By Vivienne Russell
14 October 2010
The government’s flagship Big Society policy could founder if it is not adequately financed, according to a survey of charity and social enterprise bosses.
The pollof third sector leaders, carried out by regeneration consultancy CommunitySense, also identified concerns that the Big Society was little more than a cost-saving programme.
More than 95% of respondents said limited financial resources could prevent their organisations from supporting the policy and 85% said they would want extra funding to help achieve it.
Ninety-four per cent of respondents saw it as a form of cost saving.
CommunitySense director Andy Perry said: ‘This feedback may suggest that there is a need to clarify the priorities of the Big Society to address underlying concerns about cost saving and help broker the support of the third sector.’
The survey also revealed a strong preference for third sector organisations to take an advisory or strategic supporting role in Big Society projects, rather than one of service provision.
‘This could be connected to a perceived need for further support, including financial support,’ Perry said.
He added: ‘Where significant cuts to public funding are scheduled, setting out a clear role for the third sector within the Big Society would allow organisations to manage available resources and think entrepreneurially in delivering services that offer greatest value for money.’
Last month, both the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations warned that spending cuts could prevent the Big Society from becoming a reality.
