Conservatives believe in and value the institution of the family. As David Cameron put it at the 2009 Conservative Party Conference, families are the most important to him, and most important for the country. Other projects, such as Tim Montgomerie’s Good Right states that the family is a core belief and a foundation stone, and ConservativeHome has just had a family policy week, with multiple contributions from Samantha Callan, Christian Guy of the Centre for Social Justice, David Burrowes MP, among others – all of which are worth a read. There is, in addition, a “Family Test” for policy at Iain Duncan Smith’s Department of Work and Pensions, to test all government initiatives to certify that they are family-friendly in essence and to assess their impact upon the family.
We, as Conservatives, believe in providing everyone with the best start in life in this green and pleasant land. This phrase was uttered – not the green and pleasant land bit – with countless frequency when discussing ensuring good primary school places for all, which I support in full. However, I would politely and humbly argue that a Conservative government ought to be supporting families more from day one – or even before that.
The Conservative Manifesto outlined a plan for a better future for you, and your family, with policies on, for example, childcare, relationship support, and a transferrable tax allowance between married parents. But stage one of this plan is missing: new-born babies. In an article for the Guardian newspaper in 2006 outlining Conservative aims and values – the family was stressed as a core value. The article went on to state that government has a role as a force for good and it should support families, which I advocate.
A recent Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s (RCPCH) report into infant mortality rates found the UK – incredibly sadly – has one of the highest rates in Western Europe, though the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the infant mortality rate in England and Wales hit a record low in 2013 under the Coalition Government. RCPCH’s report concluded that these figures were strongly influenced by “disadvantaged circumstances”, amongst other factors. It is Conservatives who recognise the central importance of the family and communities in delivering social justice and overcoming disadvantaged circumstances.
So what’s my suggestion for this One Nation Conservative Government to alleviate child poverty, improve infant mortality rates, provide the best start in life, and strengthen the institution of the family? Give all parents-to-be a box. Yes, a box! Well, not quite.
The Finnish social security agency (KELA) provides all expectant mothers a “Maternity Package” dubbed a “Finnish Baby Box”. This box contains children’s clothing, a picture book, childcare products, reusable nappies, as well as stuff for the parents – condoms, six in fact! Oh, and the box doubles as a crib. This Maternity Package is provided by the state, and has been hailed as one of the reasons for Finland’s low infant mortality rates – the second lowest rate in Western Europe after Sweden.
This Conservative Government should encourage and espouse the principle of the Finnish Baby Box and provide a British version based on involvement and empowering individuals in communities and neighbourhood groups. This could be offered locally, in communities, for example in Sure Start Children’s Centres where people and neighbourhood groups come together to provide a wrap-around service for new parents or parents-to-be. Charities, social enterprises, community-based institutes, such as Women’s Institute (WI) and individuals could supply the clothes, picture books, childcare products, along with parenting support, health checks, and a good old chin-wag and a cup of tea. A community setting ought to be encouraged, where parents-to-be could congregate and discuss their worries, whilst collecting a package that has been created by the community for their local community. This type of community setting already exists in many places, but my idea would increase the reach and the type of help offered – many parents-to-be can rely on family and friends close by, but many people – those at different life-stages, perhaps moved elsewhere for work, and sometimes those who haven’t got a close existing network – can struggle.
The community action element links into the Big Society concept, and could pave the way for a welfare society for everyone in society, where the state plays a part but is not the only or even the main provider. This Conservative Start Package initiative will not just pass the “Family Test” that the Department of Work and Pensions shall put it through, but will help parents’ finances during this costly period, improve parents’ social capital, and empower communities to come together to provide parents a solid start.
The post Let’s give all parents-to-be a start box appeared first on TRG.
