Leak reveals Coalition plan to win back women
Interesting and positive issue here as the article reveals: “A leaked government policy paper shows Downing Street fears the Coalition has significantly less support among women than men and that even Cabinet Office officials think the general tone of the Government could be perceived as sexist. No 10 is looking at proposals to cut school summer holidays, ban all advertising to children and reconsider plans to criminalise forced marriage as part of attempts to win over women voters. The document suggests a series of new policies designed to win back female support, including:
* Introducing personal budgets for maternity services to allow women to shop around for the services;
* Front-loading child benefit to help parents with childcare and lost earnings in their children’s early years;
* Setting up a website to allow women to anonymously disclose and compare salaries with others in their industry.
* Hosting aDowning Streetsummit for women in business.
* Criminalising forced marriage.
* Banning advertising which targets children.”
I wonder if much thought has yet been given about how best to engage with the real interests of another important minority group – rural dwellers! This is not special pleading. Its just that this story made me think of some advice I was given by the most brilliant mind I know personally Keiran Brett (drop an email if you want to know who he is) – who said of my well researched socio-economic case for Government intervention to support coastal communities – forget the stats – work out how the places vote! My other good friend and oft referenced individual in Hinterland John Shepherd has previously done some specific research on this issue in terms of ruralEnglandand I am sure he would be happy to share it should you ask.