The Advantages and Disadvantages of David Cameron’s Big Society
When David Cameron became the 14th British Prime Minister since 1946, he entered number 10 Downing Street with two real problems- a government in debt, and an economy in decline. One solution has been a much publicized, and sometimes ridiculed concept of a “Big Society.” What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating a Big Society?
What is Big Society?
Local state run services are transfered into the hands of community groups and organizations, who take over the existing government run service. Funding is made through a new Bank, financed in part by funds left in dormant and expired bank accounts. According to the architect of this plan, David Cameron, people and communities run their own services, without any government interference.- These services include public bus routes, libraries,state-run schools and universities.
What are the Advantages?
1. Many people feel that some public services run by the government are inefficient, and badly organized. Transferring these services to local groups and charities, could make them more democratic, and efficient. as the groups would run the services themselves.
2. Technically people will form a community, and volunteer to run these services which could range from taking over a rural bus service to running a school.- creating independence within a community- instead of dependency on the state.
3. Charities are also “tax free,” which means all funding is excluded from state taxation, and profits can in theory be funneled back into improving or creating more services based on the needs of the community.
4. The government may save billions, which could be used to pay back a wide range of creditors, and funnel excess funds into improving the services it still provides. The community win, because they get a chance to provide a service they want- without any governmental interference.
What are the Disadvantages?
1. One obvious disadvantage is that funding may depend on how wealthy the community is that take over the service, and how willing people are to volunteer to help run these services.
2. The UK has had no recent history of mass volunteerism, and many communities are actually a mixture of new arrivals, migrant workers and short-term residents. Accustomed to a welfare state, and a need to earn money in one of the World’s most expensive Countries- many people may not have the time to volunteer.
3. Free market economies emphasize on self reliance, rather than community reliance. A paradox where volunteerism is needed to keep some services running, but at the same time these services remain in competition with private businesses that may operate a similar service.
4. Some people believe the UK is a broken society. And in many instances the concept of community does not exist in the traditional sense. “Big Society” on a village level may work, but would it work in an inner-city housing estate?
The Solution
Germany faced similar problems to the UK between 2000 and 2007. The nation accumulated debts through its generous social system, whilst its economy was stagnant, and it had over 35% of its population receiving some type of state benefit. The Government had either to cut back or raise taxes.
A defacto form of “Big Society” materialized after sharp cuts in unemployment benefits, and an implementation of a means tested benefit system. The unemployed had to work for an extra 1 euro an hour, on community schemes which were the former jobs of government employees.
Unemployed Germans “volunteered” to sweep their streets, and maintain dilapidated public buildings and parks for 20 hours a week in order to remain qualified for a decreased benefit.
Perhaps the German example could help communities and charities find the people to run the services they are encouraged to take over. This in turn could give people valuable work experience, and help them train for a suitable job.
However their is a flip-side to the German example- Many middle income Germans saved more and spent less, whilst the unemployed opted to work in a low paid job, rather than face remaining unemployed. The Government saved billions of euros, but still raised indirect taxes- and in 2008 took on more debt by bailing out faltering German banks.
Another solution is to increase the retirement age, and whoever is unemployed and close to retirement, could assist in running these services. In some cases train other volunteers- in return for the benefits they receive plus an extra stipend from the charity.
Big society has advantages and disadvantages. Much depends on how the public is encouraged to volunteer, and how these community organizations are initially financed. The big question is whether a society accustomed to a social safety net, could change, and embrace an idea which has already created a very cynical response.
By: Mark Medley
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Filed under Society by on Sep 5th, 2010. 