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This Autumn, the ten local councils now controlled by ReformUK will need to work to set out the budgets that are legally required in Spring.... this move from 'made-up numbers' & statements without execution, to the real world of budget setting will do two things:
1. it will reveal where Reform has workable ideas & where its just fantasy politics; and
2. whose local interests they will be sacrificing to balance the books....
It may get ugly (uglier!)
#politics #LocalGovernment
h/t FT
That's a good point; but the current NHS with prescription charges does do sort of a similar thing.... but I would accept my position on university & the NHS would be different - partly I think because while tertiary education is in a sense a top-up with other alternatives available from self-education to training & other approaches to learning, when it comes to health really once we're past nutrition & exercise the health service is a necessary 'solution' to your health issues...
Yes, although actually I don't have a problem (in theory) with a student contribution to costs, on the economic grounds that its optimal to have those who benefit pay... but the key issue is the balance between public & private benefits... the current system is modelled on the notion that the individual captures all benefits of education & society almost none; rather its the other way round, which is why I favour a small (means-tested) UG fee, but extensive state support
As Richard Budd (LancasterU) suggests, anyone thinking undergraduate fees are a good move for Scotland clearly hasn't been paying attention to how they've played out in England.
While originally justified as a 'top up' to Govt. funding they came to replace such funding, and the associated fee-based business model lies at the heart of the crisis engulfing universities across England & Wales.
Better to find a different strategy for Scottish universities!
#universities
https://ddubdrahcir.wordpress.com/2025/09/03/fees-for-scotland-best-not-to/
With over a 1000 committed & signed up to demonstrate against the proscription of Palestine Action, Defend our Juries Saturday London protest is on.... and may be complemented by a similar protest in Edinburgh (if enough commit).
The protest will take place despite the arrest of Tim Crossland one of DOJ's founders (and four others) today under the terms of the proscription of PA.