DC launching the Big Socieity - though I've no idea who the woman in the funny hat is.

During the election David Cameron’s idea about a ‘big society’ was dismissed as fluff. Yesterday, however, he offered us some details of how it could work and set up a number of regions where trials would be put in place. I particularly like the fact that there are pilot schemes being set up before the whole policy goes nationwide – it means that changes can be made if things don’t work out as planned and shows a remarkable level of humility in not believing that all is bound to go well so we might as well impose the whole thing straight off. Here are a couple of initial thoughts on the subject.

First, I think the idea that ordinary people should be getting involved with running projects in their community is a really good one. We have become a country that expects too much from the state. Some sectors of society in particular have an attitude that the state should be doing everything for them and that has led to many losing their self-reliant abilities. This is not good and not, in my opinion, what God wants from us. That people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own life, their family, and their community has got to be a good thing.

Second, I do fear that as a result of this policy the state will end up doing less to the extent that some of the weakest in society may loose out. The state began to grow during the Victorian era – a time when much reliance was placed on charities etc – because there so much need that was not being met. Though much good work was done by churches and other voluntary bodies, this was often patchy and many people failed to get the help they desperately needed. Needless to say, it would not be good if we ended up in that kind of situation again.

So a mixed response to the government’s proposals. What do you think?

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