Pros and cons of the Big Society
The current Government is keen to transfer many powers to local areas, or even local voluntary groups (the Big Society); it deems this to be a "good" thing.
We read in the press, and hear from the radio and TV, the phrase "post code lottery"; and this is deemed to be a "bad" thing.
In fact these two are the very same; one cannot have one without the other. If decisions over local amenities are taken locally, then it follows that the authority next door may choose differently. So we have different priorities in adjacent regions – a post code lottery!
If you do not want a post code lottery, then you want choices to be made centrally, not locally. If you want local democracy, you have to accept that the lot next door may choose differently from you, and the results may seem unfair.
This is why we should be very careful how we would like things run, locally or nationally, both have advantages and both disadvantages. It is not an obvious choice.
Dr Anthony Janes, Leicester.
3 Comments
by Peter, Wigston, Leicestershire
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 9:51PM
“I have long been of the opinion that the Big Society was just a way of persuading people to do for free what others had been paid professionally to do before - ie it is really just a Big Con.”
by Adrian, Leicester
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 3:30PM
“We live in a society divided in so many ways. The gap between Disengaged and the Trapped will always be reinforced by a lack of listening - on both sides. A 'big society' is not an excuse or a cover for mass evacuation of state funding for communities - or cuts disguised has democracy!
In a society where we have an increasing gap between the disengaged and the trapped is it wise to give more power to the articulate few, if their views simply echo their own 'norms and values?
The disengaged are often articulate about what is best for others - the trapped are equally articulate, but are less likely to be listened to because they have already been labelled, categorised and dismissed. Often, too often, by those who display the 'gift of the gab¿.
More words are spoken when less sense is shared.”
by Adrian, Leicester
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 3:27PM
“We live in a society divided in so many ways. The gap between Disengaged and the Trapped will always be reinforced by a lack of listening - on both sides. A 'big society' is not an excuse or a cover for mass evacuation of state funding for communities - or cuts disguised has democracy!
In a society where we have an increasing gap between the disengaged and the trapped is it wise to give more power to the articulate few, if their views simply echo their own 'norms and values?
The disengaged are often articulate about what is best for others - the trapped are equally articulate, but are less likely to be listened to because they have already been labelled, categorised and dismissed. Often, too often, by those who display the 'gift of the gab¿. The more words are spoken when less sense is shared.”