The FINANCIAL -- A new report released by the British Academy Policy Centre traces the origins of the ‘Big Society’ to long-run social movements of volunteers and co-operatives.

As the London School of Economics and Political Science reported, it explains how government is undermining its own political buzzwords – in spite of the dazzling success of Olympic volunteers in summer 2012.

The report, The ‘Big Society’ and concentrated neighbourhood problems, written by Anne Power, Professor of Social Policy at LSE, explores the ‘Big Society’ and sets out 3 key messages:

The idea of ‘the Big Society’ has its roots in the early models of mutual aid and co-operation born of the harsh necessities of the industrial revolution.

Community level organisations, advocated by 'Big Society’, need support from the state as well as citizen involvement – historically, these organisations encouraged the emergence of the state in order to support communities.

Cuts put at risk the ability of charities and community organisations to carry the burden of implementing the 'Big Society' in the poorest area.

Professor Power says: “The ‘Big Society’ idea cannot survive in a vacuum. It needs both citizen involvement, voluntary stakeholders and also a clear public framework of support endorsed by local and national governments. Current cuts in public spending are undermining the long-run community infra-structure, built-up over time alongside the evolution of the state. It was community action to help the poorest that showed the need for government in the first place. State withdrawal particularly undermines the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.”

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