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Christian Party proposes voucher scheme to give parents wider choice

The Scottish Christian Party, one of two faith parties contesting the election, wants vouchers to be introduced to boost choice for those seeking religious-based education for their children.

The party has produced a 26-page manifesto covering the full range of issues, but it is in the area of education that it is seeking the biggest impact.

The party cites the biblical injunction to "train up a child in the way he should go" and rails against the "rising tide of humanist secular fundamentalism". The manifesto argues that greater choice is required for parents when it comes to educating children.

The manifesto states: "We will seek the introduction of an education voucher scheme, where voucher funding would follow a child.

"This would enable parents to spend the amount of money the government spends on each state school pupil (approximately £5500 a year) at a school of their choice."

The scheme would be designed to prevent subsidising places at expensive elite private schools and aimed instead at schools set up by parents, charitable foundations, churches or for home schooling.

The manifesto ranges from reforms to the road and rail system and need for a shipping policy to housing, crime, sport and the arts, and public records.

Full story at The Herald.