When the free school policy was first announced, some commentators offered advice to potential proposers,[56] while others expressed scepticism that the concept could be made to work at all.[57] Supporters of free schools, such as the Conservative Party, claimed that they would "create more local competition and drive-up standards".[58] They also felt they would allow parents to have more choice in the type of education their child receives, much like parents who send their children to independent schools do.[59] However, critics argued that the policy would benefit only middle-class parents with the time to set up free schools and that they would divert money away from existing schools.[5] Supporters of free schools said that they would benefit children from all backgrounds.[60] Some people were concerned that free schools are not obliged to cap their headteachers' pay.[61]