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As an institutionalised local government officer, something always worries me about the word ‘big'. The case for local councils has always been based on the difference and uniqueness of local place, and ensuring that outstanding quality of life means locally-acceptable and understandable policies and services. Small is beautiful has always outgunned big is beautiful in our world. John Ransford is chief executive of the Local Government Group National politicians like the word big of course. With former PM Tony Blair, we had the ‘big conversation'. With the current prime minister, David Cameron, it is the Big Society. On the face of it, the Big Society is intended to ensure total inclusivity. As far as I can ascertain, it is based on a redefinition of the relationship between citizens and the state. As the state has become bigger, it is argued that personal and community responsibility has declined. Added to the economic unsustainability of the current public sector, a solution must be found which adds a lot more value – and costs considerable less. So, the balance between the state and citizens must change to emphasise social action, public service reform and community empowerment. Once citizens and communities know they have more influence, they will exercise greater responsibility, and commit more effort. There is a great deal to commend in all this, of course, and for local government, it is a tremendous opportunity. Local councillors have always been identifiable and democratically-accountable community leaders, and for the last decade, that role has been enshrined in legislation. If the Big Society notion is to work in practice, it needs local adhesive to bring people together, and that is the vital role of councils and councillors. It is worrying that some of the early Big Society rhetoric ignores this completely. Councils cannot hold localist power to themselves, but by playing their role appropriately, they are essential to its success. My main problem with the Big Society notion is that it is still too conceptual. People want real opportunities and specific options, particularly when resources are reduced significantly. If this is not to be another fashionable passing fad, it must become real to them quickly. My personal confidence was boosted by a series of workshops organised by Action for Children at the recent party conferences. Young people were directly involved, and they specifically articulated what they wanted and how they wanted it delivered. We must listen to them and act. I hope some of them become councillors too.

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WHITEHALL

Plugged In

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