FUTURE/NOT BORN YESTERDAY
Some new models we need rolling off the production line as soon as possible
'Business model' has become at one and the same time a cliche, and a tarnished term. Business models previously described as 'robust' have proved anything but.
Although those in charge refuse to accept it, the reality is that business itself needs a new model; and this will be a meaningless change unless modelling is applied to the feet of clay apparent in all areas of our civilisation.
In classic tabloid style then, here are ten interdependent new models that would help UK society towards long-term recovery and rude health:
1. An education system based on self-esteem, taking responsibility, the needs of others, personal development, and good health practices - as much as academic achievement
2. A State/individual relationship based on reduced powers of the former and increased responsibilities for the latter: obligatory community service for all from ages thirteen to fifteen, and the reversal of our suicidal drift towards 24/7 surveillance of all movement and communication
3. Radical constitutional reform to make Britain's suffrage and representation models genuinely accurate - and protect citizens against politicians with a short-term 're-elective' focus. The key points would be scrapping constituency-based MPs entirely, a smaller lower-cost Commons legislature, an accountable Executive, and a second Chamber whose membership is beyond Commons control and subject to non-universal suffrage.
4. A One Nation approach rejecting multiculturalism. Genuine religious and cultural tolerance, but one unequivocal citizenship, legal and educational model to which all must conform
5. Genuine and broadscale devolution of administrative and spending power down to district and community levels, alongside a dramatic reduction in central government powers
6. A political model based on contemporary social needs and trends - not controlling, privately-financed Parties. The State to fund all election costs and communications- both to be capped at maximum levels. All other contributions to Parties or 'Movements' to be strictly illegal
7. A State medical model based on patient-facing service, continuity of primary care, preventative advice and professional vocation, rather than crypto market principles and faceless primary practices. A rejection of the current funding model in favour of a scheme 25% funded by commerce, 50% based on means testing and 25% from local taxation
8. The replacement of Bourse-dominated business finance with a mixed system using private wealth initiatives, local government finance schemes, and trading platforms where the dominance of any one purchasing mechanism is subject to the same monopoly rules applying to other areas of commerce.
9. An engineered move away from the 'remote shareholder' model of financing business, and towards on-board shareholders taking the long view on financing entrepreneurialism. In short, a return to the initial historical aims of borsa
10. Taxation based on the encouragement of support for society as a whole, rather than an elite group somewhat speciously termed 'shareholders'. Specifically: tax breaks for guided philanthropy, entrepreneurial risk, ecologically sound and clean manufacture, employee partnerships, private ownership and community contribution; punitive taxes on profit margins above 40%; higher taxes on multinationally owned concerns, pollutant products,unhealthy foods and multiple food retailers; a huge shift away from national to local taxes; zero taxation for two years on new fields used for food production; and graded purchase tax on locally grown versus carbon-footprint foods.