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<h3>Local government (District, County and Unitary) is now totally broken. </h3>They are now required by central government to do its bidding. Worse, central government ensures that local government cannot fulfil these requirements due to budgetary constraints. Rather than seek to “fix” local government, Burgher proposes to “game” central government by taking most, if not all, the activities of local government into an autonomous non-statutory body, operates by“<a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/B%C3%BCrger" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/B%C3%BCrger" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Burghers</a> who are required to act based on the direction of the Will of the Electorate. Many of the initiatives below are active across the UK, Cambridgeshire and often right here in Ely.&nbsp; However, while coordination can inhibit individual initiatives, having a network, common branding and access to common resources and support, can transform their success. (The success of The Cambridge Network, in transforming the economy of Cambridge City, was down to this model of cooperation.) Volunteering Where a task is done by a local government employee, the council has to pay National Insurance, and the employee National Insurance and Income Tax. As a result some 60% of this expenditure goes straight back to central government. As a volunteer, none of this community money goes to central government. Local Care Tokens - Community Care (Elderly care) Using a “pay-it-forward” volunteering model, the recently retired and other elderly-well can provide the care for those not so fortunate on a semi-voluntary basis. The elderly in need are allocated “Care Tokens”.&nbsp; They then give them to their volunteer carers. While there is no requirement, the community expected the care recipient to compensate the community by giving an appropriate legacy to the community. (The number of tokens multiplied by the current minimum wage might be reasonable) . When those who provided that care themselves become in need of care, they can “pay using their “earned” care tokens. The care token system might be used for other community activities, such as teaching assistants, litter picker and community gardeners. An example is CAMLETS Taxes When you receive a local government council tax bill, you have to pay this from your already taxed income. If on the other-hand you put that money through a charitable foundation, “Gift Aid” means that income tax is repaid. Your money is immediately increase by around 20%. So demanding that the council does NOT give to local charities, but leaves it to the public is a big win. Honour Taxes The Burghers, could send “Honour Tax” demands to every adult in the community of say 40 hours of community service per year. The people can either pay using care tokens or buy them from people who have earned more than they need, or buy them direct from the Burgher. People re encouraged to display a sticker saying they support the community honour tax. (Note, While people can display the sticker without paying the tax, it is unlikely. Even then, the clear message from them that paying the tax is something that they “support”. (By not making the tax obligatory, we avoid the attention of HMRC as a payment in kind that might be taxed) Housing development and Planning. Local social housing provision is now done through autonomous housing associations. These unaccountable QUANGOs pay massive salaries to their management, fail to provide a good service to their tenants and typically allocate their vacancies according to national policies (e.g. Asylum seekers) rather than local housing need. Using the law on Community Development and Community Land Trusts, communities can not only build the housing the local community needs, but ensure that the benefits go to local people. This can be done without the need to go through the normal local planning system. Organisations such as Resonance Ltd and Allia Ltd can raise the finances needed for these developments through Ethical investment funds. Community Energy Community Solar, Wind and Battery Farm to make community both self-sufficient and cheap power. Again, if promoted by the community, the permissions are trivial to get, and the finance is easy. Even community heat pump facility, such as Swaffham Prior Banking and debt management The old local building societies have been asset stripped by “carpetbaggers” long ago. Now, with the national banks withdrawing from retail banking, there is now an opportunity to reboot the Provident movement. Setting up local provident societies means that the community can recycle its cash internally. With the spread between the interest rate that the public can borrow and that paid to the public being at it’s greatest in history, Provident societies can plainly compete against the bloated traditional banking sector. Food banks These are already deployed in many communities, these can be enhanced through... Community Produce Allotment holders often have surplus produce, this can be donated to a community produce “shop”. Better would be a community garden, where people work together to grow a wide range of produce for themselves and again the surplus can go to a community produce shop. People who make stuff as a hobby or part-time activity may also donate or share-sell through the community shop. Charity Shop Many town centres have many charity shops run by national charities. (The CEO of Help the Aged took over £300,000 in pay pay last year). Burgher could run a community shop where the income is recycled within the community. Circular economy Local Care Tokens, might be used by the community to transact between themselves. Paying tradesmen, or even buying (some) groceries and other services, (community energy). These may allow less of the local productivity going to central government through taxes etc. Justice Dispute resolution With the cost and delay of going to the law now prohibitive for the ordinary citizen. The Burgher could provide a simple rapid dispute resolution system, based on restricted argument ( One side of A4 per £100&nbsp;of claim for each party?) With the decision going to a “public poll”. While the decision is not legally binding, a party that does not consent to the decision is barred from using the system again (with some caveats) Opt-in or Opt-out With no statutory power, there is no means that Burghers can compel citizens to support them in the mission. In order to ensure a stable system, there needs to be some negative feedback in the Burgher system. To this end, where services are directed to an individual, citizens who have contributed to the Burghers mission are given priority over those who have failed to contribute, and those who have opposed the Burghers mission should not enjoy any Burgher provided services. Law enforcement The Burghers can collect and correlate and communicate reports of anti-social behaviour. This is already done by Neighbourhood Watch, public houses who impose town-wide bans on certain disruptive individuals and to a lesser extent to shop-lifters. Work in progress....updated Jan 24th 2024 ©P Dawe 2024

Burghers – Gaming local government

Will Of The Electorate (WOTE) founder Peter Dawe - having been instrumental in deploying a number of society changing innovations - thought that with the ever growing list and scale of the problems of the world, he should stop fixing stuff, as his contribution was a drop in the ocean.Unfortunately, the problems of the world have got so bad, that stepping away has turned out not to be a relief, but an increase in stress due to the feeling of powerlessness.Things came to a head, in early 2023 when Mrs Dawe also experienced a number of issues due to the failure of our government systems, including “regulators”. She said to Peter in frustration, “Can you do something about this?”. &nbsp;Peter said “I can try, but it may have significant impact on our life-style.”Thus he started to muse on how to fix the government of the UK. And to do it on a shoe-string budget and to do it in less than 2 years. (I was already 68 after-all!)Having stood for local, parliamentary and then as an Independent candidate for the Cambridgeshire’s elected mayor. Peter understands the challenges of the UK’s electoral system. In particular, the party system and how the media that conspires to ignore non-party candidates, make it almost impossible to stand as an independent candidate.From experience working with various government departments and agencies, Peter is also aware that individual MPs have very little power, even when they are ministers. (This was even worse when the UK was part of the EU, as ministers would blame the EU for their impotence).&nbsp;Now the UK is no longer part of the EU, and is without a full written constitution, once a party has a majority in Parliament, it can do anything! &nbsp;It may have to cede from some international treaties, or at least seek derogations or patience for some actions, but this is again fully in the power of the UK government.Another significant factor was the widely expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s political elite. While the Conservatives have effectively alienated the public with many acts of sheer stupidity, nor is there any obvious appetite for a policy-free Labour government, lead by Sir Kier Starmer and Angela Rayner. &nbsp;The LibDems continue to be a bit player - famous for their local election canvassing prowess, but little else; with no prospect of being any better than the other two. The Greens are also ineffectual, having abandoned their Green crusade for what seems like a socialist agenda identical to the Labour Party. And as for the SNP - which is can still be "the balance of power broker" for the whole UK at Westminster... well, you couldn't make it up, could you?Most new political parties in the UK have been formed by a group of politicians splitting off from an existing one. These have typically had very short lives. The exception was The Brexit Party, which as a single issue party was able to shift the political agenda, even without ever gaining a single parliamentary seat. (The Reform Party, formed by the same people, has failed to gain significant support, possibly because of their legacy of being seen as part of the disgraced political elite.)Finally, I looked at the major changes in government in Europe. France and Italy in particular, threw out their legacy parties to elect a new broom. Sadly in each case, the new brooms were “politicians”, identical to the old ones, but with less experience! Replacing politicians with politicians doesn’t work!Inspiration! Not only design a new political party, but also design a change in how democracy works!Over various discussions and consultations, we formulated a number of innovations.Keep the promises for your first government modest, do not get sucked in to political dogma We ask the electorate what they want the government to do, rather than telling the electorate what the government will do, Acknowledge that those with an interest in maintaining the status quo, in particular politicians, lawyers, economists and accountants, are the enemy. Even when they say they are in favour of your ideas. (They lie!) Choose your battleground. So after a few months, the principle for the new party was refined to:-Provide effective government that delivers the services that the electorate wants, effectively and efficiently within the resources available. &nbsp;Market Testing Before one puts serious resources into an activity, it is always best to test market the ideas. &nbsp;This was done by face-to-face discussions with anyone and everyone one meets. Each of the reasons for doing the new party were tested, and for the most part virtually everyone agreed with the analysis that our political elite were not fit for purpose. They also liked the ideas of having service delivery at the front of the priorities. The radical change, from government telling the electorate to the electorate telling the government, was not taken on so readily. While people liked the idea “in principle”, this change, we think, was unfamiliar, and indeed their experience of “consultation” poisoned by how government has done it in the past.The other thing was their belief that fixing government could only be done by more money. The idea that the current systems were very inefficient wasn’t a problem, it was the belief that politicians could not change that system.The market testing also demonstrated the reluctance of nearly everyone to put effort into changing the system, or indeed being part of the system. The level of defeat, apathy, and “too busy” was a surprise. Even the retired declared themselves “too busy”!We do not underestimate the challenge ahead - but we are confident that the appetite for change has rarely been stronger.&nbsp;

The genesis of WOTE

<figure id="figure-67r5n5txwllnqaeudl"><iframe id="67r5n5txwllnqaeudl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqWnglFAIkY" class="w-full bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/tqWnglFAIkY" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqWnglFAIkY" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> Oh dear oh dear... The full details of this are not yet known, but hundreds of demonstrators carrying the flag of a proscribed organisation were left alone. Yes, it was probably for his own safety - but what does that really say about the lawless state of London. Is this the will of the people?

How many police does it take to arrest a bloke carrying a Union Jack?

<h2>The Importance of Teaching Kids about Economics</h2>31Jul25 V2.0 &nbsp;<a title="Teching kids about money" href="https://veo.uk/teach-kids-economics.m4a" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://veo.uk/teach-kids-economics.m4a" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Studio Discussion: Teaching kids about money﻿</a> As parents and educators, we often focus on teaching children the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. While these subjects are undoubtedly important, it is equally crucial to introduce kids to the world of economics at an early age. Understanding the fundamentals of economics can help children develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.<h3>1. Financial Literacy</h3>One of the primary reasons why teaching kids about economics is important is to promote financial literacy. By learning about concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing, children can develop a solid foundation for making sound financial decisions in the future. Teaching them how money works and the value of saving from a young age can set them up for a lifetime of financial success.<figure id="figure-2ouf60iwdalnhtp6k7"><img id="2ouf60iwdalnhtp6k7" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648061557966-8e30f972f0be?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxjaGlsZHJlbiUyMGxlYXJuaW5nJTIwZWNvbm9taWNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5Njc5MTI0OXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="children learning economics" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648061557966-8e30f972f0be?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxjaGlsZHJlbiUyMGxlYXJuaW5nJTIwZWNvbm9taWNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5Njc5MTI0OXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>2. Critical Thinking</h3>Studying economics encourages critical thinking skills in children. They learn to analyze problems, evaluate different options, and make informed decisions based on data and evidence. This ability to think critically and solve problems is invaluable in all aspects of life, not just economics. It helps children become independent thinkers who can navigate through complex situations confidently.<h3>3. Understanding Supply and Demand</h3>Teaching kids about economics introduces them to the concept of supply and demand. They learn how prices are determined by the balance between what people want and how much of it is available. This understanding can help children become savvy consumers who can make informed choices about their purchases and understand the impact of their decisions on the economy.<figure id="figure-vc9kqnjl2dlnhtp9rq"><img id="vc9kqnjl2dlnhtp9rq" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524503033411-c9566986fc8f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxraWRzJTIwdW5kZXJzdGFuZGluZyUyMHN1cHBseSUyMGFuZCUyMGRlbWFuZHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY3OTEyNTN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="kids understanding supply and demand" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1524503033411-c9566986fc8f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxraWRzJTIwdW5kZXJzdGFuZGluZyUyMHN1cHBseSUyMGFuZCUyMGRlbWFuZHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY3OTEyNTN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation</h3>Learning about economics can inspire children to become entrepreneurs and innovators. When kids understand the principles of supply, demand, and competition, they can identify opportunities and develop creative solutions to meet consumer needs. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, we empower children to think outside the box and pursue their passions.<h3>5. Global Awareness</h3>Economics is a global subject that provides children with a broader perspective on the world. By learning about different economic systems, international trade, and global markets, kids become more aware of the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of cooperation. This knowledge promotes cultural understanding and prepares children to be global citizens.<figure id="figure-yfxeq04xtlnhtpcv8"><img id="yfxeq04xtlnhtpcv8" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1649658112639-69ef0b3d2c4a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxraWRzJTIwd2l0aCUyMGElMjBnbG9iZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY3OTEyNTd8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="kids with a globe" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1649658112639-69ef0b3d2c4a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxraWRzJTIwd2l0aCUyMGElMjBnbG9iZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTY3OTEyNTd8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>6. Financial Responsibility</h3>Teaching kids about economics helps instill a sense of financial responsibility. They learn the value of money, the importance of budgeting, and the consequences of overspending. By understanding the basic principles of economics, children are more likely to become financially responsible adults who can manage their resources wisely.<h3>7. Empowering Future Leaders</h3>By equipping children with economic knowledge, we are empowering them to become future leaders. Understanding economics allows kids to make informed decisions about policies, investments, and societal issues. It gives them the tools to contribute positively to their communities and make a difference in the world.<figure id="figure-2m8i9yhbflnhtpfnw"><img id="2m8i9yhbflnhtpfnw" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613950190144-4f2a84c75e8c?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8a2lkcyUyMHdpdGglMjBsZWFkZXJzaGlwJTIwcXVhbGl0aWVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5Njc5MTI2MXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="kids with leadership qualities" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613950190144-4f2a84c75e8c?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8a2lkcyUyMHdpdGglMjBsZWFkZXJzaGlwJTIwcXVhbGl0aWVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5Njc5MTI2MXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>8. Building Strong Work Ethics</h3>Teaching kids about economics also helps build strong work ethics. By learning about the value of hard work, the rewards of entrepreneurship, and the importance of saving for the future, children develop a sense of responsibility and determination. These qualities are essential for success in any career or endeavor.Introducing children to the world of economics at an early age is a gift that will benefit them throughout their lives. By promoting financial literacy, critical thinking, and global awareness, we equip children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. So let's start teaching our kids about economics and watch them grow into empowered, responsible, and successful individuals.

The importance of teaching kids about economics

<figure id="figure-1jcfjeazjolnhqxrb2"><iframe id="1jcfjeazjolnhqxrb2" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QkU0NUPsvnA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/QkU0NUPsvnA" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QkU0NUPsvnA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Welcome to The Revolution, Theo. Grab a pitchfork and climb aboard. "As a businessman I'm sort of finished with politicians because we've been living the past three years, we've sat there watch delusional people living on a different planet believing anything they say - thinking that we're all stupid enough to believe it ourselves, and we're not that stupid... They've got very little regulation whatsoever and whatever regulation they did have they tried to sweep away, and we're acting like a tinpot dictatorship where everybody gets into Parliament, fills their boots enjoys life, goes on to the House of Lords or job for life or a bank or something... and actually they come first, their Party comes second and the nation has come a very poor third for the last few years. I'm not quite finished ... and this is an opportunity now our third prime minister in this session of parliament this is our opportunity to try and put things right and get confidence, alternatively we're going to have to start have another election an election another that's what we both parties hold on I'm not picking any party I've been I've been absolutely independent here will we then start asking for a political regulator to regulate politicians because they can't behave themselves? Do you know if you're a director of a public company in the city - whatever you say you've got to have verification for you got to verify otherwise they grab you throw you out -&nbsp; politicians seems to be quite happy to go and news channels just spouting what they actually know is a down right lie and that that has got to stop and has got to stop now! This is our opportunity to get some stability back in the country and for it to try and rebuild and then have an election on the right terms where people understand this is a serious job and we need serious people with ability to do the job for the nation."

Theo Paphitis calls out British politics 

<figure id="figure-n667klwgkmln9hhcm2"><iframe id="n667klwgkmln9hhcm2" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2qk99-l4Fhs" class="w-full bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/2qk99-l4Fhs" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2qk99-l4Fhs" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> Welcome to the Will of the Electorate video blogsIn these blogs we will be going through a whole range of issues from how to become an MP through to how one finds out what the will of the electorate is, to &nbsp;how you implement the will of the electorate and along the way we'll be using examples of problems that most of us see today and how the will of the electorate may well address these issues when the traditional political parties have failed. -come the revolution The Will of the Electorate Party has one aim.To deliver the government services wanted by the Electorate as efficiently and effectively as possible within the resources available. ...come the revolutionI'm Peter Dawe, the Party Leader - I have opinions, I have lots of opinions, you will hear me expressing those opinions, but there is one thing that I promise you! When the will of the electorate is contrary to my opinions I will still implement the will of the electorate - even if that means that I have to stand down....come the revolution!As the Will of the Electorate party gets more sophisticated in asking you the questions, we will be asking very difficult questions! Some of these questions can only be answered by the public. For example when it comes to health expenditure we can spend Millions keeping one person alive for another month or another year, but we don't have the Millions for everyone. Asking an individual to decide who lives and who dies is an impossible ask, on the other hand if we can get the Will of the Electorate to make these decisions there is no finger pointing and hopefully there is some closure as to those who won't get treated...come the revolutionThe Will of the Electorate party needs to ask the public questions - &nbsp;for instance, currently the government is talking about removing petrol and diesel vehicles from the roads yet they are not talking about removing private jets from the sky or private yachts from the sea - it does sound as if that there are two lots of reality going on here and Peter believes the will of the electorate will give a very strong signal to government about these sorts of things....come the revolutionThe Will of the Electorate in its first term will actually be doing some policy work and that policy work will be implementing efficiently and effectively the policies that you've already agreed through the old system. Far too often we are seeing those policies being frustrated or abused for political dogma reasons.&nbsp;So what we';ll do while we're asking the electorate what their priorities are, We will just tidy up the basic services that you expect for government to put &nbsp;a simple example the Will of the Electorate party will fill the metaphorical potholes of government services.&nbsp;...come the revolutionSome policies probably don't justify a nationwide referendum, even if it's as easy as touching a yes or no on your mobile phone. The Will of the Electorate will use the Civil Service to find out what the electorate want to do using things like focus groups and longitudinal studies and various other tools available.&nbsp;These techniques are actually well understood by the corporate sector and use them in their product design and marketing. ...come the revolution

The WOTE.uk Federation 2025

Blog: the Revolution starts here...

Burghers – Gaming local government

The genesis of WOTE

How many police does it take to arrest a bloke carrying a...

The importance of teaching kids about economics

Theo Paphitis calls out British politics

Come the Revolution!