The Big Society?

I AM becoming increasingly concerned that the Big Society is being used to mask the draconian cuts being imposed on public services and that there is an expectation that people will have to take on increasing amounts of unpaid voluntary work to maintain the fabric of a civilised society. I have written to Gregory Barker MP to ask what level of contribution he is making to this major government initiative. We are lucky in Bexhill that many people already contribute substantially to support voluntary organisations. In the interests of an open debate I have attached a copy of my letter to Mr Barker:

Dear Gregory Barker,

I am writing to seek your guidance on the Big Society. This has been relaunched by the Prime Minister and I am looking to see what the implications might be in the Bexhill and Rother area.

Clearly this kind of initiative is going to need role models and a range of skills and experience. It will also have implications for individuals in terms of time and money.

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Can you explain to me in what specific ways you are supporting the Big Society? Which mutual or local ideas are you personally involved with?

How much time do you spend each month on voluntary activities that could be defined as part of the Big Society?

These will provide a very useful benchmark against which we, your constituents, can assess our own level of commitment.

I appreciate you have a busy job and time may be at a premium but you will not be alone in that; we are all being asked to contribute.

Given the high profile of the Big Society and the wider interest in how we can all contribute I am copying this letter to the Bexhill Observer.

TIM MURRAY

Cranston Avenue

Bexhill-on-Sea