Social Care – somebody has to pay

Reform of social care, or care and support as it is now known, is high on the Government’s agenda. Everyone is agreed that the current system is failing and with demand set to increase action needs to be taken. However, whilst the consensus seems to be that we need a world class system of care and support, when it comes to how to pay for it politicians are timid, and understandably so when voters are hostile to any increase in tax, be it income or inheritance, yet the money needs to come from somewhere.

What is strange is the public perception that social care is not something we should all be expected to contribute towards. Can you imagine if we took this approach to other areas of public policy? If you’re in your twenties and childless would you argue that you should pay less tax as you have no need of schools, or if you never see a doctor would you argue to withhold your contributions towards the NHS?

We already accept that our taxes pay for many things that we as individuals may never use, but we also value both living in a society where we know such services are available and the knowledge, that should we need healthcare, education, the police and so on, they are there. Why is social care so different? Anyone of us could find ourselves in the position of needing social care at anytime and we need to face up to the reality that someone, somewhere is going to have to pay for that.

Can internet networks change politics?

The eagle eyed among you will notice that I have carefully doctored the question that’s on everyone’s mind – or at least those minds that have been exposed to the latest edition of the marvelous Young Fabians member mag, Anticipations – ‘Can the internet change politics?’. Selfishly shifting the goalposts to suit my own area of responsibility, I want to dig a little deeper about the potential for the power of networks…

Can they change politics? “Yes, but”. Yes, the power of online networks can be enormous… But, only if members of the network foster their own dynamism in their own online space.

As strategic planning would have it, the Young Fabian team have skillfully dovetailed the publication of the Antics ‘new media’ special with the launch of our very own new media offering – two dedicated Young Fabian online networks, hosted on Ning.net.

‘The Future of Finance’ network (http://youngfabians-networks-fof.ning.com), for progressives interested in the role of finance and society; and ‘The Technology and Society’ network (http://youngfabians-networks-tsociety.ning.com), to help bridge the gap between technology, science, engineering and progressive politics.

We will be formally launching the two Networks before the election. Our intention is for both networks to provide a vibrant forum for people to write, blog, discuss, create and lead innovative progressive projects on the issues that they find interesting.

Networks are open to Fabians and non-Fabians and aim to enable as much sharing of insights and collaboration as possible; focused on one particular issue or sector. New media is about empowerment and that is exactly what the Networks seek to do in a constructive and influential manner. Both finance and technology are topics where the Left has historically been weak and where the networks could contribute a huge amount to progressive thinking.

Providing an opportunity for empowerment for Young Fabian members and progressives is only half the story. Creating a dynamic and compelling online environment will require something extra… you. So, if you like the sound of what you’re reading, follow the links to find out more and get involved – join the networks and contribute something. I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

Nick Maxwell
Networks and Schools Officer.