Property Ownership

Original post here (click link for comments)

Actually this is something I've put a bit of thought into over the years, but it was only while reading a comment on another post that I realised I'd never put it all down coherently, so here it is.

Warning - my red roots show in this post:-)

House ownership
IMO this has to be an all or nothing issue in society, and I prefer the all. So home ownership is encouraged, where applicable.

Council houses are available to rent, and to buy after 1 full years tennancy. Councils MUST put any money gained from selling their houses into building/aquiring new public housing. After 1 year, you can either buy the house as normal with a single lump sum (mortgage or otherwise), or you can apply for your current rent to start going towards paying of the cost of the house at 2% above base rate. While you own less than 50% of the house, you can "sell" it back to the council if you wish to move. Once you own 51%+ you must sell the house on the open market & refund the relevent %age to the council on completion. Houses that are part owned may be passed on to the next generation to continue to buy (not just rent).

Private renting as allowed too, although I would tighten controls on what counts as habitable, the number of people allowed to reside per square metre and some H&S issues.

Local council tax is a flat fee, plus an income derived sum. Transients have to pay the flat fee into a central fund.

Second Home Ownership
Obviously people can buy more than one property if they wish & have the means, however, I do not approve of perfectly good houses sitting empty so:

All domiciles must be occupied for at least 6 months of the year. Any house that has not been resided in for 6 months in the previous 18 (giving 6 months leeway) will be compulsoraily purchased by the council for 2/3 market value. an additional 6 months extension can be applied for if the house is either on the market, or the owners can prove they are currently in negotiation regarding new tenants/owners.

Second homes are subject to full council tax. If rented out, the owner has to pay the tax annually regardless of whether the tenants are permenent or not. This will mean that many rented houses pay the tax twice (once by the owners & once by the tenants). Good!

Oviously this is quite a complicated subject, and I've just scratched the surface here. As usual feel free to comment, critisise or clarify , and I'll do my best to answer all concerns.

Transport Policies

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Well, to be honest this has become bigger and has been taken far more seriously that I ever imagined! So this week I thought I'd flesh out my Transport Policies, which were briefly mentioned in the original post:

The main thrust of my Transport policy is to encourage the use of public transport as opposed to private cars, and to reduce road use in general, both for ecological, environmental & financial reasons. Therefore the first law still applies:

Frieght & Commercial Goods should not be transported by road if any other alternative is available. No frieght road journeys should be longer than 50 miles.

The railways will be renationalised (yes I know this scares investors off from investing in other public services. I don't care. And no, I won't compensate the current useless operators, they've skimmed enough off already & business is a risky business!). Ticket prices will be subsidised so that it is cheaper to travel by rail than by road.

Every Village will have daily bus (or other public transport) services to it's local towns, all towns will have regular trains, and all cities will have an internal transport network (trams/light railway etc). (the definition of Hamlet, viallage & town is already set out and refers to the number of dwellings)

Road tax will be abolished. The aim is not to penalise people for owning cars, but to encourage them to use them less. The MOT will be more stringent & a criteria for keeping/using a car on the public road. Garages found to be issuing illegal MOT's will not only have their licence removed but will also be charged with attempted corporate murder. That'll stop 'em!

Tax on petrol will remain stupidly high:-)

Aviation fuel will be taxed at the same rate as diesel (yes I know the world will fall apart if we can't buy plane tickets for £1, everyone will be bankrupt & Stelios will be very annoyed. Tough!)

All government car parks will have electric re-charge sockets available on a pay as you park basis.

All commercial food outlets will recieve advice on converting their used vegetable oil into bio-fuel, and grants may be available for smaller businesses.

Driving licences will have to be renewed every 10 years, by re-taking the driving test.

That's about all I can think of right now. I'm sure some more will occur to me in time, as new news stories break, or following the comments I recieve.

As always, you are welcome to express your opinion in the comments, and I will try to explain my reasoning, although as supreme, beloved and lifelong dictator, I do not need to take your views into consideration when writing my utopian world laws:-)

Education

Original Post Here (click link for comments)

OK, and back to our regular programming now Xmas is over, here, especially for Dave, who keeps nagging me aboput it, here is Education.....

Before I start, let me say I am assuming that I have taken over supreme dictatorship of England., and this is how I would change the education system. I am no way qualified to set up a new system from scratch, and the point of my utopian world is to yell at news reporters "but it's OBVIOUS what you should do" whenever they tell me how the country is falling apart at the seams:-)

National Curriculum
We have a national curriculum. It is flexible in teaching methods & timings, but there are specific subjects that must be learned to a set level by a set age. Parents have the right to know that their child will be taught the same in rural Devon as the children in Chelsea. Teachers need to know what their targets are. Children should be able to transfer schools without too much difficulty.

Selection & Choice
You have no choice of state school. you will be allocated a place at the closest one, unless you apply for an alternative with a damn good reason. "I like it better" is not a good reason. "all her brothers & sisters go there" is. However, schools inspectors are well funded, and schools must reach good standards each year, so every school will be offering a good education to every child. If a school is failing, more money will be available to assist with specific failings. Therefore, yes, a school in inner city Liverpool may well get lots more money than schools in suburban York, but specifically targeted at behavioural & social issues. Of course my fantastic parenting policy means there will not be so many of these in the first place:-)

There are private schools. They also have to follow the basic national curriculum, but may add in alternative subjects/principles. No state school will be faith based. If you think you can't teach them your faith at home, you have to pay your own bunch to do it for you. Comparitive religion is part of the basic national curriculum.

Secondary schools may operate a selection policy within individual subjects, where they feel it would be suitable.

Staff & Subjects
Primary schools have two qualified teachers per class, allowing for individual working & assessment where necessary & ensuring continuity for the children, less stress for the teachers, and a back-up for any problems.

There will be at least one "special needs" primary school in each constituency. It should be on the same site as a standard state school, sharing resources, teachers & facilities. this will allow integration where possible & suitable, and differentiation when necessary.

Secondary schools teach practical subjects as well as academic ones. Children chose options at 11 & 13, and should be offered the chance to do all academic, all vocational or a mix of subjects in every schools.

School Leaving Age & Further Education
Full time education is compulsory up to the age of 18.

At 15, children chose to either continue in their school, attend a specialist college, or join an apprenticeship scheme. Specialist colleges offer vocational qualifications in the many subjects that need specialis knowledge by tutors & workers - nursing, sport, IT etc. Apprenticeships are in practical skills - plumbing, electricians, building etc. School offers generic qualifications - maths, art, Biology etc

At 18, it is expected only 25-33% would attend University. I do not believe we should be sending everyone to uni, it belittles the value of a degree & is not suitable for most people: academic study is nothing to gloat over, the ability to build a house is far more useful most of the time. The specialist colleges also offer further qualifications, so many more students will remain in eductaion past minimum leaving age. Most apprenticeships last 5-7 years, so they will all still be in education too.

Money Matters
ALL full time education is free. Grants are minimal, but available to all. You can claim housing benifit while at university, so grants only need to cover living expences. this is paid for by saving a fortune on pre-school eductions, as the employers bear the brunt of that cost, and my high income tax, which may be mentioned in another post some time.

I am sure I have missed out some very important facts. if you want clarification, please feel free to ask in the comments & I'll try to add it in

Crime & Punishment

Original Post Here (click link for comments)

So, you're still going to have to wait for the Education installment, as today (a day early) you get my Utopian World - crime & punishment, to tie in with the news story today.

Prisons:
Prisons are places of re-education& re-habilitation in my utopian world. I do not believe in punishment or revenge. I do believe that nearly everyone can make a useful contribution to society & will do so if given the right encourgement.
However, they are no luxury hotels!
Prisoners have to work a 5 day week. they can practise their profession if appropriate, work for the Community Works Service, or attend full time education or vocational training.
They get paid, and food & board is deducted. the remainder can be put into a bank account for their family, or for them to access on release.
All government institutions are drink & drug free (that includes tobacco - which is not available for public use anyway!).
On release, prisoners will be assisted to find accommodation & employment. They will also have access to a mentor to help them learn life skills.

Some people will not be applicable for release. These are people who are dangerous to society - either because they continue to re-offend, or because they do not understand the rules of society (Psycho/sociopaths) or because the nature of their offence was so abhorrant they could not re-enter society. They have seperate prisons/residential homes, and limited employment opportunities. These are run as self-sufficient Estates as much as possible.

Other penalties
obviously, most crimes do not require inprisonment. Other options available to Magistrates include:

• Fines - a percentage of income, not a fixed penalty
• Community service - with the Community Works Service, in addition to other employment/studies
• Tagging - either for a curfew, or a geographical limit
• Repair - direct compensation to the victim by repairing damage/repaying costs etc
• Asset stripping - where assets have been bought with illegally gained money, they can be taken to pay compensation to the victims or the government.
  

The Police
There are a variety of policing authorities in my Utopian World. They work in partnership with each other, but independently, with their own policies & procedures.

• The Transport Police - these are responsible for all transportation matters, from parking infringements to train security.
• Border Control - these are responsible for all movement across our national borders. Including immigration & customs & excise.
• The Criminal Investigation Police - All the criminal stuff.
• Corporate Investigations - Serious fraud, Health & Safety crimes, Internet abuse etc, just because it needs specialist & different skills.

Of course, my parenting licence & fantastic education policies mean there are very few crimes in the first place:-)
It is a proven fact that the majority of prisoners are below average education levels, and it seems fairly obvious that the more you have, the less likely you are to risk losing it all.
I also allow many activities that are currently illegal to take place in my Utopian World, under license, including most drug-taking and prostitution. I'll do a social affairs post another week-)

Childcare & Parenting

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OK, so it was going to be education today, but following an (anonymous) comment on the previous post, I thought I'd go for my controversial childcare & parenting policies instead.

Anonymous complained that as a mother I arbitarily decided that having children was a lifestyle choice, and not every womans dream, duty & absolute right (they didn't put it like that, but....). She (I am assuming they were a she), suggested that had I been unable to have children I might feel differently.

Let me state catagorically before we start. I do not believe ANYONE has the "right" to have children. If you don't like that idea (and yes I know it is against the European article on human rights), then I suggest you stop reading & come back tomorrow. I spent the vast majority of my years believing that I would never have children. It was absolutely guaranteed to me by three seperate Gynae consultants. I was fine with this idea. Aggie knew soon after meeting me that children were not an option. We agreed that IVF would not be considered. We were both fine with this idea.

I have worked with children all my life. IMHO we are failing our children, parents & society with our current policies. And the problems are getting worse, not better.

So, as supreme lord & dictator, in my world:

Contraceptives would be added to the drinking water (all houses have access to free drinking water remember). Prospective parents (PP's) would have to pass a parenting course to be prescribed the antidote. (just as an aside, to keep Aggie happy, these are specially developed contraceptives that have no side effects for either gender. Or everyone can get the implant at school, or something! Sheesh, this is my Fantasy utopia you know!)

PP's would have to be at least two people, who have lived together for a minimum of 1 year, and who have signed a commitment contract (we don't have secular marriages).

The parenting course would include information on parenting skills, dicipline, morals, ethics, and social conscience. Both (all) PP's will have to pass the final test, which would include scenarios.

If you have a child without the proper authority, it will automatically be taken into care, although you can apply to do a fast track residential parenting course, where you will be mentored by qualified staff.

Maternity leave I've already discussed. 6 months full pay, or up to 12 months full pay if a breastfeeding mother. (thats a carrot). The 6 months can be taken by either parent, or shared between them.

PP's who can not concieve children naturally will be entitled to adopt.

Childcare: all children are entitled to subsidised childcare. All employers with more than 15 employees must provide a workplace creche. Local Authorities are responsible for ensuring their are suitable places for all all children.

Congratulations if you have made it to the end of this post:-) I have often been accused of being a wishy washy, Lefty Liberal in blogland (not a title I particularly worry about!), but I am sure this will change many peoples opinion.

Immigration & Welfare

Originally posted Here (click link for comments)

As promised, here is the second installment of how I would lead my country into utopia, as a loved & respected dictator....

It's a bit more complicated this time round, as I'm dealing with bigger issues.....

Immigration:
We have open borders. All immigrants are welcome. However to claim citizenship they have to be fluent in the state language & pass a GCSE level (leaving school) in both verbal & written comprehension. They also have to pass a citizenship test about the mores, culture and ethics of the society they are joining & to agree to uphold those principles. Each individual member of the family must do this. Children under 16 have to pass the approprite age national curriculum English test and be enrolled within a school to recieve citizenship rights.

No-one may stay in the country for more than 12 months without applying for citizenship or a student/working visa (visas are only available for full time students/work)

Non citizens are not entitled to claim welfare benefits, vote, hold public office, or work for the public services. They will be charged for medical treatment recieved.

Asylum seekers of any kind (political/economic/ethical) must apply for asylum within 24 hours of entering the country. They will be housed in "fast-track" citizen centres for a maximum of 6 months & instruction will be available to assist them to become citizens. Basic needs, including medical care will be met. They can apply to take the citizen test at any time. There will be a standard weekly charge for this, which if necessary can be repaid through additional taxation up to 10 years after arrival.
The main aim of these laws is to ensure that all residents have equal opportunities. It solves the whole language/cultural barrier debate. It also solves the problem of an infinite number of "family members" using the system as they each have to take the test/learn the language. The "fast track" system removes the need for defining "Asylum seekers", and ensures there is no need to become an illegal immigrant - reducing exploitation.

Welfare:
Welfare benefits are available to all citizens, and include all medical treatments/preventions but not "lifestyle choice" treatments (cosmetic surgery other than to repair damage, fertility treatments etc)

If unemployed, your current rent/mortgage will be paid for a maximum of 6 months (12 months if on a recognised training course), then a basic amount/housing will be made available.

Welfare benefits will only cover basic needs.

If you are unemployed for more than 12 months, you will have to either enrol on a full time training course or be employed by the Community Works Services.

There is a minimum wage in effect. It will always be higher than Benefits.

Disability benefits are calulated on an individual basis, but will be at least the same as the minimum wage. To claim disibility benefits you have to be unable to be employed by the Community Works Service.

Maternity/Paternity leave is 6 months on full pay. This can be extended up to 12 months for breast feeding mothers.

State Pensions are means tested, and are equivalent value to welfare benefits, but are available for any length of time.
The main thrust of these laws is to encourage people to work, but to provide a safety net if they can't. The Community Works Service is my own innovation & can cover anything from painting walls to building roads. Of course, enforced employment is very politically incorrect, but it's my world, so who cares?

Once again, comments/input are always welcome, but have no actual influence over policy:-)

For thise of you who missed part one, you can find it here.

For those of you who are starting to worry, please be assured that I am not intending to stand for any political office in the real world:

Frieght & Drugs

First Posted here (click link for comments)

Regular readers will know that every now & then I make a throw away comment about my fantasy Utopian world, where I am supreme lord and ruler, loved & trusted to legislate on all issues for everyone:-)

So I thought you might be interested in some of the laws that apply in MrsAginothLand, public consultation/comments are always welcome (although obviously not necessarily acted upon!)

Naturally, this land is not perfect, and bears a remarkable similarity to the real world, so the context of these laws is here, tomorrow.

If I were elected tomorrow, the first laws passed would be on home issues:

Frieght & Commercial Goods should not be transported by road if any other alternative is available. No frieght road journeys should be longer than 50 miles.
This one tackles congestion, environmental concerns and the "local produce" lobby. It is specifically based on UK geography, due to the comparitively small distances, dense population & variety of other transportation options available (rail, sea, canal, air etc)

All intoxicating substances may only be sold& imbibed in licensed premisis. No-one may leave the premisis until medically confirmed clear of all effects.
This one solves all the drug legalisation debates, offers a fair price to farmers, removes the worry of dealers cutting drugs with other chemicals, and removes all drink/drug related crime/violence etc.

next installment will deal with immigration & education!