Two weeks ago, I attended the launch of the Big Society Network in Downing Street. It is clear that this is an initiative that is very close to the heart of the Prime Minister.
The challenge is stark - many British citizens faced with huge economic, environmental and personal challenges in their daily lives still feel isolated, disempowered, unequal and disinterested in civic life. Social isolation and community fragmentation is increasing and average life expectancy can vary between wealthy and poor areas by over 14 years and all this against record levels of public spending and the growth under New Labour – not so much of the ‘Big State’ but the “Balloon out of all control state”. It is therefore increasingly obvious that the ‘Big State’ on its own is not the answer.
There are those who glibly dismiss the ‘Big Society’ as a marketing ploy and others who see at its heart something more sinister – a ‘leave everyone to their own devices’ solution to society’s ills. These people are missing the point.
In this modern era, for all the growth in the tentacles of the state - all empirical evidence points to a soaring disconnect at the heart of society. The Big Society Network’s vision is for a transformation of the recent political and economic crises into an opportunity – helping catalyse mass engagement and participation. It is simply the furtherance of compassionate ends by progressive means – creating the environment where individuals are empowered, neighbourhood groups are strengthened and community participation is increased.
That the goals are compassionate is clear – the whole purpose of the ‘Big Society’ vision is the betterment of the lives of British citizens - it will be the marginalised, the ignored and the most vulnerable who will benefit the most from this movement. The means are progressive – they reflect a political attitude favouring change and reform. We need to challenge the idea that public services can only be delivered by the public sector – in some cases the state can act as a supporter, provider of funds and a facilitator – look no further than the hospice movement for clear evidence of ‘progressive compassion’ at work.
A new politics of ‘progressive compassion’ now lies at the heart of government thinking – the challenge now is to make it work.
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Clearly this one of the most important issues of our time, we must strive to become not just beacons of compassion, but beacons of progressive compassion. We must all hope that the coalitition leadership have and strength and will to follow the rocky and difficult path leading to that beacon.