Big Society and the Environment – Defra context

North West Environment Link 27th October 2010

Dr Angela CoultonGONW

Big Society

MeansValues

FreedomFrameworks that support social responsibility and civil liberties

FairnessThose who cannot, we always help

ResponsibilityThose who can, do

Decentralisation and Localism

Public Service Reform

Political Reform

A Smaller State

Deficit Reduction and Economic Recovery

Social Enterprise, VCS

& Private Enterprise

A successful Big Society will deliver economic prosperity and opportunity for all, strong families and

communities, and a thriving democracy characterised by real power in the hands of every citizen.

A Big Society matched by Big Citizens

Changes to date

• Closure of regional bodies 4NW, GONW, NWDA

• Loss of RS2010

• PSA 28 Valuing the Natural Environment

• Loss of Performance management structures, indicators

• Defra focus on Structural Reform and deficit reduction

Update from CSR

• Defra budget reduces from £2.9bn to £2.2bn over Spending Review period – 33%

• Increasing emphasis on Higher level Stewardship scheme

• Creation of waterways charity

• Restructuring of Environment Agency, Natural England and Forestry Commission

How the Big Society agenda is emerging

• Picture still forming

• Movement of responsibility from the public sector to the localities and communities

• Complements the localism programme - real change driven by local people working together in their communities

• Radical shift of power from Westminster to local people• Giving people more say, choice and ownership of their

local facilities and services• Increasing Town Hall transparency

Elements of the Big Society Agenda

Three core elements :-

Social ActionWhat we can do for others

Public Sector ReformWhat the state can do for you

Community EmpowermentWhat we can do for ourselves

Is Government listening to the Big Society?

• Recent Cabinet Office publication of “Building a Stronger Society”

• Defra Civil Society Board created from the old Defra Third Sector Board 2008

• Continuity and advice to Defra on the role of the Big Society

• Defra encouraging grass roots responses to Natural Environment White Paper consultation

Is Government listening to the Big Society?

• No blueprint – Vanguards exploring freedoms and flexibilities, catalysing community action and highlighting barriers to progress

• Four Big Society ‘Vanguard Communities’ 2 in the NW (pilot)

• Eden Valley, led by Rory Stewart MP, wants to build community-backed affordable housing, rural broadband, and build green power generators.

• Liverpool, led by Phil Redmond, wants to develop the potential of volunteers, work with the Fire and Rescue Service as community catalysts, and greener transport

How the NWEL can influence

• Engage with the Defra Civil Society Board with your concerns around the implications for funding and delivery

• Use the good examples from the NW to explain the potential and the pitfalls

• expand membership to include business and the private sector.

• Think local, including to generate funding

In the meantime

• comment on“An invitation to shape the Nature of England” discussion paper until 31October,

• Stakeholder events in early November • First draft of the White Paper by Christmas • Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP)

due Spring 2011. • To include recommendations from Lawton

Review “Making Space for Nature”

THANK YOU

Dr Angela Coulton Head of Environment Team

Angela.coulton@gonw.gsi.gov.uk