What's the Big Society?

[BarryF]

Someone's explained the Big Society to me: because of the cuts to local government you save money by sacking librarians, care workers and debt counsellors...
...and then they're free to volunteer as librarians, care workers and debt counsellors - simple isn't it?

[jacob]

There's a web site here http://thebigsociety.co.uk/
It's complete nonsense.
It's a variant of "the big lie" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Lie)

[northy]

The "Big Society" is a load of arrogant rubbish from an arrogant dogmatic Thatcherite, i.e. David Cameron (along with his Liberal allies). These people are destroying public services and attacking vulnerable people by closing care homes, Citizens' Advice Bureaus etc. How in Heaven's name can the "Big Society" expect an army of volunteers to step in and take over public services for free, and to take the place of expert and experienced people who have been sacked by this callous coalition? Pathetic nonsense from a government who will no doubt soon see a backlash from the public against Cameron and Clegg's right-wing ideology.

[Stella]

How in heaven's name will I manage without a public loo to go to? And, I know most schools have libraries, but surely not as comprehensive as a public library. These two vital services are being disbanded in Manchester, where I visited yesterday. Big Society, my thump!

[jacob]

According to the theory, teams of volunteers will be setting up free facilities all over the place. It'll be like the blitz, when we all pulled together!
Or alternatively you will be able to knock on any door and ask to use the loo. If they say no they will just need to be reminded of their Big Society obligations.How in heaven's name will I manage without a public loo to go to? And, I know most schools have libraries, but surely not as comprehensive as a public library. These two vital services are being disbanded in Manchester, where I visited yesterday. Big Society, my thump!

[northy]

If the "Big Society" is such a good idea let's see Cameron volunteer to do his job for free. After all he has enough independent income to get by.

This man is so desperate to justify this pointless idea. The "Big Society" is just a cover for draconian government spending cuts, no matter how much Cameron says otherwise.

[Stella]

I think (hope) there may be fireworks at Prime Minister's Question Time today!

I've been thinking of ways in which money can be found to reduce the deficit without having to resort to such painful measures. There are some obvious ones...!!;);)

[James Ogilvy]

Question Time was a damp squib, I thought.

The news on East Midlands news this evening is so so depressing. Yes, forests are important, Ed, but the cuts are affecting the lives of people.
Where are his priorities?

[James Ogilvy]

Yes, forests are important, Ed, but the cuts are affecting the lives of people. Where are his priorities?[/quote]

Sorry, Ed I take what I said back. With Cameron making an immediate u-turn, it appears you know what you are doing after all!