Innovative Answers for Britain's Barriers

In this discussion paper, Dr Madsen Pirie (President, Adam Smith Institute) suggests ten solutions to Britain’s most intractable problems.

Key Suggestions include:

• UK citizens should be given a Health Guarantee card, like a credit card, that guarantees them free treatment, funded by the state. In the event of any delay in access to treatment, the card should be valid for private sector treatment, with a cap on costs similar to those widely used in automotive and housing insurance. Tax deductions should also be introduced for those who use supplementary private insurance to save the state money and resources. 

• The UK should look to follow the example of Finland’s successful Housing First model in order to combat homelessness. Under this system, tenants are housed in apartments, which they help to pay for if they are financially able, whilst receiving support services from trained personnel. Due to the savings to the emergency services which are no longer required, the project’s costs can be recouped over a six year period.

• Abolish the interest surcharge on student loan repayments in order to reduce defaults. Australia - which has a much lower default rate with their student loan system - also has a lower salary threshold for when repayments start (compared to the UK).