The Big Society Series
Author: Localis - Jan 13, 2012
Since David Cameron introduced the term ‘Big Society’, there has been a lot of discussion about what it does – and doesn’t – mean. The debate has spent an unhealthy amount of time in the cul de sac of ‘is it just a fig leaf for cuts’. Localis’ research focuses on the Big Society in its widest concept – the rebalancing of the relationship between citizen and state with more power and responsibility for outcomes devolved to citizens and communities.
A big society approach, we argue, is both the right thing to do philosophically and can deliver better outcomes for citizens and communities. The research looks at the role of local government, and at the practical ways that we can develop and benefit from the Big Society.
Localis have produced three pamphlets in our Big Society series to date. Each pamphlet aims to illustrate how community engagement and the localisation of public services can begin to change and improve the way in which front-line services are delivered and better address problems faced by today’s communities. The pamphlets provide practical examples and recommendations for local government:
Click here to read Barnet’s Big Society
Click here to read Surrey’s Big Society
Click here to read The Big Green Society
Throughout 2012 we will be expanding our Big Society Series, and we always interested to hear from councils which are undertaking innovative initiatives.
For more details on this project please contact Dominic Rustecki: dominic.rustecki@localis.org.uk
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