Tory members accept change but cling to tax cuts
Conservative party members believe tax cuts should feature highly in the party’s manifesto for the next election, despite their leaders’ assertions to the contrary.
A widespread consultation of David Cameron’s blueprint for the party, Built to Last, among grassroots Tories reveals that tax cutting remains a priority for many people.
But in June, shadow chancellor George Osborne said tax cuts were unlikely to form part of the party’s next manifesto. Instead, he stressed a Conservative government would share the proceeds of growth between investment for public services and cutting taxes.
However, most members accepted that economic stability – and therefore credibility – was a priority. Some suggested that simplifying the tax system could result in tax cuts without damaging this stability.
The consultation also reveals some disagreement over Mr Cameron’s focus on the environment. It notes: “While it is right to give prominence to issues such as the environment and global poverty, these should always be complemented by other issues.”
There was strong support for the Tory leader’s statement that there is more to life than money, and that the quality of life – including flexible working, the environment and community life – was important.
But many members called for more details on how this would be achieved, questioning, for example, exactly how a Conservative government would improve the everyday lives of people on low incomes.
The consultation finds that the basic message of Built to Last had been “well-received”, although there were concerns about the lack of policies on big issues such as pensions, transport and housing – which are key quality of life issues – and the EU.
The Conservatives’ statement of values has now been updated to include members’ contributions, and will be put to a vote at the Tory conference this autumn.
In his foreword to the new document, Mr Cameron calls for a “responsibility revolution” in the UK, to create a society where “everybody is a somebody, a doer not a done-for”.
This includes, as the original document did, emphasising the role of voluntary and community organisations in tackling deprivation; moving away from centralised government to local democracy; and encouraging a range of public service providers.
“I am clear about the new direction we must set for Britain. To meet the challenges of the 21st century, and to satisfy people’s aspirations today, this country needs a responsibility revolution,” Mr Cameron said.
“A revolution in personal responsibility – giving every individual the skills, the resources, and the confidence to take control of their life. A revolution in professional responsibility – giving all those who work in our public services the freedom to fulfil their vocation.”
Key consultation findings:
- Tax cuts – many members felt tax cuts should still be high on the agenda, although for a significant proportion, economic credibility was more important
- Social justice – there was strong support for Mr Cameron’s assertion that Tory policies should be tested on how they benefit the most disadvantaged, not just the rich, although some members said policies should be developed to support wealth creation
- Quality of life – members were encouraged by this new emphasis but questioned how a Tory government would improve the quality of life of people on low incomes
- Public services – members supported the idea that public services should be guaranteed but not necessarily provided by the state
- International poverty – there were concerns about making pledges, such as to ‘make poverty history’, that could not be kept. Members also noted that Britain should tackle its own poverty problems first
- Security and freedom – members supported an emphasis on balancing security and freedom, but said the document should be expanded to include recent policy announcements such as a new bill of rights, and proposals to improve law and order
- Government action – most members agreed that government could be a force for good but were concerned that it did not interfere too much in people’s lives. Many saw an opportunity to clearly differentiate the Conservatives from Labour in this area
- Local democracy – there was general support for localised democracy rather than centralised government, although some members expressed concern about the effect of Labour’s dominance in urban local government on this idea
- The West Lothian question – there was little support for a separate English parliament although members said a solution to the problem of Scottish MPs voting on laws that only affect England must be found
To read the policy consultation click on the Built to Last consultation response
To read the updated Built to Last document visit www.conservatives.com
