Fee at the Point of Use

The former Minister of Unfitness for Purpose, Charles Clarke, has given vent to a discharge about what's wrong with our public services. The problem, apparently, is that the Government isn't making enough money out of them. Clarke, whose most famous contribution to fiscal efficiency is probably this, suggests "user charges" as an alternative to privatisation, since "the assumption, made by many, that what currently exists provides the best solution from the point of view of equity is not true". I am sure Charles Clarke, with his copious natural charm, has any number of friends from every possible social stratum; but I do find myself wondering who these many might be. After eleven years of privatising, outsourcing, tinkering, footling, blathering and occasional boondoggles like the Private Finance Initiative, the assumption that what are currently termed public services provide the best solution from any point of view is made, in the real world, mostly by those who do not have to use them.

As examples of the miracle of user charges Clarke cites tuition fees, which he introduced, breaking a New Labour manifesto pledge, on the principle that a highly-educated prole is a waste of time and money; and the London congestion charge, which was not a New Labour policy. He suggests extending charges to "tutorial support or doorkeepers for tenants in social housing", many of whom are presumably on low incomes and thus do not concern the Labour party overmuch. The measures would be "very politically controversial", but would increase Government revenue at a time when taxpayers are selfishly demanding healthcare and education rather than queueing up to help the City with its gambling debts or passing the hat round for Son of Trident, or even forking out willingly for the miracle of biometric identificality.

Clarke also had a dose of salts for the Glorious Successor's wounds. Gordon is "on the right path", namely the one leading towards ignominious defeat. The answer to Gordon's difficulties is "to do what he's doing", which has certainly been working like a charm so far. Gordon should also eliminate mistakes and establish a long term vision provided that a long-term vision is available for establishment. "And he's certainly said that's what he wants to do," said Clarke, making evident the extent of his belief in the identity of what Gordon says and what Gordon does.