Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have announced their plans for a new era of people power at the centre of the new Government. Their plans will empower communities, roll back big government, bureaucracy and Whitehall power. The Prime Minister promised that the idea of the Big Society would be marching through the corridors of power, starting a deep and serious reform agenda to take power away from politicians and give it to people.
The policies announced recently include;
• Giving communities a greater say over their local planning system and saving local services, such as post offices and pubs.
• Piloting a new National Citizen Service which will give 16 year olds the chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their communities.
• Extending powers for local government by giving a general power of competence to local councils, enabling them to act as they see fit in the best interests of their communities, as well as conducting a comprehensive review of local government finance in order to help remove restrictions that limit the work of local councils.
• Supporting mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises, giving them greater involvement in the running of public services. Funds from dormant bank accounts will be used to establish a Big Society Bank, providing new funds for neighbourhood groups, charities, social enterprises and other non-governmental bodies.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsstories/newsroom/1588186
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