David Cameron to launch Tories' 'big society' plan

Prime Minister David Cameron is set to launch his "big society" drive later.

In a speech in Liverpool, he is expected to promise to train more community organisers, allow charities to consult civil servants and use dormant bank accounts to fund projects.

Mr Cameron's stated aim is to transfer power from the state to individuals by allowing communities and voluntary groups to help run public services.

The idea was a central theme in the Conservative general election campaign.

In his speech, the prime minister is expected to say community projects in four parts of the UK are to be given help as part of a bid to "turn government on its head".

Each of the project areas will be given an expert organiser and dedicated civil servants to ensure "people power" initiatives get off the ground and inspire a wider change.

The initiatives being championed include a local buy-out of a rural pub, efforts to recruit volunteers to keep museums open and giving residents more power over council spending.

In his speech, the prime minister is expected to hail the potential for "the biggest, most dramatic redistribution of power" from the state to individuals.

Liverpool is one of the areas set to benefit from the initiative.

The other three areas selected to receive help with projects are Eden Valley, Cumbria; Windsor and Maidenhead; and the London borough of Sutton.

Mr Cameron is also set to confirm plans to use funds stuck in dormant bank accounts to enable charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to take over the running of public services.

It is hoped that hundreds of millions of pounds will eventually be available in start-up funding as part of the drive.

Providing an assessment of the plans, BBC deputy political editor James Landale said: "At its heart is the idea of government helping people, groups and communities take more control over their own lives, doing themselves what the state does badly or not at all."

 

Analysis

Norman Smith, Chief political correspondent, BBC Radio 4

The "big society" is David Cameron's Big Idea. His aides say it is about empowering communities, redistributing power and fostering a culture of volunteerism.

Perhaps no wonder then that Tory candidates during the general election found it difficult to sell the idea to voters.

So why is David Cameron returning to this theme ?

In part because he does view it as his answer to Big Government - but there are also more basic political motives.

First, its about providing a different agenda to the day by day litany of cuts, cuts and more cuts.

Second, it is - as Eric Pickles has acknowledged - about saving money. If people are doing things for free then you don't have to pay public servants to do them for you.

So beneath the grand sounding philosophy there is hard nosed, practical politics behind the 'big society' message.

 

 

-- Posted by Red Balloon - on 19th July 2010 --