Laura Sharman 20 January 2015

Big Society has ‘failed’ warns report

The Government’s Big Society has failed to deliver more power to local communities, according to a three-year investigation into the project.

A report from think tank Civil Exchange warns that the Big Society drive has failed to provide the radical changes promised by prime minister, David Cameron, and has left some public services even more unaccountable.

Whose Society? The Final Big Society Audit found that only 34% of people feel they can influence decisions at a local level, a significant decrease every year since 2001. Civic participation has also fallen from 41% to 30% since 2013, with those feeling they belong to their neighbourhood falling to 70% - the lowest level since 2005.

Caroline Slocock, director of Civil Exchange and report author, said: ‘Despite investment in the Big Society, it has largely failed. Our findings show that society is more divided than before, we feel less able to influence what happens in our communities and public services are, in some ways, less accountable and responsive to diverse needs.

‘Many people may ask what happened to the Big Society? It was a key commitment of this government and they are entitled to know whether it worked, even though the Government hardly mentions it now.’

The report calls on the next government to conduct a major review of public sector contracting and to create a civil society led Commission to ensure resources are used fairly.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner