a A SCRUTINY REVIEW PANEL ON THE BIG SOCIETY: Taken for a Ride or Taking Charge? What is the Big Society and what should we be doing about it? April 2012 leics.gov.uk/bigsociety A Foreword by the Chairman development of the the "Big Society" “Much voluntary Stronger Communities approach succeed in action was taking theme promoted by the promoting locally devised place long before the previous Government and solutions to local needs, words [Big Society] will no doubt be superseded benefiting from local were used, but an in due course by a understanding, energy impetus or focus for differently expressed and enthusiasm. initiative also concerned further action seem to with building the capacity I should like to thank my have been given by its and resilience of fellow Panel members for emergence, at least communities. This is not to their commitment to our here in devalue the idea, but to set work, the witnesses who Leicestershire.” it in a framework by which gave their experience and it may be better time to assist us, and the appreciated. officers who professionally supported To some, the term "Big The Panel has worked to us. I commend our Society" represents an arrive at an understanding recommendations and ideal of voluntary action, of what exactly is new hope they will be carried community self‐help and about "Big Society". We into effect. the taking of have concluded that much responsibility for the voluntary action was taking provision of services at a place long before the words local level, with local were used, but an impetus understanding and based or focus for further action on evidence of local need. seem to have been given by To others it is no more its emergence, at least here than a mask for the in Leicestershire. Indeed, withdrawal of public the County Council was funds and the substitution quick to respond by of unpaid and possibly establishing a Grant Fund to poorly‐skilled labour for support local aspirations. what was previously paid for by the public purse It is apparent that the and provided by paid County Council will have an professionals. important role to play in helping people to help The term can perhaps themselves; specifically, in best be understood in the ensuring that appropriate context of Localism, guidance, funding and although at the time of training are made available writing the exact nature to those individuals and of Localism and its communities who wish to practical application are seize new opportunities. still being defined. It is Richard Shepherd The Report recommends also to an extent a County Councillor for Sileby & the Wolds particular actions to help [email protected] 2 leics.gov.uk/bigsociety Background to the Review 1. This report sets out the findings of the Scrutiny Review Panel’s consideration of the Government’s Big Society Membership of the Panel concept. 5. The following members were Scope of the Review appointed to serve on the Panel. 2. The Scrutiny Commissioners on 29 Mr. A. D. Bailey CC September 2010 appointed a Scrutiny Dr. S. Hill CC Review Panel to begin consideration of Mr. P. G. Lewis CC the Government’s emerging Big Society Mr. J. Miah CC Agenda and its implications for the Mrs. C. M. Radford CC County Council. Its aim was to identify Mr. P. A. Roffey DL CC suitable policy priorities and to consider Mr. R. J. Shepherd CC how, with other partners, Leicestershire County Council could help to support Deputy Commissioner Mr. Shepherd and engage with the voluntary and was elected Chairman by the Panel. community sector to assist in the *A copy of the interim conclusions of the Panel delivery of the Big Society. from the first phase of the Review is appended to this report. 3. The first phase of the review was completed in January 2011* and an Conduct of the Review interim report was presented to the Scrutiny Commission and the Cabinet at 6. The Panel met on nine occasions that time which included a between 8 September 2011 and 23 recommendation that the review be April 2012. The Panel, during the reconvened later that year. Enactment course of the review, considered: of the Localism Bill was awaited and there were areas of work which had (a) An update on the progress of been identified but not yet explored recommendations from the first which the Panel felt needed to be taken phase of the Review; account of. (b) A presentation on the 4. The second phase of the review aimed Decentralisation and Localism Bill; to set out where the Council should focus its efforts in order to prepare for (c) A presentation from Social the Big Society, broadly focusing on Enterprise East Midlands (SEEM) on how: the work being done by SEEM across the East Midlands and the role and • Social action could be promoted; opportunities available through • Public services could be opened up; social enterprises; and • Communities could be empowered. (d) A report on the work being done by the County Council to help promote 3 and develop social enterprises in the various Leicestershire County area; Council Departments; (e) A presentation and workshop on the (k) A discussion with representatives of role of Community Forums; the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils around (f) A DVD produced by volunteers giving an the role parish councils could play in overview of some of the community supporting the Big Society; projects which had been completed over the last five years across the (l) An interactive discussion on the County under the auspices of the rights and responsibilities inherent Stronger Communities Partnership; in the Big Society and ways in which outcomes could be measured and (g) A report from County Council service provision standards departments highlighting service areas monitored; which may benefit from “Big Society” thinking and things which had already (m) A discussion with representatives of changed in relation to opening up public the Co‐operative & Social Enterprise services, promoting social action and/or Development Agency on ways in empowering communities; which the business sector could support the Big Society; (h) A letter from Emma McClarkin, MEP outlining her thoughts on the “Big (n) A discussion on the ways in which Society” and the need to encourage the Council’s procurement volunteering; arrangements would need to change to respond to the Big Society (i) Presentations and discussions with initiative. representatives of three key Big Society initiatives which had come to fruition in 7. The Panel was supported in its the County before the policy directive Review by the following persons had come into being; and is grateful to them for their contributions: (j) A report summarising the volunteering opportunities currently offered by Emma McClarkin MEP Conservative Spokesman on Culture and Education Jake Atkinson Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils Deana Morris Sir John Moore Foundation John Warren Lutterworth One‐Stop Shop Kathy Clarke Vale of Belvoir Broadband Project Guy Jackson Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils Barry White Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council David Kelly Social Enterprise East Midlands Jules Sebelin Social Enterprise East Midlands Tim Tavener Co‐operative & Social Enterprise Development Agency Jane Avery Co‐operative & Social Enterprise Development Agency Mike Lee Fosse Villages Neighbourhood Plan Jeremy Prescott Rural Community Council 4 Sue Haslett North West Leicestershire District Council Geoff Feavyour Leicestershire Constabulary Lynn Aisbett Melton Borough Council John Leach Blaby District Council Fiona Holbourn Leicestershire County Council James Trotter Leicestershire County Council Derk van der Wardt Leicestershire County Council Nicole Rickard Leicestershire County Council Joanne Twomey Leicestershire County Council Sam Weston Leicestershire County Council Sue Whitham Leicestershire County Council 8. For ease of reference, a summary of help to better achieve the four key the Panel’s recommendations is set aspirations of the Council in relation out below. The Panel feel that the to the policy agenda highlighted in recommendations of this Review paragraph 25. PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS: (i) That a further £30,000 of funding (in addition to the existing £30,000 annual allocation) be made available to support the growth of social enterprise in Leicestershire. This funding will help to facilitate sharing of good practice across Leicestershire based social enterprises, practical one‐to‐one advice for those considering establishing alternative delivery models (including County Council staff) and small start‐up grants for both emerging and existing social enterprises. (ii) Produce a leaflet to provide partners, community groups and residents with more information about what the Big Society means in Leicestershire, containing examples of how groups and individuals are already taking action, and providing the necessary information/signposting to make it easy for people to find out more about how they can get involved. (iii) Map and promote existing support organisations/structures in Leicestershire to clarify the support and advice available to voluntary and community organisations wishing to get involved in Big Society initiatives. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Support and Training (iv) Support the growth of community‐led solutions to community problems, by identifying how the County Council and partners can build the confidence and skills of community groups. Make appropriate tools and expertise available to enable them to take charge of problems within their local area. 5 Community Forums