Our place to talk – an independent website for supporters of the Liberal Democrat party in the UK.

The most-read independent website by and for Lib Dem supporters. Not paid for by trade unions or millionaires.

Advert

Author Archives: Chris Paterson

The Independent View: Slashing early years spending contradicts the desire to improve social mobility

By Chris Paterson | Thu 3rd November 2011 - 1:45 pm

In its Social Mobility strategy launched last April, the government made clear the dual priorities shaping its agenda:

“Tackling the financial deficit is the Coalition’s most immediate task. But tackling the opportunity deficit – creating an open, socially mobile society – is our guiding purpose.”

These are strong words indeed, marking an unequivocal commitment to improving the life chances of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. At a very minimum, they indicate a clear intention to manage the necessary public spending cuts in a way that recognises this laudable goal.

Continue reading »

Posted in The Independent View | Tagged early intervention, frank field, graham allen, harvard centre on the developing child, james heckman, nick clegg and social mobility | 4 Comments

Most Read

Op-eds

Should the Liberal Democrats support “None of the Above”? (Samuel Jackson)
Extending the school day: A catalyst for economic growth (Edward Marsh)
An open letter to Andy Burnham (Tony Vickers)
Four challenges in Andy Burnham’s in-tray (Callum Robertson)
A plea to our new Prime Minister – abolish me! (Tim Leunig)

Advert

Recent Comments

Chloe
Richard; Who picks up the tab for the net fiscal deficit of the Scottish & Welsh governments . Jana is correct - ultimate sovereignty is with Westminster. ...
George Thomas
I think there are some issues which should unite Welsh politicians across the spectrum: - retrospective compensation for lack of devolution of HS2 funding; ...
Matt (Bristol)
cim - I could see a situation where in a multi-winner STV election, if NOTA or RON (reopen nominations) would remain in contention but with a special threshold ...
David S
The logical result of a NOTA vote would be the election of a place-holder candidate who fills the seat and prevents anyone else from getting in, but who also re...
Andrew Tampion
There is no evidence that the Argentinian Government intends to invade the Falklands, although that could change. If our Government increases defence spending...