Forum Topic

The 'Big Society' - what do you think?

How do local residents feel about running Acton?

Dee Cook ● 5954d10 Comments

duh - thought we already did!sorry can't resist.The problem, as local people well know, is that it's the same few committed types who are prepared to get involved with local activities: the overlap between, for example, Derwentwater PTA, Churchfield Community Association (or other residents' associations), local active church membership, Mums4Mums, streetwatchers, Acton business forum, the Town Hall team, and any number of other good and worthwhile things, is very high. Yet there must be hundreds of people who could contribute but don't because they are unsure, or feel too busy or don't know how.I can't see how the Big Society idea gets over this.

Sara Nathan ● 5953d

In a few words, it saves the Government and the Council money.  If the public don't want this then may be we need to be be prepared for tax increases.....  See what is happening in Lambeth and Barnet.  The carrot appears to be a cut in Council Tax.So get out your broom and sweep your street / or cut the grass in Acton Park - possibly!!

Dee Cook ● 5953d

coo-er - sounds a nightmare for 'elfnsafety.

Sara Nathan ● 5953d

Labour did a You Tube take on the Big Society during the election campaign, see: http://www.daily-news.org.uk/video/dyxBUl9OGSMCETRYHBhBBQ%3D%3DI agree with Sara, there are only so many wishing to be involved and they often multi task.We should look to the new council to encourage community involvement. To be fair I do get emails from the council and local neigbourhood safety team. Lets hope community engagement develops.PS I not want to be a lollypop person....

Iain Muir ● 5953d

let's hope that the local politicans read your postings ....

Dee Cook ● 5952d

Let's hope that all tenants who RENT read the postings.

Rosco White ● 5952d

Contact www.do-it.org.uk for lots of ideas about what you too could do

Elizabeth Jean Saunders ● 5951d

So the ConDems "Big Society" idea is starting to take shape.Today, the government bill which paves the way for a big expansion in the number of publicly-funded independent schools is debated in the LordsThe original concepte of "Big society" sounded quite appealing - all about people getting involved and having a say in schools etcHowever the actual legislation provides for the complete oppositeRather than empower parents, local authorities and teachers to debate and decide what is best for their schools, the Bill actually dispenses with parents' and teachers' right to oppose the plans and removes the right of the local authority to veto the plans.Instead the Secretary of State can make a "discontinuance order" and no consultation need take place at all.Only the Secretary of State and the Governors can stop an opt out.The Bill is in fact extremely centralising and totally undermines and subverts any form of local democracy or accountability to the community.The intended outcome is clear; divide publicly funded schools into independent middle class schools and state sector ghettos. New academies do not need to follow the public sector pay structure so can attract away all the best staff.The ultimate outcome looks quite appalling

Peter Todd ● 5947d

See today's Guardian article which provide's more detail on Peter's post: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/jun/06/academies-bill-gove-teachers-authorities

Iain Muir ● 5947d

Well said, Peter.Dare I say it, but 29% of us realised from the outset that the "Big Society" was just a byword for weakening the public services which the less well off rely upon.I expect those old badges will be making a come back soon! (The ones with the words "Don't blame me, I voted Labour").

Robin Taylor ● 5947d