As part of the Progressive Conservatism Project’s stream of work on Markets, Ownership, Poverty, Opportunity and Wages we are undertaking a large-scale project on recapitalising the poor.  This project looks at ways of using conservative theory and ideology to deliver progressive aims in the context of poverty in the UK.

The first stage of the project – a pamphlet on the political argument with new economic modelling to provide examples of how conservative ideas might translate into practical solutions – is available here.  It argues that a more flexible welfare system, new laws on regulating credit provision and ring-fenced taxes for our poorest workers could all help to increase ownership in poor communities.  The pamphlet was launched on the 16 July, with a speech from David Freud.  The foreword to the pamphlet was written by David Cameron.

We will be undertaking further research in this area over the coming months, specifically looking at the living wage and the benefits system.

For further information on this project, please contact Max Wind-Cowie.