Big Society’s problems getting bigger

THE Prime Minister’s flagship Big Society project lacks a clear vision and strategy and is being hampered by widespread cuts, according to an independent audit of the first two years of the initiative.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th May 2012, 07:00 BST

A report by think tank Civil Exchange also identified a widening “big society gap” between affluent and disadvantaged areas in England as a result of the Government’s austerity measures.

It said a number of leadership and operational issues are emerging which “threaten the ultimate success of the initiative” and concluded “an urgent, genuine step change in how central Government and civil society work together” was needed.

The report said: “If the Big Society is to succeed, the Government must do more to work with the voluntary sector to build a common vision and goals.” The voluntary sector is now facing an estimated cut in statutory funding of £3.3 bn between 2010-16.