Over the past year, many political commentators have called for a return of 'community' as a means of creating a fairer society. Many people have noted that, as Britain in general has become more prosperous, we have become more individualistic. An alternative, however, might be a 'time tax' or a contract with people who take up educational opportunities that in return they put something back into the community. There has been a great emphasis on education in recent years with the need to gain qualifications. Since these are the passport to challenging and rewarding careers then that is only right.
Students are often apathetic.
Although volunteer groups do exist in universities, by and large they only involve a small number of students. A contract, however, would mean that those in education, who are receiving a service from the taxpayer, and ultimately society, would be obliged to give something back in return. Their work would in the main be some form of community service, though this definition could be wide-ranging. Those in education could assist people who already provide public services. It could also be a condition of the contract that those who have been in education, and are now doing well in employment, could afford some extra time as well, perhaps for a five year period.