Big Society idea gets the Big "Thumbs Down"
19 July 2010

The Prime Minister has fleshed out plans for developing the Big Society with the announcement of a Big Society Bank along with four areas - Liverpool, Sutton, Windsor and Maidenhead and the Eden Valley in Cumbria - that will receive support from the Department for Communities and Local Government to take more responsibility for decisions which affect their local areas. However, philanthropic entrepreneurs warn David Cameron to eliminate waste and duplication of effort from the ‘Big Society and consider wider funding issues. Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) said "I strongly believe that it is impossible to separate out the Big Society agenda from the challenging economic environment in which we are all currently operating."

John Bird, founder of The Big Issue and government ‘Big Society’ advisor, said: “There is so much duplication, waste and holes to fill. The Big Society is about converging energies and recognising that a lot of common functions are duplicated. At the moment we have the voluntary sector, the national government and social businesses – and never the twain shall meet,“ he said.

Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) said, "at NCVO, we recognise that many of the principles underpinning the Big Society are positive and provide real opportunities for voluntary and community organisations and the communities they work with. It is good that the Prime Minister is recognising the importance of our sector, and encouraging people to get involved in their local communities. However, I strongly believe that it is impossible to separate out the Big Society agenda from the challenging economic environment in which we are all currently operating.

The 'Big Society' & Faith Communities

The following day (Friday 20th July 2010) Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Minister for Decentralisation, Greg Clark, attended a meeting of religious leaders to discuss the ways in which faith communities can get involved in building the Big Society. Hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the meeting at Lambeth Palace on Friday was an opportunity for the leaders of the main faiths to discuss with government ministers the role of faith groups in helping to strengthen communities.

Mr Pickles said:"We see the Big Society as a very practical way to put people in control of the decisions that affect them and to encourage everyone to take an active part in civic life.

"For years, faith communities have been quietly making a huge difference day-in and day-out, to every single neighbourhood in the country - something that has not been sufficiently recognised by central Government. Today has been an opportunity to do so and to explore how, in realising our ambitions for a Big Society, we can together build on the huge amount of experience faith groups have in getting out into the community.

"Some see religion as a problem that needs to be solved. The new Government sees it as part of the solution. I want to send an important signal that we value the role of religion and faith in public life. The days of the state trying to suppress Christianity and other faiths are over."