The Big Society project has largely failed against its own measures, according to a three-year investigation by think tank Civil Exchange.
Whose Society? The Final Big Society Audit concluded that despite some positive initiatives the Big Society project has not delivered the radical change it promised.
Some measures would also take time to yield results, the study found, but it concluded society its now more divided than at the start of the project. Among the report’s recommendations for the next government are that it be genuinely inclusive, target those most in need, and draw on the strengths of the voluntary and private sectors.
Civil Exchange director and author of the report Caroline Slocock said people may ask what happened to the Big Society, and they have a right to know.
“The real question, however, is what happens next? Whatever name it goes under, the next government will continue to look for ways to give power back to people, to make services more responsive and to encourage local action,” Slocock said. “To do this successfully requires much better collaboration with local and voluntary groups, giving people a genuine stake in local decision making, reviewing the way we contract companies to deliver public services and making sure major businesses give back more to society.”
Drawing on a range of government and other data, the report concluded that civic participation has fallen from 41 per cent to 30 per cent since 2013. The proportion of people who feel they belong to their neighbourhood fell from 78 per cent to 70 per cent since 2013, the lowest level since 2005.
While 88 per cent of charities have seen a rise in demand for their services, 32 per cent now feel they can meet this need.
Access the report here.
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