Cameron: Big Society Not A 'Cover' For Cuts

[dutchman]

David Cameron has defended his Big Society project against claims it is just a "cover" for spending cuts.



The Prime Minister said people needed to volunteer more if his aim of handing power to local communities and voluntary organisations was to be successful.

"Building a stronger, bigger society is something we should try and do whether spending is going up or down," Mr Cameron wrote in The Observer.

"But there is a broader point to be made. As the state spends less and does less - which would be happening whichever party was in government - there would be a positive benefit if some parts of society were to step forward and do more."

Mr Cameron said ministers were opening up billions of pounds worth government contracts so that charities and social enterprises can compete for the first time.

A transition fund to help charities bid for those contracts and a Big Society bank will be launched soon.