Some thoughts on localism, the role of the state, and the very visible fist of the free market ..

Here's some quotes from the TUC's localism guide in bold - and some of my thoughts. I don't think things are as clear cut as left vs right/ state vs free market. but there is a lot of unhappiness that is probably avoidable with a different system, so ignoring it is not really an issue either..

"The tension between local control and the free market represents perhaps the greatest threat to the survival of local voluntary action in this new, post-welfare state world.

Is that the electorate doesn't generally want things to stay as they are. Also the labour model of putting money (and therefore choice) into people hands had mixed results. The ‘end of social problems’ turned into ‘the maintenance of social problems’..

But do we have any evidence that shows competition = efficiency..?

It certainly = cheaper. But if the only efficiency is taking money out of working people’s wages (which has negative connotations on the economy, on deprived areas, and on people’s self esteem). Working towards unskilled McJobs can’t be out countries long term strategy. and we have bad case studies on either side (privatising the railways was a disaster, many others regarded as the normal working of a 21 century state)

"Freeing people from the state’s ‘chains.’ is fine, but freedom without capacity to exercise it is hollow."

Yup. On the other hand I’m not convinced by the those who have been unsatisfied with the status quo for the last 15 years and have the attitude “we need to keep on fighting the government, and get paid to do it” . What’s the end goal for that, or is it just platitudes for the chattering classes? and who should have to pay to ensure justice in a free society. not having any support between the individual is not fair, but neither is the middle class tier that is supported by crime (through the criminal justice system) or social service (social workers, or community college educators). 

Who should support the system that helps people exercise their individual freedoms..?

“One pathway ahead lies through stronger routine dialogue with public sector paid staff, trade unions and church or faith groups, who are developing challenges to policies which are destroying hard-won services. A plea for independence, free thinking and action lies close to this heart of darkness. Voluntary action is a complement to our welfare state, not a substitute for it.”

Yup. So we need to work within the systems which are here, not pray for better ones. This is akin to the behavioural economics argument: lets base public decisions on what people actually do, not what they say that do. More to follow..

https://www.tuc.org.uk/tucfiles/354/Localism_Guide_2012.pdf