Tag: Welfare

Sure Start at the heart of Labour

DDave3 Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 10:08:34 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

I've been reading some of Gosta Esping-Andersen, the Spanish sociologist, work recently. The way to achieve equality of opportunity is, he explains, to make it a central Government goal to "abolish social inheritance". Whilst this is his rather policywonk sociologist terminology, nonetheless it represents an important breakthrough.




Prison doesn't work, but Welfare does.

DDave3 Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 11:42:45 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

As of 2008 there has been a well documented crisis of overcrowding in Britain's prisons. The country has the highest rate of imprisonment in Europe, with 143 people per 100,000 of the population in gaol. The figure for Germany is 97 (who have a twenty million more populace), and for France 88. A policy focusing mainly on the criminal justice system has run up against its limits. Being tough on crime cannot be equated with being tough on the criminal. The Labour government has relied too heavily on the criminal justice system, primarily through their desperation to not be seen as 'weak on crime'. Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime isn't just a sound-bite, but, if elaborated properly, a sound policy principle.



Return of the workhouse?

jamesmalexander Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 09:53:41 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

I listened and read with interest David Cameron’s plans for the long-term unemployed. I was intrigued and concerned.

Many years ago, people who could not afford to continue living, ended up in the workhouse and working for a pittance for unscrupulous, exploitative bosses.


Being poor is not something to be ashamed of, a crime or a debt to society. Poor people need help, encouragement, even coercion, not punishment.