CIPFA: Nick Clegg tackles Labour record on social mobility and centralisation
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Tuesday, 29, Jan 2008 12:00
Speaking to the Public Management and Policy Association, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg, last night accused the Labour Party of abandoning its traditional supporters, leaving Britain “shamed by the scars of poverty and social deprivation.”
In a wide ranging speech in central London Mr Clegg derided the lack of social mobility in twenty-first century Britain, telling an audience of senior civil servants, public policy analysts and opinion-formers: “Those people who have gained least from a decade of Labour government are the same people that Labour needs most.”
Focusing particularly on education and health, the Lib Dem leader, went on to attack the centralised, micro-managed public services created by successive Tory and Labour governments, and pressed the case for localism and diversity amongst service providers.
He said:
“I want to devolve power from the centre to communities and to individuals. I want to see local solutions applied to local problems, and I want to see the genius of grassroots innovation set free to drive up the standards of our public services, and deliver on the people’s priorities.
“That does not mean an impotent state. Government will still have a role to play. Money must be allocated fairly to those delivering services, equality of access to public services must be guaranteed and core standards and entitlements must be firmly put in place. But it is time to limit central government and allow innovation and diversity to flourish in our communities. That’s the localism I believe in. That’s liberal social justice.”
Taking questions from the floor, Mr Clegg said he wanted to challenge the assumption that diversity inevitably led to inequalities and the nation’s addiction to the idea that equality of outcome can only be achieved by management from the centre. He said he had seen no evidence for this - indeed the most centralised health system in Europe was leading to the worst health inequalities. Other European countries, he added, demonstrated that decentralised approaches led to both higher and more consistent standards.
As the debate progressed, he also gave his views on issues such as constitutional reform and higher education. He also revealed his personal ambitions for his party, telling the audience he aims to double the number of Lib Dem MPs within the next two general elections.
ends
Contact: Richard Taylor, PMPA Press Office
tel: 020 7543 5687 email: Richard.taylor@cipfa.org
Notes to Editors:
1. For a full copy of Nick Clegg’s speech contact Richard Taylor on
020 7543 5687, Richard.taylor@cipfa.org
2. Nick Clegg was speaking to the Public Management and Policy Association at 3 Robert St, London WC2N 6RL, on the evening of Monday 28th January 2008.
3. The Public Management and Policy Association (PMPA) is a national membership organization which exists to promote the value of public management and public policy. It provides a voice for a community of public sector managers, academics, policy-makers, commentators and those with an interest in public services. It arranges events, lectures, publications and other opportunities for this community to meet, discuss and comment on the public policy and management issues of the day. More information on the PMPA is available at www.pmpa.co.uk.