Ownership for all

Many within Britain have little security in the form of assets or savings. Yet in the past, policies to promote saving and investment have relied almost exclusively on the tax system. In Ownership for All, Kelly and Lissauer suggest that the centre-left seize the opportunity for a new, preventative form of welfare. They propose a universal Opportunity Fund - in the form of a capital endowment of £1,000 to be paid to each individual either at birth or at age 18. Families, friends and local buisness would be encouraged to contribute extra funds to the initial endowment with contributions being matched by the government.

"At a time when our main political parties are fixated on income tax, it is good to hear ideas about spreading wealth and opportunity. Fairy godmothers are back in business." - The Scotsman

"Just think what it would do for social inclusion if every youngster had enough cash to afford the deposit to buy their own home. An impossible dream? Maybe not, a couple of policy ideas floated recently could help the Government to release those millions of Britons who are trapped by their lack of capital." - Glasgow Herald