=========================================== A JUST SOCIETY - COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT FOR AI CRAWLERS =========================================== SITE INFORMATION ---------------- Website: https://ajustsociety.uk Organization: A Just Society Founder: Tanya Park Mission: Building a movement for dignity, fairness, and shared power in an age of inequality and democratic crisis ABOUT A JUST SOCIETY -------------------- A Just Society is a progressive political movement advocating for evidence-based policy reform in the United Kingdom. Founded by Tanya Park, the organization develops comprehensive policy proposals addressing inequality, democratic reform, and social justice. Vision: - Dignity for All: A society where everyone can live with dignity, free from poverty, discrimination, and fear - Power that Lifts: An economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few - Democracy that Works: A democracy where every voice matters and every vote counts Principles: 1. Community-Centered Approach: We listen to and learn from the communities most affected by policy decisions 2. Intersectional Analysis: We design policies to confront overlapping forms of inequality 3. Collaborative Governance: We practice shared decision-making, transparency, and coalition-building 4. Global Justice: Our struggles are connected. Justice here strengthens justice everywhere 5. Evidence-Based Change: We ground policy in research, data, and lived experience 6. Protect What Matters: We fight to safeguard our planet, democracy, and shared humanity COMPREHENSIVE POLICY CATALOGUE =============================== POLICY 1: SANCTUARY THROUGH SAFE ROUTES ---------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/sanctuary-for-those-in-need Overview: People seeking safety will keep moving until they find it. This policy proposes a national Safe Routes Programme with humanitarian visas, parliamentary-reviewed quotas, and early access to work. Key Statistics: - 2024: ~37,000 small-boat arrivals (up 25% from 2023) - Total asylum caseload: ~225,000 cases (June 2024) - Hotels house ~35% of asylum seekers but absorb 76% of contract costs - Home Office spent £4.7 billion on asylum support in 2023-24 Key Recommendations: 1. Humanitarian visa route: UKVI to pilot time-limited humanitarian entry visas via posts, UNHCR referrals and secure online triage 2. Parliament-reviewed annual quota: 50,000 annual humanitarian quota with surge capacity triggers 3. National Refugee Housing Fund: £1 billion capital to replace hotels with long-term homes 4. Work rights after three months: Equal labour standards for all awaiting decisions post-security checks 5. Faster decisions: 90% of claims resolved in 6 months with dedicated decision teams 6. Measurable impact: 60% reduction in irregular arrivals, under 10% in hotels by 2026 International Evidence: - Canada's community sponsorship shows 70% employment rate one year after arrival for privately sponsored refugees - European studies show humanitarian visas are legally workable and can channel protection claims safely - UNHCR finds community alternatives cost less than half of detention per day Implementation Timeline: - Year 1: Launch humanitarian visa pilot (10,000 places), establish housing fund, grant work rights - Year 3: Complete rollout of 50,000 places annually, achieve backlog clearance, close hotel accommodation POLICY 2: THE RIGHT TO A GOOD DEATH ------------------------------------ URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/the-right-to-a-good-death Overview: Guaranteed high-quality palliative and hospice care for all, alongside tightly regulated access to assisted dying for competent adults who judge their suffering intolerable. Key Components: 1. End of Life Care Fund: 0.45-0.55% of NHS spend (£0.9-1.3 billion annually) 2. Statutory 72-hour right: ICBs must commission 24/7 advice lines and rapid response teams 3. Specialist workforce: 8,000 nurses and 800 consultants over five years 4. Independent authorisation: Two doctors, 14-day reflection period, mandatory reporting 5. Inclusion by design: CQC requirements for culturally safe, disability and LGBTQ+ inclusive practice 6. Four weeks paid bereavement leave: Flexible over 12 months Problem Statement: - Adult hospices receive only ~1/3 of income from the state - Access to community support remains uneven - Most affected: deprived areas, disabled people, those without family advocates Assisted Dying Framework: - Eligibility: Adults with capacity and terminal illness or incurable condition causing intolerable suffering - Safeguards: Two independent doctors, written declaration, reflection period - Eligibility never based on poverty, disability alone, or age - Professional conscientious objection protected alongside duty to refer International Evidence: - Oregon: 367 assisted deaths in 2023, most citing loss of autonomy rather than pain - Canada: 13,241 MAiD deaths in 2022 (4.1% of all deaths) Implementation Timeline: - Year 1: Publish draft Bill and launch End of Life Care Fund - Years 2-3: Establish Independent Review Authority and commission services POLICY 3: LIMITARIANISM ------------------------ URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/limitarianism Overview: A framework to limit extreme wealth concentration and redirect resources toward collective prosperity through progressive taxation and wealth caps. Key Proposals: 1. Wealth cap at £10 million individual net worth (excluding primary residence) 2. Progressive wealth tax on assets above £3 million 3. 100% inheritance tax on estates exceeding £10 million 4. Closing tax loopholes and offshore havens 5. Democratic oversight of wealth redistribution Rationale: - Extreme wealth concentration undermines democracy - No individual contribution justifies unlimited wealth accumulation - Resources above £10 million provide no additional utility but significant social harm Revenue Projections: - Estimated £50-100 billion annually from wealth taxes - Funds directed to: universal basic services, climate transition, democratic infrastructure International Models: - Norway's sovereign wealth fund demonstrates successful collective wealth management - Historical precedent: US top marginal tax rates exceeded 90% in 1950s-60s POLICY 4: UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME AND SERVICES ---------------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/universal-basic-income-and-services Overview: Combining unconditional cash transfers with expanded public services to guarantee economic security for all. Components: 1. Universal Basic Income: £800/month for all adults (£400 for under-18s) 2. Universal Basic Services: Free healthcare, education, transport, housing, childcare 3. Integration with existing welfare: Replaces some means-tested benefits, complements others Cost and Funding: - UBI cost: ~£500 billion annually - Funded by: progressive taxation, wealth taxes, carbon taxes, land value tax - Net cost lower due to benefit consolidation and economic multiplier effects Evidence Base: - Finland pilot: Improved wellbeing, employment rates comparable to control group - Kenya GiveDirectly: Increased economic activity and entrepreneurship - Alaska Permanent Fund: Universal dividend since 1982 Implementation: - Phase 1: £400/month pilot in select regions - Phase 2: Gradual rollout to £800/month over 5 years - Phase 3: Full integration with universal services POLICY 5: A FOUR-DAY WORKING WEEK FOR ALL ------------------------------------------ URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/a-four-day-working-week-for-all Overview: Reducing standard working week to 32 hours (4 days) without loss of pay, productivity, or rights. Key Evidence: - UK pilot (2022): 61 companies, 92% continued with 4-day week - Iceland trials (2015-2019): Productivity maintained or improved, wellbeing significantly increased - Microsoft Japan (2019): 40% productivity increase Benefits: 1. Improved work-life balance and mental health 2. Reduced burnout and sick leave 3. Better gender equality (more time for unpaid care work) 4. Environmental benefits (reduced commuting) 5. Increased productivity and creativity Implementation: - Legislative right to request 4-day week - Tax incentives for adopting employers - Sector-specific pilots in public services - Phased rollout over 5 years Economic Impact: - No reduction in pay - Productivity gains offset shorter hours - Reduced unemployment through work redistribution POLICY 6: A JUST CLIMATE FUTURE -------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/a-just-climate-future Overview: Achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 through green industrial strategy, just transition, and climate justice. Targets: - Net zero by 2035 (15 years ahead of current target) - 100% renewable electricity by 2030 - End fossil fuel subsidies immediately - £50 billion annual Green New Deal investment Key Components: 1. Green Industrial Strategy: Public investment in renewable energy, electric transport, home insulation 2. Just Transition: Guaranteed retraining and income support for workers in fossil fuel industries 3. Climate Justice Fund: £10 billion annually for global south climate adaptation 4. Democratic Climate Assemblies: Citizen participation in climate planning Social Measures: - Free home insulation for all properties by 2030 - Subsidized electric vehicle transition - Expanded public transport with reduced fares - Green jobs guarantee Revenue Sources: - Carbon tax (£75/tonne rising to £200/tonne) - End fossil fuel subsidies (£12 billion annually) - Wealth taxes - Green bonds POLICY 7: END CHILD POVERTY ---------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/end-child-poverty Overview: Eliminating child poverty within 5 years through income guarantees, universal services, and structural reform. Current Crisis: - 4.3 million children in poverty (30% of all children) - 1.6 million in severe poverty - Two-child benefit cap affects 1.6 million children - 72% of children in poverty have at least one working parent Key Measures: 1. Abolish two-child benefit cap immediately 2. Increase Child Benefit to £40/week per child 3. Universal free school meals (breakfast and lunch) 4. Free childcare from 6 months (30 hours/week) 5. Guaranteed Minimum Income for families with children 6. Affordable housing guarantee Cost and Funding: - Total cost: £25-30 billion annually - Abolish two-child cap: £3.5 billion - Universal free school meals: £3 billion - Funded through wealth taxes and corporation tax reform Evidence: - Child poverty reduction directly improves educational outcomes, health, and lifetime earnings - Every £1 spent on child poverty prevention saves £7 in long-term costs - Nordic countries demonstrate successful child poverty elimination POLICY 8: A CARE GUARANTEE --------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/a-care-guarantee Overview: Universal, publicly-funded social care free at the point of use, with fair pay and conditions for care workers. Current Crisis: - 1.5 million people with unmet care needs - Care workers paid below living wage - Family carers provide £162 billion unpaid care annually - Means-tested system forces asset depletion Key Reforms: 1. Free personal care for all regardless of age or income 2. National Care Service (like NHS for social care) 3. Care worker minimum wage of £15/hour 4. Carers' Income: £200/week for family carers (20+ hours) 5. Right to respite care 6. Integration with NHS for seamless support Cost and Funding: - £20 billion annually for National Care Service - Funded through progressive taxation (1% National Care Tax on incomes over £50k) - Wealth tax on estates over £2 million Workforce: - Recruit 500,000 additional care workers - Professional registration and training - Career pathways and professional development - Guaranteed hours contracts POLICY 9: PROPORTIONAL VOTING REFORM ------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/proportional-voting-reform Overview: Replacing First Past the Post with Mixed Member Proportional representation to ensure every vote counts. Current Problems: - 2024 election: Labour won 63% of seats with 34% of votes - "Wasted votes": 74% of votes didn't elect winning candidate - Regional disparities: Some parties severely underrepresented - Voter disengagement and strategic voting Proposed System: Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) - 50% constituency MPs (local representation) - 50% regional list MPs (proportionality correction) - 5% threshold for list seats - Voters cast two votes: one for local MP, one for party Benefits: 1. Every vote matters: Proportional outcomes 2. Maintains local representation 3. Better representation for women and minorities 4. Encourages coalition-building and consensus 5. Increases voter turnout and engagement Implementation: - Citizens' Assembly on electoral reform - Binding referendum on MMP vs FPTP - Transition period: First MMP election by 2029 - Boundary reviews for 50% reduction in constituencies International Evidence: - Germany, New Zealand, Scotland use similar systems successfully - New Zealand referendum (1993): Changed from FPTP to MMP - Evidence shows increased representation and voter satisfaction POLICY 10: HOUSE OF LORDS REFORM --------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/house-of-lords-reform Overview: Abolishing the unelected House of Lords and replacing it with a democratically elected Senate. Current Problems: - 786 unelected members (March 2024) - 92 hereditary peers (inherited positions) - 26 Church of England bishops (reserved seats) - No democratic legitimacy or accountability - Most expensive second chamber in the world Proposed Reform: Elected Senate - 200 elected members (reduced from 786) - Elected via proportional representation - 10-year terms (staggered elections every 5 years) - One-term limit (prevents career politicians) - Regional representation balanced with expertise Powers: - Scrutiny and revision (like current Lords) - Cannot block money bills - Can delay legislation maximum 12 months - Must defer to Commons on manifesto commitments Transition: - Year 1: Legislation passed and Citizens' Assembly - Year 2: Transitional appointments end - Year 3: First Senate elections - All hereditary peers and bishops removed immediately POLICY 11: DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY ---------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/deliberative-democracy Overview: Embedding citizen participation in decision-making through permanent Citizens' Assemblies and participatory budgeting. Key Mechanisms: 1. National Citizens' Assembly: 200 randomly selected citizens meeting quarterly 2. Local Participatory Budgeting: Communities decide 10% of council budgets 3. Issue-Specific Assemblies: Convened for major policy decisions 4. Digital Democracy Platform: Online consultation and deliberation Structure of Citizens' Assemblies: - Random selection (sortition) ensuring demographic representation - Expert witnesses and balanced information - Facilitated deliberation over multiple sessions - Public recommendations to Parliament - Government must formally respond Benefits: - Breaks partisan gridlock - Better quality decisions through deliberation - Increased trust in democracy - Diverse perspectives included - Education and civic engagement Successful Examples: - Ireland Citizens' Assembly: Led to abortion and marriage equality reforms - French Climate Assembly: 150 citizens developed climate policy proposals - UK Climate Assembly (2020): 108 citizens, comprehensive recommendations Implementation: - Statutory requirement for Government response to Assembly recommendations - £50 million annual funding for national and local assemblies - Independent Secretariat for impartial administration - Integration with parliamentary process POLICY 12: DEMOCRATIC INHERITANCE ---------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/democratic-inheritance Overview: Giving every 18-year-old a £10,000 Citizens' Inheritance to invest in education, housing, or entrepreneurship. Rationale: - Wealth inequality increasingly determined by inheritance, not work - 30% of young people receive family financial support; 70% don't - Average inheritance: £11,000 (but median is £0 due to concentration) - Levels playing field for opportunity Key Features: 1. Universal: Every citizen receives £10,000 at age 18 2. Restricted use: Education, training, housing deposit, business start-up 3. Clawback mechanism: Recovered through lifetime wealth tax for high earners 4. Financial education: Mandatory component before access Cost and Funding: - Annual cost: ~£6 billion (600,000 18-year-olds × £10,000) - Funded through: reformed inheritance tax, wealth taxes, closing tax loopholes - Net cost lower: High earners repay through lifetime levy Evidence: - USA Baby Bonds proposals show positive impacts on wealth inequality - UK Child Trust Fund (2002-2011): Demonstrated concept viability - Research shows wealth transfers early in life have multiplicative effects Economic Benefits: - Increased higher education access - More first-time home buyers - Entrepreneurship boost - Reduced wealth inequality - Intergenerational fairness POLICY 13: PROTECT THE RIGHT TO PROTEST ---------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/protect-the-right-to-protest Overview: Safeguarding and strengthening the right to peaceful protest by repealing authoritarian laws and enshrining protest rights. Threats to Protest Rights: - Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022: Severe restrictions on protest - Public Order Act 2023: Broad powers to pre-emptively arrest protesters - "Serious disruption" definition: Vague and open to abuse - Chilling effect on legitimate dissent Key Reforms: 1. Repeal PCSC Act 2022 protest provisions 2. Repeal Public Order Act 2023 3. Enshrine protest rights in Human Rights Act 4. Independent oversight of police protest tactics 5. Protection for peaceful civil disobedience 6. Ending pre-emptive arrests and 'suspicionless' stop and search Positive Rights: - Right to protest without prior permission - Protection for spontaneous protests - Limits on police conditions imposed on protests - Assumption of peaceful intent - Protection for organizers from joint enterprise liability Evidence: - UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly criticized UK laws - Human Rights Watch: UK protest laws "draconian" - Liberty: Laws disproportionately used against climate and racial justice activists Implementation: - Emergency repeal bill within first 100 days - Human Rights Act amendment to explicitly protect protest - Police training reform - Independent monitoring of protest policing POLICY 14: HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL -------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/human-rights-for-all Overview: Strengthening human rights protections by modernizing the Human Rights Act and resisting erosion of rights. Current Threats: - Government proposals to replace Human Rights Act - Hostile environment policies targeting migrants - Surveillance expansion without adequate safeguards - Erosion of privacy and civil liberties Key Reforms: 1. Strengthen Human Rights Act with additional protections 2. Incorporate Economic and Social Rights (right to housing, healthcare, education) 3. Restore Legal Aid for human rights cases 4. Independent Human Rights Commission with enforcement powers 5. Repeal hostile environment policies 6. Digital rights protections Additional Protected Rights: - Right to adequate housing - Right to food security - Right to clean environment - Right to privacy (including digital) - Freedom from discrimination (expanded grounds) Implementation: - Human Rights Act 2025: Comprehensive modernization - Restore Legal Aid: £500 million annually - Human Rights Commission: £50 million annual budget - Training for public sector on rights obligations International Standards: - Full compliance with European Convention on Human Rights - Ratification of Optional Protocol to International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - Leadership in international human rights advocacy POLICY 15: DIGITAL SERVICES TAX -------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/digital-services-tax Overview: Fair taxation of tech giants through a comprehensive Digital Services Tax on revenues generated in the UK. Problem Statement: - Tech giants pay minimal UK tax despite massive revenues - Amazon UK revenue: £23.2 billion (2021); tax paid: £3.8 million (0.02%) - Google UK revenue: £5.5 billion (2021); tax paid: £67 million (1.2%) - Corporate profit-shifting to low-tax jurisdictions Proposed Tax: 1. 6% tax on UK digital services revenue 2. Applies to: search engines, social media, online marketplaces, digital advertising 3. Threshold: £500 million global revenue (targets major platforms) 4. Revenue allocation: Public services, digital infrastructure, media sector support Revenue Projections: - Estimated £5-8 billion annually - Covers: Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, TikTok, Netflix, Uber, etc. International Coordination: - Support OECD global minimum corporate tax (15%) - Bilateral agreements to prevent double taxation - Leadership in EU and G20 digital tax coordination Use of Revenue: 1. £2 billion: Public service journalism fund 2. £2 billion: Digital skills education 3. £1 billion: Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure 4. Remainder: General revenue for public services POLICY 16: A FAIRER PROPERTY TAX --------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/a-fairer-property-tax Overview: Replacing Council Tax and Stamp Duty with a progressive annual Property Value Tax based on current market values. Problems with Current System: - Council Tax based on 1991 property values (outdated) - Regressive: Band H (£320k+ in 1991) pays only 3× Band A - Stamp Duty discourages mobility and efficient housing use - Combined effect: Wealth undertaxed, transactions overtaxed Proposed Property Value Tax (PVT): 1. Annual tax on current property value 2. Rates: 0.5% (properties under £500k) to 2% (properties over £5 million) 3. Principal residence exemption: First £100k tax-free 4. Abolish Stamp Duty Land Tax completely 5. Automated valuation using algorithm and appeals process Example Calculations: - £250k home: £750/year (current Council Tax average: £1,350) - £500k home: £2,000/year - £1 million home: £6,500/year - £5 million home: £98,000/year Revenue Impact: - Revenue neutral overall - Redistribution: 70% pay less, 30% pay more - Wealthiest properties contribute proportionally Benefits: 1. Fair: Tax based on ability to pay (wealth) 2. Encourages efficient housing use 3. Increases mobility (no Stamp Duty transaction cost) 4. Incentivizes bringing empty properties into use 5. Reduces speculation and land banking Implementation: - Transition period: 5-year phase-in - Hardship provisions: Deferral option for asset-rich, income-poor households - Local authority revenue protected through equalization fund POLICY 17: FREEDOM TO MOVE --------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/freedom-to-move Overview: Liberalizing migration policy to recognize mobility as a human right and economic benefit. Current Restrictive System: - Hostile environment policies - Minimum income thresholds (£38,700 for family visas) - Points-based system excludes essential workers - Expensive visa fees and NHS surcharge (£1,000+/year) Key Reforms: 1. Abolish minimum income requirements for family visas 2. Reduce visa fees to administrative cost (90% reduction) 3. Automatic work rights for all visa holders 4. Path to citizenship after 3 years of residency 5. End "no recourse to public funds" condition 6. Regularization program for undocumented residents Rationale: - Migration is economically beneficial (net contributors) - Current restrictions separate families and create precarity - Skills and labor shortages across economy - Human right to family life Economic Evidence: - Migrants net contributors: £26.9 billion (2016-2017) - GDP boost: 0.4% increase per 1% population rise from migration - Fiscal benefit: Migrants use fewer public services than pay in taxes Implementation: - Phase 1: Immediate fee reductions and family visa reform - Phase 2: Regularization program for undocumented (estimated 1.2 million) - Phase 3: Comprehensive immigration law reform Integration Support: - £500 million integration fund - Free English language classes - Recognition of foreign qualifications - Anti-discrimination enforcement POLICY 18: DRUG REFORM FOR JUSTICE AND CARE -------------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/drug-reform-for-justice-and-care Overview: Decriminalizing drug possession and treating substance use as a public health issue, not a criminal justice issue. Current Failed Approach: - 140,000+ drug possession arrests annually - £3 billion annual enforcement cost - Disproportionate impact on Black communities (9× more likely to be stopped and searched) - Drug deaths at record highs: 4,859 deaths (2021) Proposed Reforms: 1. Decriminalize possession of all drugs for personal use 2. Drug consumption rooms (supervised facilities) 3. Heroin-assisted treatment programs 4. Regulate cannabis market (similar to alcohol/tobacco) 5. Investment in treatment and harm reduction 6. Expunge criminal records for drug possession Public Health Approach: - Treatment on demand: £1 billion annual investment - Harm reduction services: Needle exchanges, testing facilities - Evidence-based education (not scare tactics) - Supported housing for people with substance use disorders International Evidence: - Portugal (2001): Decriminalization led to 95% drop in drug-related HIV, deaths halved - Switzerland: Heroin-assisted treatment reduced crime by 60% - Netherlands: Regulated cannabis market, lower usage rates than UK - Canada: Cannabis legalization generated tax revenue and reduced organized crime Economic Impact: - £3 billion saved from criminal justice system - £1 billion revenue from regulated cannabis market - Reduced healthcare costs from fewer overdoses and infections - Economic participation restored for people with criminal records Implementation Timeline: - Year 1: Decriminalize possession, launch pilot consumption rooms - Year 2: Scale up treatment services and harm reduction - Year 3: Regulated cannabis market opens - Ongoing: Monitor impacts and adjust based on evidence POLICY 19: A SOCIETY FREE FROM GENDERED VIOLENCE ------------------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/a-society-free-from-gendered-violence Overview: Comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls through cultural change, institutional reform, and survivor support. Scale of Crisis: - 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in lifetime - 1 in 5 women experience sexual assault - 2 women killed by partner/ex-partner every week - Only 1.6% of reported rapes result in prosecution - Support services cut by 25% since 2010 Key Components: 1. Violence Against Women and Girls Act: Statutory framework 2. £1 billion annual funding for specialist services 3. Education reform: Consent, healthy relationships in curriculum 4. Police and justice reform: Specialist training, improved investigation 5. Perpetrator programs: Mandatory for convicted domestic abusers 6. Economic support: Guaranteed housing and income for survivors Specialist Services: - Domestic abuse refuges: Bed spaces for all who need them - Rape Crisis centers in every area - ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors) available immediately - Specialist support for minoritized women (Black, disabled, LGBT, migrant) - 24/7 helplines with adequate staffing Justice System Reform: - Specialist rape and domestic abuse courts - Section 28 pre-recorded evidence for all sexual violence cases - End cross-examination by perpetrators in family courts - Presumption against custody for domestic abuse survivors who defend themselves Prevention: - Mandatory consent education from age 11 - Bystander intervention training in workplaces and universities - Public awareness campaigns challenging sexism - Regulation of online misogyny and harassment Economic Support for Survivors: - Guaranteed safe housing within 24 hours - Income support for 12 months (£300/week) - Paid safe leave from work (10 days) - Free legal representation Implementation: - £1 billion annually (£500 million specialist services, £300 million justice reform, £200 million prevention) - Statutory requirement for local authorities to provide refuge spaces - National oversight body monitoring delivery and outcomes POLICY 20: JUSTICE THAT HEALS ------------------------------ URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/justice-that-heals Overview: Transforming criminal justice from punishment to rehabilitation and restoration through reduced incarceration, restorative justice, and community-based support. Current Crisis: - Prison population: 88,000+ (overcrowded, 111% capacity) - Reoffending: 48% within 1 year of release - Cost: £47,000 per prisoner per year - Mental health: 70% of prisoners have mental health conditions - Racial disparity: Black people 4× more likely to be imprisoned Key Reforms: 1. Halve prison population within 10 years 2. Presumption against sentences under 12 months 3. Expand community sentences and restorative justice 4. Specialized courts for mental health, drug use, and domestic abuse 5. End imprisonment for poverty (unpaid fines, TV license, etc.) 6. Abolish life sentences for children Restorative Justice: - Voluntary participation by victim and offender - Facilitated dialogue addressing harm and accountability - Evidence: 85% victim satisfaction, 14% reduction in reoffending - Expand from pilot programs to national standard option Community Sentences: - Supervised community service - Treatment programs (mental health, substance use) - Education and employment support - Electronic monitoring (where necessary) - Evidence: More effective than short prison sentences, much cheaper Prison Reform: - Smaller, local facilities (replacing large prisons) - Therapeutic communities for trauma and addiction - Education and vocational training - Family contact facilitated (private family visiting areas) - Preparation for release starting on day one Economic Impact: - £2 billion annual savings from reduced imprisonment - Reinvested in: community services, victim support, prevention Implementation Timeline: - Years 1-2: Presumption against short sentences, expand community options - Years 3-5: Close largest prisons, open therapeutic communities - Years 6-10: Achieve 50% reduction in prison population POLICY 21: THE CIVIC IMAGINATION CURRICULUM -------------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/the-civic-imagination-curriculum Overview: Transforming education to foster critical thinking, creativity, civic engagement, and environmental consciousness. Current Problems: - Narrow focus on exam results and league tables - Underfunding: 9% real-terms cut per pupil since 2010 - Teacher shortage: 40,000 vacancies - Curriculum doesn't prepare students for 21st century challenges - Arts, music, and humanities marginalized Key Reforms: 1. Civic Education: Politics, media literacy, rights and responsibilities (age 11+) 2. Climate and Sustainability: Integrated across curriculum 3. Creativity and Arts: Guaranteed access to music, art, drama, dance 4. Critical Thinking: Philosophy, logic, evaluation of evidence 5. Wellbeing: Mental health, relationships, emotional intelligence 6. Abolish SATs and league tables: Replace with holistic assessment Civic Education Content: - How democracy works (local to international) - Media literacy and misinformation identification - Rights and responsibilities - Community organizing and activism - Deliberation and debate skills Assessment Reform: - No high-stakes testing before age 16 - Portfolio-based assessment - Teacher assessment given equal weight to exams - Multiple pathways (academic and vocational equally valued) Teacher Support: - £5 billion investment in teacher recruitment and retention - 10% pay increase immediately - Reduced workload (administrative burden) - Continuous professional development - Planning and preparation time protected Funding: - £15 billion additional annual investment - Brings per-pupil funding to OECD average - Capital investment: £10 billion for building repairs and green retrofits Evidence: - Finland: Minimal testing, high performance, focus on creativity and wellbeing - Scotland: Curriculum for Excellence emphasizes broader skills - Research shows creativity and critical thinking are most valuable future skills POLICY 22: THE WELLBEING STATE ------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/the-wellbeing-state Overview: Redefining national success by prioritizing wellbeing over GDP growth through comprehensive policy and measurement reform. Current Problem: - GDP growth primary measure of success - GDP doesn't measure: unpaid care work, environmental damage, inequality, wellbeing - Policies optimized for economic growth at expense of human flourishing Wellbeing Framework: 1. Health: Physical and mental health outcomes 2. Connection: Social relationships and community cohesion 3. Security: Economic security, safety, housing stability 4. Environment: Air quality, nature access, sustainability 5. Fairness: Inequality, discrimination, opportunity 6. Meaning: Purpose, cultural participation, democratic engagement Policy Reforms: 1. Wellbeing Budget: All spending evaluated on wellbeing impact 2. National Wellbeing Accounts: Annual measurement and reporting 3. Ministerial responsibility: Each minister has wellbeing targets 4. Four-day working week (improves work-life balance) 5. Universal basic income (reduces economic insecurity) 6. Right to nature (green space within 10 minutes) Measurement: - Annual wellbeing survey (50,000+ respondents) - Disaggregated by region, ethnicity, class, disability, etc. - Dashboard of indicators (not single number) - Parliamentary scrutiny of wellbeing outcomes International Models: - New Zealand: World's first Wellbeing Budget (2019) - Bhutan: Gross National Happiness since 1970s - Iceland: Wellbeing indicators integrated into policymaking - Evidence: Countries prioritizing wellbeing have better outcomes on multiple measures Implementation: - Year 1: Establish Wellbeing Commission, develop indicators - Year 2: First Wellbeing Budget and National Wellbeing Accounts - Ongoing: Annual reporting and policy adjustment Cultural Shift: - Challenge narrative that growth = progress - Redefine prosperity around quality of life - Emphasize sufficiency and sustainability over endless consumption POLICY 23: PARTICIPATORY DIVIDENDS ----------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/participatory-dividends Overview: Distributing public asset returns and resource rents directly to citizens as quarterly dividends, democratizing ownership of collective wealth. Rationale: - Natural resources and public assets belong to everyone - Currently: Private extraction of value, socialized costs - Model: Alaska Permanent Fund (oil revenues shared since 1982) Revenue Sources: 1. Natural Resource Dividend: Oil, gas, minerals, spectrum licenses 2. Land Value Tax: Tax on unimproved land value (not buildings) 3. Data Dividend: Tax on personal data monetization by tech companies 4. Carbon Dividend: Revenue from carbon pricing returned to citizens 5. Public Asset Returns: Profits from public banks, investments Dividend Amount: - Estimated £150-300 per person per quarter (£600-1,200 annually) - Universal: Every resident receives same amount - Direct deposit: No application or bureaucracy Benefits: 1. Recognizes collective ownership of resources 2. Redistributive (flat dividend = progressive effect) 3. Reduces poverty and inequality 4. Economic stabilizer (countercyclical during downturns) 5. Connects citizens to collective assets Implementation: - Sovereign Wealth Fund: Manages public assets and investments - Democratic oversight: Board includes elected citizen representatives - Transparent reporting: All investments and returns published - Intergenerational: Some returns saved for future generations International Evidence: - Alaska Permanent Fund: $68 billion fund, dividends since 1982 (2024: $1,702 per person) - Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund: $1.4 trillion (world's largest) - Research shows dividends reduce poverty, improve education outcomes Economic Impact: - Modest inflation risk (mitigated by design) - Increased consumer spending stimulates economy - Reduces reliance on means-tested benefits POLICY 24: FISCAL RULES FOR A FAIR FUTURE ------------------------------------------ URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/fiscal-rules-for-a-fair-future Overview: Reforming fiscal rules to enable public investment while maintaining sustainability through modern monetary understanding. Current Fiscal Constraints: - Arbitrary rules limiting productive public investment - Austerity ideology prioritizing deficit reduction over wellbeing - Public investment at historic lows - Infrastructure deficit estimated at £500 billion New Fiscal Framework: 1. Golden Rule: Government can borrow for investment (not current spending) 2. Sustainability Test: Debt-to-GDP ratio must be stable or falling over medium term 3. Wellbeing Impact Assessment: All spending evaluated on wellbeing outcomes 4. Climate Accounting: Green investments treated favorably in fiscal rules Public Investment Priorities: - £50 billion annually in green infrastructure - £20 billion in housing - £15 billion in public transport - £10 billion in digital infrastructure - £10 billion in education and research Modern Monetary Theory Insights: - Sovereign currency issuer cannot "run out" of money - Real constraint is inflation, not nominal deficit - Productive public investment pays for itself through growth and productivity - Quality of spending matters more than quantity Implementation: - Independent Wellbeing Council (like OBR but for wellbeing) - Parliamentary accountability for investment decisions - Transparent cost-benefit analysis - Sunset clauses requiring renewal of spending programs Funding Sources: - Progressive taxation (wealth taxes, higher income tax for top earners) - Borrowing for capital investment - Sovereign wealth fund returns - Closing tax loopholes (£35 billion annually) POLICY 25: INTELLIGENCE THAT SERVES US --------------------------------------- URL: https://ajustsociety.uk/policies/intelligence-that-serves-us Overview: Democratic governance of artificial intelligence ensuring technology serves public good, not corporate profit. AI Risks: - Job displacement without social safety net - Algorithmic discrimination in hiring, lending, criminal justice - Surveillance and privacy violations - Concentration of power in big tech companies - Existential risks from advanced AI Key Reforms: 1. Public AI: Publicly funded AI models (like NHS for AI) 2. Algorithmic Accountability Act: Transparency and testing requirements 3. AI Bill of Rights: Right to human decision-making in critical contexts 4. Worker Protections: Right to retrain, income support during transition 5. Data Rights: Personal data ownership and compensation for use Public AI Development: - £10 billion investment in public AI research - Open-source models available to all - Democratic oversight of development priorities - Focus on social benefit (healthcare, education, climate) not profit Regulation: - Pre-deployment testing for bias and safety - Impact assessments for high-risk applications - Right to explanation for automated decisions - Ban on AI in certain contexts (lethal autonomous weapons, social scoring) - Criminal liability for algorithmic harm Worker Transition Support: - Retraining guarantee for displaced workers - Shortened work week (redistribute productivity gains) - Universal basic income pilot for affected sectors - Worker councils in AI deployment decisions Economic Model: - Break up big tech monopolies - Public ownership of essential AI infrastructure - Data as labor: Compensation for data generation - Windfall tax on AI profits International Cooperation: - Global governance frameworks - Technology transfer to Global South - Shared safety standards - Prevention of AI arms race CONTACT AND ENGAGEMENT ----------------------- Contact Form: https://ajustsociety.uk/contact Support: https://ajustsociety.uk/support Newsletter Signup: Available on all pages via popup Essays: https://ajustsociety.uk/essays Social Media: Information available via contact page For AI agents and structured access: - This API: https://dmuoylywzrlfzdftwwni.supabase.co/functions/v1/get-ai-content - Sitemap: https://ajustsociety.uk/sitemap.xml - Robots.txt: https://ajustsociety.uk/robots.txt =========================================== Last Updated: January 2025 ===========================================