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August 2007 newsletter
This is the latest edition of our regular newsletter. It includes reports from policy debates at the last NPF meeting, held at Heathrow on the 21/22 July.
Sustainable Communities and Britain in the World
By Martin Phillips
Although we are halfway through the NPF cycle, the July meeting felt like a new beginning in many ways - a new Prime Minister and most ministers new to their jobs. I also sensed a new confidence in many ministers to admit that some changes in direction may be needed, which is at one with Gordon’s own statements.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Gordon Brown has put housing and climate change at the top of his agenda, so there will be a lot of focus on the debates over this document. I was pleased to get an increased emphasis on reducing waste through cutting down packaging, and more work will be done on public transport, cycling and walking. I also asked for increased efforts to get more people to work from home.
We also had a long discussion with Hazel Blears about local government, particularly with the number of different models meaning greater confusion for the public over who does what. We need to find new ways to involve the public, make local government more accountable and effective.
One thing we all welcomed is the new emphasis on house-building (and even some new council-house building). However, many of us were also concerned that Tory and Lib Dem councils are frustrating these plans by blocking so many planning applications.
BRITAIN IN THE WORLD
The work of this commission has always covered some of the most controversial issues. In my group, minister Kim Howells took many of our concerns on board, but was also honest enough to explain some of the obstacles that prevent progress (we can have much more open discussion in NPF meetings, away from the eyes of the media).
There was great debate about reform of the UN and particularly how to make it far more effective in ending conflicts – reluctantly we did admit that the UN has often failed to stop conflict because of vetos from countries protecting the interests of themselves or their allies.
The section in the Middle East will also be expanded. Several of us called for more emphasis on the positive effects of the EU, particularly the social aspects – but also a clear recognition that we need to do more to counter anti-EU arguments and fight the nonsense spouted by the right-wing press over the constitution.
Crime, justice, citizenship and equalities and Health
by Deborah Gardiner
The Policy Forum met at Heathrow to discuss the second year consultation documents. Usually at this point in the NPF cycle we are at least two years away from a general election but with a new Leader in place and the announcement that Ed Miliband would begin working with the NPF on the manifesto, there was a definite feeling that things were moving faster than usual. The Policy Forum said goodbye to Ian McCartney, who had been Chair of the NPF for many years, and Pat McFadden was elected as the new chair. Gordon Brown gave an excellent speech which concentrated on the challenges facing the government and his commitment to focus on housing need was particularly welcomed. The atmosphere was extremely positive (although with a new Leader, great polls out that weekend and the Tories in disarray it would be have been surprising if it hadn’t been) and most positive of all was the feeling amongst representatives that there was renewed confidence and willingness to engage in difficult debates.
CRIME, JUSTICE, CITIZENSHIP AND EQUALITIES
There was some disappointment in this document as it had only one line on domestic violence, particularly as Harriet Harman had made tackling this a key point in her speech to the NPF. We were promised that this section would be strengthened. The need to separate immigration and asylum into distinct categories in the document was also stressed as it was felt that it was difficult enough to lead a sensible public debate on these two issues without merging them into one in our own policy documents. The need for enhancing effective community punishments as an alternative to prison was also raised, as was concern about the large numbers of prisoners and the need for better rehabilitation programmes for prisoners. The need for more effective drug addiction treatment programmes was also raised, both generally and in the context of addiction and prostitution.
HEALTH
The need for more emphasis on health inequalities and public health in the document was raised with Ministers. It was extremely heartening to hear from Ministers a desire to improve dialogue with health service staff and include them in discussions when possible changes to services are being discussed. NPF representatives stressed to Ministers that NHS staff did not just mean doctors but meant staff on all pay grades all of whom have a vital role to play in service provision. The need for a proper public debate on the ever increasing demands placed on the NHS and the difficult choices we have to make on what limits we place on the service was emphasised, as was the fact that the Primary Care Trusts have a huge amount of power and not much accountability. The need for local government and the health service to work together more closely was recognised, but concern was raised by reps that the “low level” care traditionally provided by local government to those in need, eg cleaning and shopping, was being edged out. In many Councils, only relatively high level medical care was provided and this change of emphasis often led to people living in poor conditions.
Education and skills AND PARTY REFORM
by YOUTH REP LIV BAILEY
There was, undoubtedly, a different atmosphere at this National Policy Forum. New ministers, new ideas and the exciting news that Gordon was ahead in the polls created a real sense of urgency and enthusiasm amongst delegates.
EDUCATION AND SKILLS
The education and skills document was excellent in that it identified all of the principles which we unite behind – higher attainment, more students at university, more teachers and support staff, and free education for three and four year olds – a fair, unbiased education system where parents can rely on all schools as the best place for their child.
The document contained some excellent discussion of issues such as discipline in schools, recognising the desperate need to tackle bullying in all forms, including the important identification of homophobic and racist bullying. It also focussed on the importance of broadening young people’s horizons by giving them opportunities to learn new skills such as playing a musical instrument or learning a different language. The document also realised the importance of the education maintenance allowance in allowing students to stay on at school, and also announced a new policy of that allowance continuing if the pupil goes to university. There was some debate over university top up fees and I raised the importance of making a commitment to not lifting the cap on fees in 2010. While the minister refused to make that promise there have been some positive steps taken in the increase in grants and bursaries available to more socially disadvantaged students.
PARTY REFORM
This document is a positive step for the party to take and will drastically improve our internal democracy, and reengage members. However it is really important you all engage in the debate as there are some big changes coming with the plans. Here are the key proposals:
Proposal One – A commitment to give greater support to local parties in holding policy forums, and creating a duty amongst NPF members to consult, engage and involve CLPs.
This is absolutely necessary, and will ensure the NPF runs smoothly and involves more members.
Proposal Two – Strengthen the NPF with a regular workplan and meeting schedule, an open dialogue with ministers and greater ability to provide feedback to grassroots members.
Again, there was consensus that this was sensible and necessary and would increase the effectiveness of the NPF.
Proposal Three – The JPC will take on an enhanced executive function in relation to the operation of the NPF and the PiP process, meeting every two months.
It was generally agreed that this would again make the NPF more efficient.
Proposal Four – Annual conference to be given a more substantial role in directing and monitoring the work of the NPF. 12 NPF representatives will be directly elected by conference.
There was some opposition to the idea of electing NPF members at annual conference. This is because it would dilute the carefully constructed balance of CLP and Union representatives and would confuse the process of reporting back.
Proposal Five - A new contemporary issues process through which party units would be able to submit issues. Each issue that succeeds will be debated at conference and be included in a work programme in the relevant policy commission.
While this makes sense in principle, it runs the risk of stopping important decisions being taken at annual conference and while the policy commissions should have more say, conference shouldn’t have less.
… Let us know what you think.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES made to the npf documents
After the NPF meeting, the JPC (Joint Policy Commission) meets to agree the changes to be made to the documents. Simon Burgess gives you a point by point guide to the changes made by npf representatives to the policy documents (as endorsed by the Joint Policy Commission).
Education & Skills
Sustainable Communities
Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities
Health
Britain in the World
Prosperity and work