Research

The politics of empowerment

The demands and expectations of citizens, if given real voice, will more effectively promote good governance than will any number of government targets or directives. That is why we are looking for new ways to devolve power, not just from central to local government, but from government at all levels to individuals, families and communities. But how can this best be done, and what will be the practical benefits to the British people?

Recent Publications:

Learning the hard way: a strategy for special educational needs (May 2008)

Parents of children with special needs are currently among the most disenfranchised of all parents. This paper sets out a vision of special educational needs policy, with provision being driven by parental choice and empowerment - rather than by bureaucrats and 'expert' opinion.

A liberal education policy (December 2007)

This paper draws together four CentreForum reports on education, laying out a coherent, radical, and liberal vision of education policy at pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education. It advocates supply and demand side liberalisation, to empower parents with a genuine plurality of provision and a portable funding entitlement.

Looking ahead: paying for long term care (October 2007)

This paper examines the various options for the funding of long term care in the face of rising costs and increased life expectancy, setting out policies which would encourage and empower individuals to insure themselves against the risk of needing care in old age.

In my back yard: unlocking the planning system (March 2007)

Britain’s housing market is in crisis. Too few houses are being built, while prices continue to spiral ever higher. At the root of the problem is the planning system – there is too little incentive for local communities to permit new development. This paper develops a radical solution which seeks to return some of the gains from new developments to local communities – turning NIMBYs into IMBYs and alleviating the crushing pressures on the housing market.