The problem with the "big society" is not just that it can be seen as the cover for cuts, a view disavowed by David Cameron ("Have no doubt, the big society is on its way", Comment), though he can hardly deny that those same cuts effectively negate the claims made for the concept. The problem is that the very name is inappropriate.
When Cameron refers to the big society, he really means the small society in which, as he puts it, the aim is "devolving power to the local level so neighbourhoods take control of their own destiny". Of course it is right to engage people and communities in the decisions which affect them and to encourage and facilitate the voluntary sector with its aptitude for innovation, but Cameron's vision is essentially one of a fragmented society of neighbourhoods.
Who then mediates the competing, perhaps conflicting, claims of different communities, whether defined by geography or interest? Who determines the overall priorities within a given local area? How does the small society share the responsibility not just for its own concerns and destiny but those of the wider community to which it belongs? Ironically, Cameron's solution appears to reflect the aspiration enunciated by Engels – the "withering away of the state", both national and local.
Jeremy Beecham
Labour, House of Lords
In his article, David Cameron cites Balsall Heath, Birmingham, where the residents drove out crime, as his one example of the big society in action.
In fact, the residents drove out prostitution and drug-dealing by taking the law into their own hands through the use of vigilante groups and direct action.
However, they only succeeded in displacing the problem to other parts of the city, whose residents took a different approach, handling it in partnership with the statutory authorities – the police, social workers, councillors and legal services.
There you have it in a nutshell. Cameron's big society – volunteers taking over the legitimate functions of the state – rather than ordinary citizens working co-productively with the professionals for a permanent solution.
Chris Vaughan
Birmingham
I welcome the concept of the big society, because we need fundamental changes to the way we now live. Today, a new website and campaign has started, called Hearts Matter.
We will be collating information about what is out there already, finding stories of ways people have changed their community and adding tools and resources to support what is missing.
A few months ago, I watched in horror a report on GMTV that showed a woman with a disabled son effectively being held hostage in her home. How can this happen in the first place and how can we allow it to happen?
It's time to move away from fear, gang culture selfishness, anger and aggression to kindness, happiness and to finding again the hearts in our community. This is not impossible – it is only impossible if we say it is so. This isn't anyone else's responsibility – it's ours collectively and individually. As individuals, we will make a difference; collectively, we can make the difference.
If anyone wants to join us, please email heartsmatter@sky.com
Caroline Johnstone
Auchinleck
Ayrshire
David Cameron's promises us that if "someone wants to help out with children… we will sweep away the criminal record checks and health and safety laws that stop them". So is the way now paved for paedophiles to run nurseries in rat-infested basements perhaps? If the checks and balances guaranteeing children's safety are to be removed by the coalition, then if you don't mind I'll give the big society a big thumbs down.
Barbara Baker
London SW11
There is no such thing as big society.
Andrew Casey
Epsom, Surrey
