There has been a cross-party consensus about the need to build a stronger civic society and a more ‘localist’ approach for some time. The coalition Government has called this the ‘Big Society’, though this offers more of a framework for change rather than comprehensive guidance. The thinking seems to suggest that the state has always stepped in to meet society’s needs displacing civil society. So what happens when the state pulls back? Will society step forward?

Some communities will be able to respond, and others will find it more difficult. Local Authorities are seen as enablers of the Big Society, with some commentators suggesting a future measure of performance might be their ability to mobilise communities. A stronger community sector will have an increasing role to play in responding to issues, owning facilities and delivering local services.

If local authorities are to succeed in delivering this, a shift of relationship with residents is required. Too often, their experience as service users has undermined attempts to engage them as citizens. The financial context in which local authorities are now operating makes this particularly challenging.

We can help. For nearly ten years we have developed ways to engage and empower communities and deliver successful models of co-production. We have developed a range of products designed to improve trust between Councils & citizens, involve at scale, and also deliver efficiencies and savings.