Legislating for the big society? The case of the Public Services (Social V alue) Bill

Abstract

A key aspect of the ‘big society’ discourse in England is an enhanced role for voluntary organizations in the delivery of public services. However , Conservative philosophy draws upon the contradictory positions of market liberals favouring the free market and a small state, and those favouring community self-help and local distinctiveness. This article explores how these tensions were played out in parliamentary debate over the second reading of the Public Services (Social V alue) Bill. The authors argue that these tensions reflect unresolved issues within the UK Conservative party, and that market liberals will have the upper hand.

Keywords:

• Big Society
• market liberalism
• public services
• social enterprise
• social value

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Simon Teasdale

Simon Teasdale is Research Fellow at the Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, UK, and is associate editor of Social Enterprise Journal.

Pete Alcock

Pete Alcock is Professor of Social Policy and Administration and Director of the Third Sector Research Centre at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Graham Smith

Graham Smith is Professor of Politics at the University of Southampton, UK and carries out research at the Third Sector Research Centre and Centre for Citizenship, Globalization and Governance.