Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Site stuff

Join our Innovation Panel to try new features early and help make Mumsnet better.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ calling: we want to know what would be on your policy wishlist

206 replies

RowanMumsnet · 20/05/2014 09:47

Over the years, when MNers have got stuck into issues they particularly care about, we've often seen agreement (or something approaching agreement Grin) around particular policy ideas.

As the May 2015 general election approaches (ish), we’d like to find out what you think about what the next government should do - parenting-related or otherwise. Which commitments would you like to see in the parties’ manifestos? What would make you consider switching your vote (or voting at all, if you don’t currently intend to)? Which issues do you think deserve to be top priority for incoming ministers?

We’ve collectively campaigned on or added our support to others' campaigns around a number of issues, such as:

affordable, available childcare;
better provision of education, health and social services for children with additional needs;
better miscarriage care;
more and better sex and relationships education in schools;
the availability and variety of contraception;
getting sales reps off maternity wards;
flexible working; and
tackling FGM.

Other issues that seem to crop up regularly are bringing down the cost of some school uniforms; and more and/or better-paid parental leave, including paternity leave and bereavement/adjustment leave.

Are there other things Mumsnetters collectively agree on? Are those on the above list still as important to you as they have been? We’d thought we'd throw out this entirely unscientific starter for 10 with a view to informing a more nuanced analysis of each issue and a fuller survey of Mumsnet users in time for, no doubt, the string of ministers and ministerial hopefuls headed our way come early next year when the election campaign gets into full swing.

So please do let us know what you think.

Thanks
MNHQ

OP posts:
Uptheairymountain · 22/06/2014 07:07

Welfare reform, but the reverse of what's being done now. Welfare reform to match the average 25% + GDP spend of other EU countries (eg Germany), rather than the pitiful 6% currently spent in the UK. Use the money to end child poverty. Spend any surplus on the NHS.

Cherrypi · 22/06/2014 07:59

Some great ideas on here so far.
I think we should protect renters more. More notice before being chucked out and longer contracts. Stop privatising everything - schools, NHS etc. I didn't even know all forensic services had been privatised.
Optional paid sabbaticals available for teachers every five years so they don't burn out. Maybe this could be when they get thoroughly up to date with mental health and SEN issues.
Increase the minimum wage. There shouldn't be an need for working tax credits.
I think a citizens' wage would be a good idea but don't think it will ever happen.

FridgeHalfFull · 22/06/2014 09:11

Two things would catch my attention:

  • more money spent on staff in schools, less on policy and random curriculum development (eg. higher ratio of TAs in primary school - there's a whole army of educated 10-2ers who could be drafted in here)
  • parliament transformation and modernisation. Who gets how it works now? Make it look like the modern work world....eg.Make it compulsory for MPs to be transparent in what work they do each day and put in place proper performance contracts. Annual performance reviews. We shouldn't have to wait for elections for poor performers to be fired! another eg. PM Qs eg. more work less time engaging media and party campaigning.
TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 25/06/2014 17:02

Ban Christmas decorations, music and themed shopping centres unless it's actually December.
No Easter Eggs to go on sale until 4 weeks before Easter

Proper paid one months paternity leave at full salary provided it is taken as part of 12 month paid entitlement.

missgoogly45 · 30/06/2014 10:29

Abolish Iain duncan smiths meaness towards the disabled and the crackpot bedroom tax

missgoogly45 · 01/07/2014 11:51

No public school boys in the Cabinet for a change

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread