One in three British adults (37%) has not heard of the government’s proposal for a ‘Big Society’, according to new research from YouGov.

Big Society was a key element of David Cameron’s manifesto in the run up to the general election, highlighting his vision of community work and social enterprise

The scheme was officially launched on May 18 by the Prime Minister, encouraging people to become involved in their local communities and public services, however over half (53%) have no or very little knowledge of the proposals.

The Big Society is the name for a collection of proposals that include allowing community groups and charities to run local services, establishing a ‘Big Society Bank’ which would use money from unclaimed bank accounts to fund community activities and a Nation Citizen Service to encourage 16 year olds to help out in their communities.

When this was explained to respondents, there is a groundswell of support with 44% being in favour of it and only 16% against.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Michael Wagstaff, head of public sector research at YouGov, said “The Big Society idea proved difficult to get across on the doorstep during the election. The survey shows that there is still some way to go before the majority understand what it actually is. However, if the Coalition can get the message across then people are generally supportive of it.”

The Big Society proposals also call for an annual ‘Big Society Day’ to celebrate neighbourhood groups and 37% of respondents support the initiative.

This idea is most supported in the East of England, with 45% of respondents from this region lending their support.

The scheme is less popular in Wales and Scotland, with 33% and 36% respectively supporting a neighbourhood day.

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