The changing policy landscape Robert Beard Improving Local Partnerships Policy Adviser  NAVCA, The Tower, 2 Furnival Square, SHEFFIELD S1 4QL  +(0)  

The ‘Big Society’ not a programme an outcome 3 strands: –new culture of voluntarism, philanthropy, social action –public service reform –community empowerment

Localism Bill new powers for councils new rights for local people and communities –includes ‘virtual’ and ‘causal’ communities – Greg Clark planning reforms make housing fairer and more democratic incentives for economic growth

right to challenge does not give right to deliver procurement law favours large organisations protection for valued local services? Localism Bill – can it deliver?

Real power for communities

Localism Bill Labour amendment –‘too many powers for CLG Secretary’ –sections on empowerment and planning ‘put together hastily and without adequate consultation’ Committee stage –evidence invited from community groups and the public

nef report Cutting it: The ‘Big Society’ and the new austerity “The doors are wide open for big global corporations… to take over state functions…” “How much room will the big corporates leave for… small voluntary organisations…?”

Risk of less accountability… “…everything from children's services to doctors' practices could end up outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act… “There is a potential for services to become less transparent and less accountable.” Christopher Graham Information Commissioner The Guardian, 21 January 2011

nef report Cutting it: The ‘Big Society’ and the new austerity Inequality means not everyone can take part and benefit “… localisation and fiscal retrenchment threaten to undermine the Government’s tenet that we are ‘all in this together’.”

“In this world nothing is certain but 1)death and 2)taxes.” Benjamin Franklin writer, diplomat & humanitarian

“In this world nothing is certain but 1)death and 2)taxes.” 3)public spending cuts

‘Winners’ (< -1%)‘Losers’ (-8.9%)

Local government settlement Many poorer councils have to find bigger savings NHS social care funding now included in settlement

Transition Fund £100 million for CSOs delivering high quality services administered by Big Lottery Fund awards announced in April and May

Because it’s there! Big Society Bank funded from ‘dormant’ accounts to capitalise CSOs to encourage retail banks to lend to CSOs £200 million loans to launch Big Society Bank BSB loans for existing or only for new groups?

Communities First fund targeted towards the most disadvantaged areas start up funds for neighbourhood groups charities and social enterprises can offer support for “new and existing groups” match funding “not a requirement”

“We want to support local infrastructure organisations… which play a valuable role… by nurturing the small groups...” Stronger Civil Society consultation Lord Taylor of Holbeach Government Whip

National Citizen Service for young people to develop skills for engagement and become active, responsible citizens £2 million government start-up funding incentive to take part?

God helps those who help themselves! Community Organisers Govt will provide training COs to find their own salaries unaffordable for communities? other types of communities misunderstanding? Labour: Movement for Change

Local Enterprise Partnerships “natural economic areas” 30 approved so far

Local Enterprise Partnerships ‘local’? ‘rebel’ councils:

Business Connectors people who connect local business and local organisations target of 1000 business connectors BitC – “a crucial role” target “areas that need the greatest help” address “problems that are of greatest concern”

Big Society Network deliver the benefits of civic participation encourage people to take part in groups help groups and entrepreneurs to access Big Society powers independently funded partner with government

Your Square Mile c. 1 million groups square miles enabling citizens to join and create groups linking groups to sharing resources ‘UK’s biggest mutual’ YOU ARE HERE

Public Services (Social Enterprise and Social Value) Bill Public bodies must take account of ‘wider economic, social and environmental well-being’ Consider whether to consult beneficiaries

The Compact voluntary agreement between Government and civil society renewed Compact published on 14 December 2010 accountability and transparency “shorter and more focussed” statement of support NAO study of Compact and government – July 2011

The Compact – outcomes A strong, diverse and independent civil society Effective and transparent design and development of policies programmes and public services Responsive and high-quality programmes and services Clear arrangements for managing changes to programmes and services An equal and fair society The Compact

Compact Commission abolished Compact Voice to champion and Cabinet Office to promote increased funding for Compact Voice

Big Society – VCS response Reinventing the wheel? to this? From this…

What we can do… use relationships with local public sector engage with LSPs, scrutiny committees and LEPs to identify priorities for community –42% of NAVCA members will advise on cuts –27% will campaign against them campaign for what’s important campaign against arbitrary cuts –Compact –public law

Why Big Society can’t work…? “Lord Nat Wei has no private income to fall back on, and is cutting his voluntary hours to earn more money and see more of his family…” The Guardian, 1 February 2011

Why Big Society can’t work…? “Lord Nat Wei has no private income to fall back on, and is cutting his voluntary hours to earn more money and see more of his family…” The Guardian, 1 February 2011

Why Big Society can’t work? “… Liverpool City Council can no longer support the big society initiative, as a direct consequence of your funding decisions… “… the government has failed to deliver a single change that we have requested…” Cllr Joe Anderson Leader, Liverpool City Council 3 February 2011

Why Big Society can’t work? “Big Society… It just came at the wrong moment.” Phil Redmond television writer/producer Liverpool vanguard area leader

Why Big Society can’t work? “However well intentioned the Big Society is, cuts to public expenditure undermine it.” Tony Travers London School of Economics

"There are a lot of very worthwhile programmes… which are now under threat of closure.” “… ways of saving money without destroying the volunteer army" “make a year of service a prerequisite for all would-be MPs?” Dame Elisabeth Hoodless Executive Director (outgoing) Community Service Volunteers