More power for parents

Tuesday, 6 April 2004 12:00 AM

Parents should have more say in how their children are educated, according to former transport secretary, Stephen Byers.

In a speech later today, Mr Byers is expected to set out Labour's ambition to give ordinary people more control over public service delivery.

Schools and hospitals look certain to be the main battle ground for the next general election, which could be held as early as next spring.

Both Labour and the Conservatives are promising to offer greater choice in a bid to win over voters.

"Choice must not be denied but its scope and scale needs to be expanded if we are to secure social justice," Mr Byers will tell the Social Market Foundation today.

The government is keen to head off the Conservatives, who have been resurgent under the leadership of Michael Howard.

Mr Byers, one of Tony Blair's closest allies before he was forced to resign from the cabinet, will advocate greater power for parents even if it means curtailing the role of local education authorities.

Under the proposals local people could be allowed to decide who delivers their public services.

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