“The Big Society doesn’t need another re-launch, it’s already happening”

May 23, 2011

In response to the Prime Minister’s speech on the Big Society today, Simon Parker, Director of localism think tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) said,

“The government constantly tells us it does not want top-down decision-making by Whitehall, but in repeatedly re-launching this agenda with newer, catchier schemes, ministers are in danger of missing the point. Big Society schemes are already happening up and down the country. What they need now is time, space and support rather than any further disruption”

“Take Knowsley, which is improving community safety through anonymous crime-reporting; or Wiltshire, where volunteers are being recruited to take control of running libraries. In Hertfordshire, a new scheme will enable middle-aged people to stay healthy while caring for older people”

“Local government has a key role to play in stimulating the social capital that already exists in communities. The discussion should not be about creating artificial activism and engagement out of thin air, but about how local government can be empowered to nurture the energy that is already there.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. The New Local Government Network (NLGN) has been at the forefront of the localism agenda since 1996. Under its new Director Simon Parker, NLGN will continue to lead the drive for decentralisation, stronger communities and more innovative councils. For further details visit: www.nlgn.org.uk.
2. NLGN’s latest publication, ‘Unleashing the Big Society’ will be launched at this year’s LGA Conference on June 29th. For more information, please contact us.


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