Thursday 7 October 2010

How I would like to improve politics

Just a quick post on a few things I would like to happen to improve politics.

Manifesto:
I would like to see the manifesto lifted to the status of a service level agreement, and as such would like to see an annual review of progress against election promises. Basically on the anniversary of each election each politician from PM to Councillor will stand before the electorate and state which of their promises they have completed, what they are still working on and what now cannot be delivered - and why.

Borrowing:
To prevent a repeat of The current system I would like to introduce a limit on public sector borrowing, no government or local authority should borrow for anymore than a single elected term, this is to stop the features of inherited good economies, becoming train wreck economies when they are passed back.

MP Expenses:
Although it is last years hot topic, I want to see the expenses revisited, instead of restricting to rental properties only I feel that on election an MP should select an apartment - up to a set level - and this should be 100% tax payer funded, after their term ends the property will be either sold by the state (if prices have gone up) or held until the taxpayer can be ensured of a return on investment.

Recall elections:
A recall election to be called if petitioned by 25% of eligible voters at any time, or 10% with proven wrong doing.

Prison System:
Reform the prison System into a two tier system, punishment and rehabilitation. All prisoners to spend the first half of their sentence in punishment and the second half in rehabilitation - dependant on good behaviour. Both tiers to include paid employment to cover the costs of the system.

Smoking Ban:
I would lift the ban but only for licensed premises, these premises would be banned from selling any foods and must be new establishments (so no one can end up working in one if they do not want to) I would then leverage the costs of smoking related diseases directly against the cigarette companies.

House of Lords:
I am a strong believer in the existence of a non-elected body in government, (as the majority are not always right - Nazi Germany for example) however if you are to switch to a wholly elected parliament perhaps we could split the duties of an MP between the houses with the Lords taking a more community focused role, with the commons being more Westminster and business based, perhaps even electing on a joint ticket. - to be honest, not something I believe in but would welcome the debate.

Like I say, these are just my ideas and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

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