate for advancement of entrepreneurial spirit north and south.
Sinn Féin is focused upon rebuilding, realigning and repairing the island economy in order to create growth in employment,
improve skills,
nurture innovation and research,
develop entrepreneurship,
expand trade and exports,
encourage inward investment,
and support and manage comprehensive public services like social care, health,
and education.
There is no doubt that a planned and agreed approach to economic development across the island of Ireland would deliver greater:
Export trade
and inward investment.
Economic and jobs growth.
and improved workforce skills
Productivity and innovation.
All-Ireland trade and reduced costs.
Research and development.
Integrated island-wide co-operation within public services makes economic sense.
With vision, commitment and determination we could deliver better services to all the people of Ireland.
Sinn Féin are proposing the following workable solutions:
Full and detailed examination of delivery models of integrated public services across the island.
Identification of all-island shared projects from planning stage to completion.
Create a Border Economic Development Zone to harmonise trade and maximise returns for border businesses.
Upgrade island-wide rail, road and waterways infrastructure.
Remove transaction costs for cross-border trade.
Develop air corridors across a network of airports to improve worldwide connectivity for business on the island.
Review the regulatory barriers to doing business on the border.
Examine and present solutions to address the impediments for businesses transferring staff north and south.
builDing a Fair rECovEry – a Fair soCiEty anD DECEnt work slánú Cothrom a thógáil -  soChaí Chothrom agus obair FhiúntaCh
The Tory party has focused on cutting welfare protections to those most in need.
While other parties supported these cuts Sinn Féin held out and achieved protections at Stormont House for families with children with disabilities,
adults with severe disabilities,
the long-term sick
and larger families.
This agreement must now be honoured.
There can be no further attacks on those most vulnerable in our society.
However the British Government have not just stopped at welfare they have has also undermined the rights of workers.
Being in work is no longer an escape route out of poverty as employers are not required to pay a Living Wage.
Zero-hour contracts don’t guarantee a weekly income.
Flexible working can indeed be a benefit to employees as well as employers, but only if it is based on a guaranteed income
and guaranteed hours.
Lack of adequate housing is a major cause of poverty.
The shortage of adequate social housing is forcing many people into the private rented sector, where the quality of housing is not guaranteed and where landlords can charge exorbitant rents.
We recognise the need to increase the stock of social housing and have set out a plan to do that.
Sinn Féin will:
Ensure the full implementation of the welfare protections agreed in the Stormont House Agreement.
Seek the establishment of a Poverty Commission, as set out in our submission to the Stormont House talks.
Campaign for a Living Wage.
Campaign for greater security of employment and an end to zero hour contracts.
Work for enhanced workers’ rights.
Work to ensure pension credits are paid automatically.
Promote a pilot scheme to ensure maximum take-up of benefit entitlement for parents of children with disabilities
and for adults with complex needs.
Seek a moratorium on evictions for those who are in mortgage arrears.
Seek the establishment of a state-owned community bank to provide low-cost credit to ordinary people.
Work to resolve unmanagable personal debt including the renegotiation of loans and credit-card debts and debt cancellation
.
Seek to introduce rent controls in the private rented sector.
Seek provision of high-quality affordable childcare capped at 15% of income for those on low incomes and those in education and training.
Develop a single youth policy agenda across departments north and south.
Tackle youth unemployment by working in partnership with Councils, schools, careers teachers, youth services and business.
uniting thE Community -rights, Equality anD rEspECt an pobal a aontú -CEarta, Cothromas agus mEas
Sinn Féin believes in a rights-based society underpinned by social and economic justice, where everyone is treated equally and given equal access to opportunities.
Rights, equality and respect are the way to build a united community.
There can be no justification for discrimination under the guise of a conscience clause,
no acceptance of sectarianism under the guise of tradition
and no resort to racism under the guise of tabloid popularism.
Sinn Féin is seeking to build a pluralist, inclusive and equal society.
Sinn Féin will prioritise:
The implementation of an Acht Gaelige as agreed to promote the Irish language and safeguards the rights of Irish speakers.
A Bill of Rights for all Citizens
and an All-Ireland charter of fundamental rights.
The resolution of parades disputes in line with that agreed in the Stormont House Agreement.
Ending segregation through the removal of peace walls building on experience and dialogue between local communities.
Campaigning against all forms of racism
and for an inclusive and welcoming society which embraces all our citizens equally.
Campaign to reduce the gender pay gap.
Support quotas and legislation to increase the participate of women in political and public life.
Campaigning to ensure everyone has access to legal redress if they are discriminated against.
Campaigning against all age discrimination in accessing goods, facilities and services.
Ensuring the law treats all children equally regardless of family status or the sexual orientation or gender identity of their parents.
Campaigning to ensure that those aged 16 and over are entitled to vote.
Developing legislation to address online bullying and harassment in all forms including sectarianism, transphobia, homophobia and racism.
Opposing the Conscience Clause, recognising it for what it is, an attempt to erode human rights and reduce the effectiveness of equality legislation.
Championing the cause of transgender people to ensure that they have equal access to goods, facilities and services.
Supporting the right of the lesbian, gay and bisexual people to marriage equality.
Including equality protections for LGBT citizens and prohibitions on homophobic and transphobic discrimination in the forthcoming Bill of Rights for the north.
Pushing for legislation north and south for equal treatment of prospective LGBT parents in reproductive and adoptive services, and in related social and other public services.
truth rECovEry an FhírinnE
During the negotiations which led to the Stormont House Agreement Sinn Féin resisted attempts by the British Government and other parties to have current and future inquests removed from Coroners’ Courts and placed within the remit of the Historical Investigations Unit.
Once again the British government and its allies within unionism sought to thwart the efforts of embattled families seeking the truth about the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths.
For Sinn Féin this was a red-line issue we would not cross.
That resistance has ensured that families will have Article 2 compliant inquests and we will continue to give full support to them as they seek to achieve maximum disclosure from a reluctant British government.
The creation of the Historical Investigation Unit (HIU) provides families with the opportunity to learn more about the truth surrounding the death of their loved ones.
The Stormont House Agreement commits the British government to making full disclosure to the HIU and we will be seeking to ensure that they do not resile from their commitment to supply all of the relevant information to the families.
We continue to press the British government to hold a full independent public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
This was a commitment given at Weston Park.
During the negotiations in December the Irish government, despite its alleged support for such an inquiry, failed miserably to address this issue and hold the British government to account.
The families of the Dublin/Monaghan bombings and the Ballymurphy massacre are still waiting on information in files held by the British government so as they can learn the full truth regarding the death of their loved ones.
In the Stormont House Agreement both governments recognised that there were outstanding investigations and allegations into conflict-related incidents, including a number of cross-border incidents and committed to cooperation with all bodies involved to enable their effective operation.
We will be working to ensure that the British government provides all information to the Barron Inquiry.
We will be working to ensure that the British government provides all information to the families of Pat Finucane,
of the victims of the Dublin/Monaghan bombings
and of the Ballymurphy massacre.
implEmEntation oF agrEEmEnts
ComhaontuithE a Chur i bhFEiDhm
Sinn Féin have honoured all agreements that we have entered into.
Making and implementing agreements is the foundation stone of the political process.
There are key elements of the Good Friday Agreement that have still not been implemented, including a Bill of Rights
and the establishment of a Civic Forum.
In addition at Weston Park the British government agreed to establish a full inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
At St Andrew’s in 2006 there was a commitment made by the British government to legislate for the Irish language through an Acht Gaeilge.
They reneged on those commitments too.
Since the Stormont House Agreement was reached on the cusp of Christmas Eve Sinn Féin has engaged positively with the Party Leaders’ group to ensure its full implementation.
This includes the provision agreed to protect welfare benefits
Sinn Féin continues to demand the implementation of all outstanding agreements
and will continue to work constructively to drive forward the peace process.
Sinn Féin will:
Continue to work for full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
Push for a Bill of Rights
and work towards an all-Island Charter of Rights.
Push for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum
and north-south consultative forum.
Push for the review and improvement of north south bodies.
Deliver Acht na Gaeilge.
Deliver a referendum on Irish unity.
Deliver the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement.
The Labour Party Manifesto 2015
Britain only succeeds when working people succeed. This is a plan to reward hard work, share prosperity and build a better Britain.
Britain can be better
The Labour Party Manifesto 2015
The Labour Party Manifesto 2015
Labour’s Manifesto Budget Responsibility Lock
Our manifesto begins with the Budget Responsibility Lock we offer the British people.
It is the basis for all our plans in this manifesto because it is by securing our national finances that we are able to secure the family finances of the working people of Britain.
The Budget Responsibility Lock guarantees that:
Every policy in this manifesto is paid for.
Not one commitment requires additional borrowing.
We are the first party to make that pledge and with this manifesto it is delivered.
We will legislate to require all major parties to have their manifesto commitments independently audited by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
A Labour government will cut the deficit every year.
The first line of Labour’s first Budget will be: “This Budget cuts the deficit every year”.
This manifesto sets out that we will only lay a Budget before the House of Commons that cuts the deficit every year, which the OBR will independently verify.
We will get national debt falling and a surplus on the current budget as soon as possible in the next parliament.
This manifesto sets out that we will not compromise on this commitment.
Contents Foreword by Ed Miliband... p5 A better future for Britain... p7 Building an economy that works for working people... p15  Providing world-class health and  education services... p31  Helping our families and communities  to thrive... p43  Reforming government to give more  power to people... p61 Standing up for Britain’s interests in  Europe and the world... p73 Time for change... p83
Foreword We are a great country. With great people. In the last five years I have heard your  stories, your hopes and your dreams. And I have heard too your frustrations.  The countless people working as hard as they possibly can and still struggling to  pay the bills. The young people with great ambitions but great anxieties about  the future. The dedicated staff of our NHS, who are deeply concerned about  its future. And all those who have served our country, are now retired, and ask  where our country is going. This manifesto is inspired by you. I take a simple view. We are a great country, but we can be even better The fundamental truth that runs through this manifesto is that Britain will only  succeed when working people succeed. It is an idea at the heart of my beliefs.  And it drives our better plan for a better future.  It means a country where hard work is rewarded, with high skill, high wage jobs.  An economy built on strong and secure foundations, where we balance the books.  It means building a future for all our young people, so they can get world-class  apprenticeships and access to affordable, higher education. It means strong  public services, rescuing our NHS.  It means strong communities, where power is shared by people in every part of  the country and where we respond to people’s concerns about immigration, with  proper controls.  It means a Britain where everyone plays by the same rules, including those at the  very top of our society. And it means an outward looking country, engaged in the  world for our national interest. For me, the privilege of serving as Prime Minister in our country would be for one  purpose alone: to work every day to help build a country that works again for  working people. This manifesto is our plan to achieve that goal.  Ed Miliband
We will build a better future for Britain
Britain is a great country ready to build a better future.
This manifesto sets out Labour’s plan for national renewal.
The British people, are known for tolerance, responsibility to others and for our belief in the value of hard work.
We look confidently outward to the world.
These are great British traditions - things we all believe in, things our country is good at.
We are at our best when we work together.
We see this every day in our workplaces, in our families, and in our communities.
People want to get on, they want to give their children a better future, and they want to help to change Britain for the better.
But across Britain working people also know a simple truth: the economy is not working for them.
For years now, our economy has not rewarded everyone who put in a good, honest day’s work.
However hard people work, many don’t earn enough to make ends meet.
Too many have been driven from secure, full-time work, into precarious, badly paid jobs – many working on zero-hours contracts.
Time to enjoy friends and family is increasingly squeezed, as mothers and fathers juggle the demands of work and caring for children, and often an older relative.
The problems mount for the next generation too.
Young people are taking on a mountain of debt to go to university and too many still cannot find a job worthy of their talents.
We lack a proper system of vocational education and apprenticeships to give our young people the start in life that they deserve.
We are not building the homes we need.
Our sons and daughters have been shut out of the housing market and too often they are forced to leave the communities where they were brought up.
Our economy and our system of government are failing people.
Many have come to believe that politics ignores the things that matter to them.
Too much power is unaccountable, concentrated in the market and the state, at the expense of individuals and their communities.
Many of these problems have been mounting for years.
Some, like the rise of inequality, are felt in countries all around the world.
So the Conservatives did not cause all of them, but they have made them far worse.
Their view is that economic success depends just on a few at the top.
They think that insecurity will make people work harder and that low pay is the only way to be competitive in the global market.
They don’t believe we can afford decent public services when times are hard.
They have been giving power to large unaccountable firms rather than to people,
and now they want to make deeper cuts in the next three years than we have seen in the last five years.
There are some who believe there is nothing we can do to change things for the better.
They feel powerless.
They are losing faith that those with power will ever listen to them.
We understand these feelings.
But we believe we can renew our country and make a better future for working people.
We have learned the lessons of the past.
We were in government for thirteen years and left the country a far better place to live in.
But we did not get everything right.
We have learned and we have changed.
Labour is renewing our traditions as the Party of work, family and community.
We believe in a society of trust and mutual obligation,
in which we look after the vulnerable, and people can bring up their families with hope for a better future.
And we believe in helping people to help themselves, both to improve their own communities, and to achieve their ambitions.
We are also the Party of equality.
We believe that no person should suffer discrimination or a lack of opportunity.
The decisions we take in government will always be taken with this in mind.
The policies in our manifesto will help remove the barriers that stand in the way of greater equality.
We know we achieve more when we work together to challenge inequalities of power and build a common good.
In this election, the country has a choice.
We can continue with a Conservative plan based on the view that success comes only from a privileged few at the top.
Or we can change direction, begin to return power to people and build an economy together in which everyone can contribute to a shared and enduring prosperity.
We believe that Britain only succeeds when working families succeed.
As the economy at last recovers, people want the opportunity to use their skills and talents to make a better life for themselves and their children.
Our country’s greatest asset is the hard work and talent of our people.
Labour’s plan is to build firmer economic foundations for creating wealth, rewarding hard work and competing in the world.
We will balance the books by cutting the deficit every year, with a surplus on the current budget and with national debt falling as soon as possible in the next Parliament.
This will need common sense spending reductions,
outside of the protected areas of health,
education
and international development.
We will ask those with incomes over £150,000 a year to contribute a little more through a 50p rate of tax.
And we will build the high-skill, high-wage economy we need to raise tax revenues and control social security spending.
We will improve the security and reward of working life by raising the National Minimum Wage to more than £8 an hour by October 2019,
banning exploitative zero-hours contracts
and promoting the Living Wage.
We will create more paths to success for our young people by introducing a gold-standard system of technical education and training,
and the guarantee of an apprenticeship for every school leaver with the grades.
We will support families by expanding free childcare from 15 to 25 hours for working parents of three and four-year-olds,
while doubling paid paternity leave for fathers.
We will help with household bills freezing energy prices until 2017, while reforming the broken energy market.
And we will make sure that at least 200,000 new homes a year are built by 2020,
and that private renters get a fairer deal.
The Bedroom Tax is cruel and we will abolish it.
We will build up our NHS so that it has time to care, funding 8,000 more GPs, 20,000 more nurses and 3,000 more midwives,
paid for by a Mansion Tax on properties worth over £2 million, a levy on tobacco firms, and by tackling tax avoidance.
And we will bring together services for physical health, mental health and social care into a single system built around the individual.
We want a high quality education for all of our children.
We will protect the education budget and raise teaching standards, making sure there are smaller class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds.
The common life we share is who we are as a country.
Not everyone is the same, but each of us sharing a sense of belonging, being valued equally and being able to contribute to the common good.
Immigration has made an important contribution to our economic and social life,
but it needs to be properly controlled.
With a Labour Government, migrants from the EU will not be able to claim benefits until they have lived here for at least two years.
We will make it illegal to undercut wages by exploiting migrant workers,
and work to strengthen integration within our communities.
Everyone who works with the public in our public services must be able to speak English.
We will help to make communities safer, by protecting and strengthening neighbourhood policing,
countering extremism,
and putting in place tough new laws to reduce violence against women and
child sexual exploitation
.
People want more say in the decisions that affect their lives.
We, in Labour, know that Government has to do things differently.
The old command and control politics – doing things to and for people, but never with them – will not work.
We need a new approach to government that involves more people in decisions that affect them.
So we will devolve more power and control, not only to Scotland and Wales, but to our great English cities and county regions too.
And we will share power and responsibility with people in their communities to help them help themselves and shape their services in response to their local circumstances.
Our country faces global challenges of climate change,
terrorism
and the spread of disease.
In particular, tackling climate change is an economic necessity and the most important thing we must do for our children, our grandchildren and future generations.
A Labour government will face up to these challenges and re-engage with the world.
We will build alliances in Europe, promoting our country’s interests and security,
and standing up for human rights and social justice.
We will work to reform the European Union, and we will retain our membership of it.
Labour’s plan for national renewal will bring about real, meaningful change that each person will be able to feel in their daily life.
We know that to make Britain a better country, opportunity must belong to everyone and not just a few.
We will lend a helping hand to all those who need it, but we will also ask more of individuals and communities.
We can only rebuild our country if everyone plays their part and feels they have a stake in society.
We believe in living within our means.
We will not make promises we cannot keep, and we will not introduce changes unless they are funded.
There is not a single policy in this manifesto that is funded by additional borrowing.
Not a single one.
Our plan is to build a secure, prosperous and more equal country open to the world, in which everyone has the opportunity to get on and do their best.
We will provide strong and effective government but everyone will need to contribute and play their part.
It will be hard, but working together we can do it.
We will build an economy that works for working people
We know a simple truth.
Britain only succeeds when working families succeed.
It is how our country has won through in the past and how it will succeed in the future.
But so many people are putting in the hours and not seeing the rewards.
That is why there is a cost of living crisis.
Our first task in government is to change our economy so that it works for all of Britain’s businesses and working people.
The Conservatives claim that the economy is fixed and that our country is on the right track.
But the economy is not creating the productive, high-skilled and well-paid jobs that we need to raise living standards.
The lack of rewarding work and training opportunities is trapping hundreds of thousands of young people in a cycle of benefits and low-paid, insecure jobs.
And consumers are overcharged in markets they rely on to meet their everyday needs, whether to heat their homes or travel to work.
For most of the 20th century, there was a vital link between the success of the country and family finances.
As the country got better off, so did working people.
But the link between the success of the country and the family budget has been broken.
Since 2010, working people are earning on average £1,600 less a year after inflation.
We have seen the greatest fall in wages over a parliament since 1874.
Over five million people are in low-paid jobs, earning less than the Living Wage.
There are 1.8 million zero-hours contracts.
1.3 million are working part-time because they cannot get a full-time job.
Half of all those in poverty live in working households.
900,000 people, many of them in work, used food banks last year.
This cost-of-living crisis is bad for families, bad for business, and bad for Britain.
Lower levels of pay have meant lower tax receipts and higher spending on social security.
We will have to work and earn our way toward a more fairly shared and enduring prosperity.
We are a great commercial nation that has been at the centre of global trade for centuries.
We have a long tradition of innovation and enterprise.
We have been quick to seize the opportunities of the internet.
We have big strengths to build upon:
world-leading universities,
an outstanding science research base,
an open economy with one of the highest rates of foreign direct investment in the world
, and many successful global companies.
An inclusive wealth-creating economy works when there is a shared sense of responsibility, so we will be a government that is both pro-business and pro-worker.
We value all our businesses as organisations of innovation and wealth production, and we will work strategically with them to create wealth.
We value our trade unions as an essential force for a decent society and as guarantors of skills and fair wages.
A Strong Economic Foundation
The next Labour Government will balance the books.
We will only lay a Budget before the House of Commons that cuts the deficit every year, which the Office for Budget Responsibility will independently verify.
We will get national debt falling and a surplus on the current budget as soon as possible in the next Parliament and these fiscal commitments will not be compromised.
We will tackle the root causes of the deficit by building a more productive economy with living standards that rise year-on-year.
The Conservative-led Government promised to balance the books in this Parliament.
But this promise has been broken.
The Conservatives will leave the country borrowing over £75 billion this year.
Labour’s plan to balance the books means making tough, but fairer choices.
We will reverse the Government’s top-rate tax cut so that the highest one per cent of earners, with an income of over £150,000, contribute a little more to help get the deficit down.
We will stop paying Winter Fuel Payments to the richest five per cent of pensioners, and cap child benefit rises for two years.
Outside of the protected areas of health, education and international development there will be cuts in spending.
Ministerial pay will be cut and then frozen until we have balanced the books.
All proceeds from the sale of our stakes in Lloyds and RBS will be used to repay the national debt.
We will live within our means.
We have no proposals for any new spending paid for by additional borrowing.
All of our commitments will be paid for by reducing spending elsewhere or by raising extra revenue.
For example, we will introduce a tax on properties worth over £2 million to help raise the £2.5 billion a year for an NHS Time to Care Fund –
part of our plan to save and improve the health service.
We will legislate to require all major parties to have their manifesto commitments independently audited by the Office for Budget Responsibility at each general election.
We will cap structural social security expenditure in each spending review so that it is properly controlled.
We will implement the proposals of Labour’s Zero-Based Review, which has already identified savings we will make through reforming old government bureaucracies,
devolving power and services to our towns and cities,
and redesigning public services, and which we will continue in government.
We will invest to prevent social problems rather than waste money reacting to them.
And we will use digital technology to create a more responsive, devolved, and less costly system of government.
Fairer taxes
We will create a fairer tax system, helping those on middle and lower incomes by introducing a lower 10p starting rate of tax, paid for by ending the Conservatives’ Marriage Tax Allowance.
We will not increase the basic or higher rates of Income Tax or National Insurance.
Nor will we raise VAT, and we renew our pledge not to extend it to food, children’s clothes, books, newspapers or public transport fares.
Our first Finance Bill will close the tax loopholes that cost the Exchequer billions of pounds a year.
We will introduce tougher penalties for those abusing the tax system, end unfair tax breaks used by hedge funds and others, and bear down on disguised employment.
We will seek international agreement to make country-by-country reporting information publicly available, and we will act at home if agreement is not reached.
British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies will be required to produce publicly available registries of the real owners of companies based there.
We will carry out an immediate review into the culture and practices of HMRC so that everyone follows the same rules and we increase the rigour of the tax system.
And we will abolish non-dom status so that all those who make the UK their home pay tax in the same way as the rest of us.
It is by tackling tax avoidance in this concerted fashion that we can reduce the deficit and protect the family budgets of working people.
Improving productivity and a new industrial strategy
Labour will improve productivity by building a long-term investment culture in the private and public sectors,
and supporting small businesses in their growth to becoming British success stories of the future.
With Labour, Britain will continue to have the most competitive rate of Corporation Tax in the G7.
Building world-class infrastructure will be crucial to fostering economic growth.
We will create certainty for investors by taking a long-term approach to the major investment decisions facing the country.
We will set up an independent National Infrastructure Commission to assess how best to meet Britain’s infrastructure needs.
It will make recommendations to government, monitor their implementation, and hold government to account.
These measures and our long-term approach will help reinforce Britain’s status as one of the world’s greatest centres of science and engineering.
We will continue to support the construction of High Speed Two, but keep costs down,
and take action to improve and expand rail links across the North to boost its regional economies.
We will support long-term investment in strategic roads, address the neglect of local roads, and promote cycling.
Following the Davies Review, we will make a swift decision on expanding airport capacity in London and the South East,
balancing the need for growth and the environmental impact.
Scientific discovery and technological innovation will drive economic advancement this century.
We will introduce a new long-term funding policy framework for science and innovation, providing the stability and continuity that our companies and research institutes need to succeed.
We will work to make Britain a world leader in low carbon technologies over the next decade,
creating a million additional green jobs.
This aim will be supported by ambitious domestic carbon reduction targets, including a legal target to remove the carbon from our electricity supply by 2030,
and a major drive for energy efficiency.
Our industrial strategy for the green economy will end the current uncertainty for investors, with a timetable for the Green Investment Bank to be given additional powers so that it can invest in green businesses and technology.
We will create an Energy Security Board to plan and deliver the energy mix we need, including renewables, nuclear, green gas, carbon capture and storage, and clean coal.
For onshore unconventional oil and gas, we will establish a robust environmental and regulatory regime before extraction can take place.
And to safeguard the future of the offshore oil and gas industry, we will provide a long-term strategy for the industry, including more certainty on tax rates
and making the most of the potential for carbon storage.
Labour’s longer-term approach will drive innovation and build on our strengths as a leader in digital technology.
We are just at the start of the internet revolution.
Digital technology has transformed start-up costs making it easier to run your own business.
There is a widening in the application of new transformative technologies in the fields of robotics, genetics, 3D printing and Big Data.
Our economy is developing a network of connections that will revolutionise innovation.
Labour will ensure that all parts of the country benefit from affordable, high speed broadband by the end of the Parliament.
We will work with the industry and the regulator to maximise private sector investment and deliver the mobile infrastructure needed to extend coverage and reduce ‘not spots’, including in areas of market failure.
And we will support community-based campaigns to reduce the proportion of citizens unable to use the internet and help those who need it to get the skills to make the most of digital technology.
Our universities are amongst the finest in the world.
Some are already helping our regional economies by forming strong links with industry and creating high-tech clusters.
They have already spun out hundreds of companies creating thousands of jobs.
We will support this model of knowledge clusters, especially outside the South East.
Britain’s economy is being held back by the culture of short-termism, which is a major obstacle to the development of productive businesses and industries.
We will reform corporate governance to protect our leading firms from the pressure to put tomorrow’s share price before long-term growth potential.
Institutional investors will have a duty to act in the best interests of ordinary savers.
They will have to prioritise long-term growth over short-term profits for the companies in which they are investing.
We will change takeover rules to enhance the role of long-term investors by restricting voting to those already holding shares when a bid is made.
In addition, we will strengthen the public interest test.
We will improve the link between executive pay and performance by simplifying pay packages, and requiring investment and pension fund managers to disclose how they vote on top pay
And we will make sure employees have a voice when executive pay is set by requiring employee representation on remuneration committees.
In this way we can start to create an economy based on mutual obligations, encouraging employers and employees to build partnerships for improving both business performance and job quality.
Outdated practices, like blacklisting, have no place in a modern economy.
Our charities, mutuals, co-operatives and social enterprises are pioneering new models of production that enhance social value, promote financial inclusion, and give individuals and communities power and control.
We will continue to support and help develop the social economy by improving access for co-operative and mutual organisations to growth finance through the new British Investment Bank.
And we will consider how to support employee buy-outs when businesses are being sold.
We will safeguard the public interest in the Royal Mail, supporting the creation of a staff-led trust for the employee share, and keeping the remaining 30 per cent in public ownership.
We will also support the universal service obligation, ensuring competition does not undermine it and introducing protections as necessary.
Backing small business
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
Their creativity and dynamism are vital for raising productivity and competing in the global economy.
Labour will give them a voice at the heart of government – a Small Business Administration, which will ensure procurement contracts are accessible and regulations are designed with small firms in mind.
We will address rising costs for small businesses and strengthen rules on late payment.
Labour will put small businesses first in line for tax cuts.
Instead of cutting Corporation Tax again for the largest firms, we will cut, and then freeze business rates for over 1.5 million smaller business properties.
We will develop a banking system that works for businesses in every region and every sector in Britain.
The long-standing problems of our banking system mean that too many small and medium-sized businesses cannot get the finance they need to invest and grow.
Labour will establish a British Investment Bank with the mission to help businesses grow and to create wealth and jobs.
It will have the resources to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses, and will support a network of regional banks.
We will increase competition on the high street.
Following the Competition and Market Authorities inquiry we want a market share test and at least two new challenger banks.
And we will deal with the scourge of household debt by introducing a new levy on payday lenders, using the funds raised to boost low-cost alternatives like credit unions.
Better work and better pay
Britain’s route to prosperity and higher living standards is through more secure and better paid jobs
. But Conservative policies are causing whole sectors of the economy to be dragged into a race to the bottom on wages and skills.
The Government has weakened employment rights and promoted a hire-andfire culture.
Labour believes our economy can only succeed in a race to the top – competing in the world with better work, better pay and better skills.
Too many people do a hard day’s work but remain dependent on benefits.
We will raise the National Minimum Wage to more than £8 an hour by October 2019, bringing it closer to average earnings.
We will give local authorities a role in strengthening enforcement against those paying less than the legal amount.
And we will support employers to pay more by using government procurement to promote the Living Wage, alongside wider social impact considerations.
Our Make Work Pay contracts will give tax rebates to businesses who sign up to paying the Living Wage in the first year of a Labour Government.
Publicly listed companies will be required to report on whether or not they pay the Living Wage.
It is hard for Britain to succeed when employees feel insecure and employers are undercut by those using exploitative working practices.
Labour will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts.
Those who work regular hours for more than 12 weeks will have a right to a regular contract.
We will abolish the loophole that allows firms to undercut permanent staff by using agency workers on lower pay.
The Conservatives have introduced fees of up to £1,200 for employment tribunal claimants, creating a significant barrier to workplace justice.
We will abolish the Government’s employment tribunal fee system as part of wider reforms to make sure that affordability is not a barrier to workers having proper access to justice,
employers get a quicker resolution,
and the costs to the tax payer do not rise.
Labour is the Party of work, and we value working life.
We will push up standards and boost productivity by implementing the commitments in Labour’s Workplace and Business manifestos.
Supporting the next generation
Over 700,000 of our young people are unemployed
Too many of them do not have the skills they need for work.
And yet in the past year the number of young people starting apprenticeships has fallen.
The Government’s decision to triple university tuition fees leaves young people either starting their working lives burdened by £44,000 of debt, or without a clear alternative path to a decent career.
Labour will cut tuition fees from £9,000 to £6,000 a year, funded by restricting tax relief on pension contributions for the highest earners and clamping down on tax avoidance.
We will tackle the growth of unpaid internships because thousands of highly able young people who cannot afford to work for free are locked out of too many of our professions.
We will introduce a Compulsory Jobs Guarantee, paid for by a bank bonus tax.
It will provide a paid starter job for every young person unemployed for over a year, a job which they will have to take or lose benefits.
For too long we have failed to provide a system which makes the best use of the talents of young people.
So we will guarantee every school leaver that gets the grades an apprenticeship.
We will create thousands more apprenticeships in the public sector, including the civil service.
Every firm getting a major government contract, and every large employer hiring skilled workers from outside the EU, will be required to offer apprenticeships.
We will give employers more control over apprenticeships funding and standards.
In return, we will ask them to increase the number of high quality apprenticeships in their sectors and supply chains.
We will also give them the powers to deal with any free-riding employers who do not train.
Labour’s apprenticeships will be gold-standard qualifications.
We will re-focus existing spending away from low-level apprenticeships for older people, and towards a system where apprenticeships are focused on new job entrants, lasting at least two years, and providing level three qualifications or above.
We will make sure that apprenticeships can lead to higher level qualifications by creating new Technical Degrees and supporting part-time study.
They will be co-funded, co-designed and co-delivered by employers and they will be the priority for expansion within our university system.
Young people who do not have the skills they need should be in training, not on benefits.
We will replace out of work benefits for 18 to 21-year-olds with a new Youth Allowance dependent on recipients being in training and targeted at those who need it most.
Mending the markets that people rely on
Labour will stand up for working families and businesses against vested interests.
We will reform the broken markets that people rely on most so that families and businesses get a fair deal.
Energy bills have risen by over £300 since 2010.
Many businesses say energy is the biggest cost they face.
Lack of competition and transparency has allowed the large energy companies to get away with increasing bills when wholesale prices rise, but not cutting them when they fall.
The regulator has failed to take decisive action to protect consumers.
Labour will freeze energy bills until 2017, ensuring that bills can fall but not rise, and we will give the regulator the power to cut bills this winter.
During the freeze, we will reform the energy market so that it delivers fairer prices and a better deal for working families.
The generation and supply businesses of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies will be separated.
They will be required to open up their books, and they will have to sell their electricity through an open exchange.
We will simplify energy tariffs and make it easier for people to compare prices to get the best deal.
We will protect small businesses by ending unfair contracts and automatic rollovers to more expensive tariffs.
A tough new energy watchdog will enforce our reforms, with powers to strip energy companies of their licences if they repeatedly harm the interests of consumers, and protect off-grid households.
We will bring down energy bills by making homes more energy efficient, delivering a million interest free loans for energy home improvements in the next Parliament.
For those on low incomes, we will make 200,000 homes warm every year, delivered street-by-street by local authorities and community organisations.
Privately rented properties will have to meet a decency standard, bringing warmth to a further three million homes.
The water industry, too, also requires reform.
One in five people struggle to pay their water bill.
Despite this, only a fraction of customers have benefited from the social tariffs offered by water companies.
Under our reforms all water companies will be required to sign up to a new national affordability scheme, helping those who cannot afford to pay their water bill.
And we will strengthen the powers of the regulator to change licenses, limit price rises and enforce industry standards.
Living standards have been hit by fare increases on public transport.
Since 2010, rail fares have risen by 20 per cent, leaving passengers paying the highest fares in Europe.
Similarly, bus fares have risen by 27 per cent while at the same time 2,000 bus routes have been cut.
Labour will reform our transport system in order to provide more public control and put the public interest first.
We will review the franchising process as a priority to put in place a new system and avoid a repeat of the Conservatives’ franchising fiasco.
A new National Rail body will oversee and plan for the railways and give rail users a greater say in how trains operate.
We will legislate so that a public sector operator is allowed to take on lines and challenge the private train operating companies on a level playing field.
Rail fares will be frozen next year to help commuters while we implement reforms.
A strict fare rise cap will be introduced on every route for any future fare rises, and a new legal right for passengers will be created to access the cheapest ticket for their journey.
City and county regions will be given more power over the way buses are operated in their area.
They will be able to decide routes, bear down on fares, drive improvements in services, and bring together trains, buses and trams into a single network with smart ticketing.
Labour will:
cut the deficit every year and balance the books as soon as possible in the  next Parliament
reverse the 50p tax cut so that the top one per cent pay a little more to help  get the deficit down
not increase the basic or higher rates of Income Tax, National Insurance or  VAT
cut and then freeze business rates and maintain the most competitive corporate tax rates in the G7
abolish non dom status
increase the National Minimum Wage to more than £8 an hour by October  2019
and introduce Make Work Pay contracts to provide tax rebates to firms  becoming Living Wage employers
ban exploitative zero-hours contracts
guarantee an apprenticeship for every school leaver who attains the  grades and require any firm that gets a large government contract to offer  apprenticeships
reduce tuition fees to £6,000 a year
freeze energy bills until 2017 and give the regulator the power to cut bills this winter
introduce a British Investment Bank and support a network of regional banks.
We will provide world-class health and education services
Our NHS, care services, schools, colleges and other public services make up the essential fabric of our society.
People need them to be able to live secure and fulfilling lives.
Britain needs them if we are to succeed as a country.
But under the Conservatives they are under threat.
The next Labour Government will protect, improve and invest in our public services,
while giving individuals and communities more control over their design and delivery.
The NHS is one of our great national institutions,
and it is one of Labour’s proudest achievements.
It embodies our belief that by the strength of our common endeavour, we achieve more than we achieve alone.
But the future of the NHS is under threat.
The Conservatives have put the wrong values at its heart, and patients are finding it harder to get the care they need.
Care is at the heart of Labour’s values.
No-one should fear old age or be left to struggle alone caring for a loved one.
But too many older people suffer insecurity, loneliness and exclusion.
And the growing social care crisis is one of the biggest challenges we face.
Since 2010, billions of pounds have been cut from budgets that pay for adult social care.
The result has been 300,000 fewer older people getting vital care services, at the same time as the number of older people in need of care is increasing.
A good education is vital to achieving personal fulfillment and economic prosperity.
A good society depends upon an education system that can open minds and teach the skills and knowledge we each need to get on in life.
But our education system is failing to meet the needs of young people who do not follow the traditional academic path from school to university.
Our public services are a measure of the strength and decency of our society.
But we need a change in how we design them by pushing power down and organising them around individuals and families not centralised bureaucracies.
Good public services also need committed staff who are treated fairly and whose ethos of service is respected.
They require decisions on pay that prioritise those on lower incomes, which are evidence-based, and which respect Pay Review Body recommendations rather than brushing them aside irresponsibly.
Government spends far too much money dealing with the symptoms of problems, instead of investing smaller amounts in dealing with their causes.
Every taxpayer pays the cost of low educational achievement, poor aspirations, drink and drug misuse, and criminality.
So we will promote early-years intervention, supporting young children and their parents and dealing with problems before they get out of hand.
We can save money and create more responsive services by building co-operation between public services and organisations.
Pooling funds across local areas reduces inefficiency and avoids duplication.
Services must be joined up in ways that make sense to the people who use them.
Labour will use digital technology in reforming our public services.
People will be able to feed back on services quickly and simply, making sure their voices are heard, stimulating improvement and saving on the costs of service failure.
The NHS
Labour will rescue our NHS, invest in its future and join up services from home to hospital.
We will start with the promise of investment so that the NHS has time to care.
The NHS is struggling with staffing shortages.
Accident and emergency is in crisis, and more people are facing long waits for tests, treatment, or to see a GP.
Labour will invest in 20,000 more nurses, 8,000 more GPs, and 3,000 more midwives, paid for by a Mansion Tax on properties worth over £2 million, a levy on tobacco firms, and by tackling tax avoidance.
The threshold for the Mansion Tax will rise in line with house prices for these high-value properties, and those on lower incomes will be protected with a right to defer the charge until the property changes hands.
We will guarantee people a GP appointment within 48 hours, and on the same day for those who need it.
We will create a Cancer Treatments Fund so patients have access to the latest drugs, surgery and radiotherapy.
By 2020, patients will wait no longer than one week for vital cancer tests.
Catching the disease early is critical, so we will raise public awareness of symptoms and make sure there is training and support for GPs in spotting early signs.
The answer to the health challenges we face is not to set hospital against hospital, but to join up services around patients’ needs.
We will repeal the Government’s Health and Social Care Act, scrapping the competition regime and restoring proper democratic accountability for the NHS.
We will establish a sensible commissioning framework, based on the principle of an NHS preferred provider, to stop the drive towards privatisation and make sure that NHS services are not destabilised by competition and fragmentation.
Where private companies are involved in providing clinical services, we will impose a cap on any profits they can make from the NHS, to ensure that the needs of patients are always put first.
We support the principles behind the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Treaty (TTIP).
We will hold the European Commission to account on issues of concern, including the impact on public services and the Investor to State Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
And we will ensure the NHS is protected from the TTIP treaty.
Our health reforms will focus on prevention and early intervention, and joining up services from home to hospital.
When people cannot get to see their GP, many go to A&E instead.
When mental health problems are not spotted early, people can deteriorate and need more intensive support.
And when elderly people cannot get the care they need at home, they are more likely to end up in hospital.
The current system is too fragmented.
It was not designed for the growing numbers of people living with chronic conditions or multiple needs.
Rather than having three separate systems for dealing with physical, mental and social care, we will create a whole person approach: a single service to meet all of a person’s health and care needs.
This will be underpinned by new rights for patients.
Vulnerable older people, disabled people and those with complex needs will be helped to have more control of their lives with the entitlement to a personal care plan designed with them and shaped around their needs, the option of personal budgets where appropriate, and a single named person to coordinate their care.
They will also receive better information and advice on managing their condition.
These changes will help to end the frustration of families sick of being passed from pillar to post between different individuals and agencies.
Commissioning and budgets will be brought together at a local level to join up services and make sure that providers are incentivised to help people stay healthy and outside hospital, rather than simply waiting for them to fall ill.
Mental health will be given the same priority as physical health.
People will have the same right to psychological therapies as they currently have to drugs and medical treatments.
To help address the problem of undiagnosed mental illness, NHS staff training will include mental health.
We will increase the proportion of the mental health budget that is spent on children, and make sure that teachers have training so they can identify problems early and link children up with support.
To support young people’s health and wellbeing, we will encourage the development of social and emotional skills, for example through the use of mindfulness to build resilience.
And we will set out a strategy with the goal of ensuring that the great majority of patients can access talking therapies within 28 days, and that all children who need it can access school-based counselling.
A greater emphasis on prevention and public health is essential, not just to improve outcomes and tackle inequalities, but to ensure the NHS remains sustainable.
For example, 3.2 million people are currently diagnosed with diabetes, and it is estimated that spending on treatment will rise from £10 billion to £17 billion a year over the next 25 years if action is not taken, such as to reduce levels of obesity.
We will set a new national ambition to improve the uptake of physical activity and take targeted action on those high strength, low cost alcohol products that fuel problem drinking.
And we will set maximum permitted levels of sugar, salt and fat in foods marketed substantially to children.
Everyone involved in the NHS must learn lessons when things go wrong, for example, from the failings at Mid-Staffordshire and Morecambe Bay.
Labour will prioritise action to improve care quality and patient safety.
In addition to recruiting extra nurses to help provide safe levels of staffing on wards, we want every hospital death to be subject to an appropriate level of review.
We will also take action to modernise the regulation of healthcare professionals.
Care in older age
Labour will support people in their older age.
Growing old should be a positive and fulfilling experience.
But our social care system is close to collapse, with older people often receiving visits limited to just 15 minutes, provided by a workforce that is too often undervalued.
Labour supports measures to cap the costs of care and will prioritise improving the quality of care services.
Working with local authorities and care providers, Labour will end time-limited 15-minute visits, introducing year-of-care budgets to incentivise better care in the home.
By stopping the use of zero-hours contracts, where regular hours are being worked, we will improve the working life of care workers.
For older people, the normal setting for care should increasingly be the home, not the hospital.
We will recruit 5,000 new home-care workers – a new arm of the NHS – to help care for those with the greatest needs at home.
This will include supporting more people to remain at home at the end of their life, including those who are terminally ill with the greatest care needs.
We will also introduce a system of safety checks to identify risks facing vulnerable older people and enable preventative measures to be put in place, such as grab rails to prevent falling.
The burden of the care crisis is falling on carers, especially women, who account for six in every ten carers.
Labour will introduce a new duty on NHS organisations to identify carers so that they can be linked up with the right support.
We will ring-fence the money councils get for carers’ breaks to ensure this money gets spent on carers.
A high quality education for all our children
Labour sees investment in education as an investment both in our children and in the future of the country.
We will protect the entire education budget, including the early years, schools and post-16 education, so that it rises in line with inflation.
However investment on its own is not enough.
We need to create a route to success for the 50 per cent of young people who do not go down the traditional academic route.
We will raise the standard and status of vocational and technical education, with a high quality vocational route from school through to employment.
The Technical Baccalaureate, a vocational award for 16 to 18-year-olds, will combine a gold-standard qualification accredited by employers, with a quality work placement.
We will transform high performing Further Education colleges with strong links to industry, into new specialist Institutes of Technical Education, with a remit to deliver the Technical Baccalaureate and higher-level skills.
We will support more young people to gain the core skills they need for employment and further study.
With Labour, students will continue to study English and Maths to age 18 and undertake work experience between the ages of 14 and 16.
And to ensure young people are equipped to make the best choices for their future, we will introduce a new, independent system of careers advice, offering personalised face-to-face guidance on routes into university and apprenticeships.
We believe fundamentally that a world-class education system is made by excellent teachers.
With Labour, every teacher will need to gain qualified teacher status.
We will encourage teaching quality by creating new career routes for teachers who are expert in their subject.
These teachers will be able to attain a new ‘Master Teacher’ status.
Teachers will also be expected to update their knowledge and skills as a condition of remaining in the profession, and we will support plans for a new College of Teaching.
These measures will help us close the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers, and work towards all children reading well by age 11.
We have supported the successful ‘Teach First’ since its inception and will continue to do so.
A new School Leadership Institute will support headteachers and improve school leadership.
It will accredit gold-standard headship qualifications, support leadership training and development, and identify and develop the school leaders of the future.
The Government has attempted to oversee thousands of schools from the centre.
This approach is not working.
Underperformance is going unchallenged and parents do not have enough of a voice.
Labour will introduce new Directors of School Standards at a local level to monitor performance, intervene in underperforming schools and support them to improve.
Where a majority of local parents have concerns about underperformance, or a dip in standards, they will be able to call in their local Director of School Standards to hold a school to account.
Labour will promote innovation in schools.
We will give all schools freedoms currently only granted to some.
Directors of School Standards will be responsible for commissioning new schools where there is a shortage of school places, encouraging innovative bids from established providers, good local authorities, parents, teachers and entrepreneurs.
They will also encourage local schools to work together to improve the quality of education.
We will end the wasteful and poorly performing Free Schools programme, and switch resources to where they are needed, allowing us to cap class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds at 30 pupils or under.
Private schools currently benefit from generous state subsidies, including business rates relief worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
We believe they should do more to contribute to raising standards in state education to justify receiving this subsidy.
As a condition for continued business rate relief, private schools will be required to form a meaningful partnership with a school, or cluster of schools, in the state sector.
Children develop and learn best when they are secure and happy.
We need to help our children develop the creativity, self-awareness and emotional skills they need to get on in life.
We will introduce compulsory age-appropriate sex and relationships education
. We will encourage all schools to embed character education across the curriculum, working with schools to stop the blight of homophobic bullying.
Labour will:
invest £2.5 billion more that the Conservatives to recruit 8,000 more GPs, 20,000 more nurses and 3,000 more midwives
guarantee GP appointments within 48 hours and cancer tests within one week
join up services from home to hospital, with a single point of contact for all who need it
give mental health the same priority as physical health, with a new right to access talking therapies
repeal the Government’s privatisation plans, cap profits and put the right values back at the heart of the NHS
end time-limited 15 minute social care visits and recruit 5,000 new  home-care workers to support people in their home
introduce a new gold-standard Technical Baccalaureate for 16 to-18-year olds
protect the entire education budget from early years through to post-16 education
guarantee all teachers in state schools will be qualified
appoint Directors of School Standards to drive up standards in every area
cap class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds
ensure all young people study English and Maths to age 18.
We will help our families and communities to thrive
As a country we value compassion, tolerance and a sense of decency.
But pressures on family life, growing inequality, anxieties about crime and anti-social behaviour, and a widespread loss of trust in our governing institutions, are creating insecurity in many communities.
Labour believes a decent society grows out of family life and relationships, out of the work we do, and the local places to which we belong.
We will help to create a more secure and inclusive society by building and strengthening the institutions that help individuals, families and communities to thrive.
Supporting families and relationships
People’s relationships bind society together, and the family, in all its various shapes and sizes, is its bedrock.
But low pay, the pressures of work and caring for children and elderly relatives, have put families under increasing pressure.
We will help families by expanding free childcare from 15 to 25 hours per week for working parents of three and four-year-olds, paid for with an increase in the bank levy.
We will also introduce a legal guarantee for parents of primary school children to access wraparound childcare from 8am to 6pm through their local primary school.
As well as helping parents, this will provide children with before and after-school clubs and activities, helping to raise their aspirations and attainment.
This will be underpinned by a new National Primary Childcare Service, a not for profit organisation to promote the voluntary and charitable delivery of quality extracurricular activities.
Labour recognises the vital importance of the power of people’s relationships to build the capacity for love, care and resilience.
We will prioritise early years intervention to give children and parents the best start in family life, and restore the role of Sure Start centres as family hubs.
Sure Start will have an obligation to provide families with access to childcare, opening their facilities to charities and local childcare providers.
More widely, we will encourage local services to co-locate, so that they work together to shift from sticking plaster solutions to integrated early help.
We will take a whole-family approach to policy making, supporting relationships, and the involvement of fathers, grandparents and relatives in the care, education and health of children.
More fathers want to play an active role in their children’s lives and families want to spend more time together with a new baby.
So we will double the current two weeks of paternity leave to four weeks, and increase the amount of paternity pay from £140 to more than £260 a week.
Many grandparents want to be more involved in caring for their grandchildren, and we will support them in doing so.
As a result of this Government’s failures, the commitment to ending child poverty by 2020 is very unlikely to be met.
However, we will never forget how important a decent basic income is to a child’s prospects and wellbeing.
That is why we will keep the child poverty targets, and ask the Office for Budget Responsibility to monitor and report on progress.
We will promote the care and educational achievement of our most vulnerable children
and we will introduce mandatory reporting of child abuse.
We will increase support for children in kinship (family and friends) care and their families, a group too often overlooked and undervalued.
We will continue to support Frontline and its innovative approach to training social workers, and teachers will receive better training for working with children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Building new homes
Britain is in the midst of the biggest housing crisis in a generation, with the lowest levels of house building in peacetime since the 1920s.
Young people have been priced out of home ownership.
Fewer affordable homes are being built, homelessness is rising, and millions face insecurity and poor standards in the private rented sector.
Everyone should be able to live in a secure home, whether they rent or buy.
We will make sure that at least 200,000 homes a year get built by 2020 – almost double the current level – by implementing the recommendations of the Lyons Review.
It is only by building more homes that people’s aspiration for home ownership will be fulfilled.
Our comprehensive plan to tackle the housing crisis will give local communities new powers to provide the homes they need, in the places they want to live.
To help young people and families get on the housing ladder, we will give local authorities the power to give first call to first time buyers on new homes in areas of housing growth.
And we will unlock a Future Homes Fund by requiring that the billions of pounds saved in Help to Buy ISAs be invested in increasing housing supply.
We want a housing market that rewards the building of high quality homes rather than land banking and speculation.
So we will introduce greater transparency in the land market and give local authorities new ‘use it or lose it’ powers to encourage developers to build.
We will increase competition in the housebuilding industry by backing small builders, including through our Help to Build scheme,
and by getting the public sector building again.
We will build more affordable homes by prioritising capital investment for housing and by reforming the council house financing system.
We will give local authorities powers to reduce the number of empty homes, including higher council tax on long term empty properties.
And to boost the housing we need, we will start to build a new generation of garden cities.
For the 11 million people who rent privately, we will legislate to make three-year tenancies the norm, with a ceiling on excessive rent rises.
A ban on unfair letting agent fees will save renters over £600.
We will drive standards up by creating a national register of private landlords.
Homelessness is the ultimate symbol of the housing crisis.
Labour reduced homelessness by 70 per cent when we were last in office, but all forms of homelessness are back on the rise, with rough sleeping having increased by 55 per cent.
We are committed to reversing this trend by tackling the causes of homelessness and rough sleeping.
Restoring social security
Britain needs a responsible and fair social security system that provides security when people lose their jobs
or fall sick,
as well as a decent income when they retire.
The British people have always believed in the principle of contribution, rewarding those who pay in, helping people get back on their feet, and providing support in times of need.
To guarantee a decent social security system for the next generation, we need to keep costs under control.
Under this Government, the increase in low pay has left working families more reliant on tax credits and housing benefit, pushing up the social security bill.
To get the benefits bill under control, we need to tackle the root causes of rising spending, by making work pay and building more homes.