An Introduction to the Special Issue – The Big Society, Localism and Housing Policy: Recasting State–Citizen Relations in an Age of Austerity

Abstract

“The Big Society, Localism and Housing Policy” was the theme of a seminar series funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (2012–2014) in the UK. A collaborative venture between the Universities of St Andrews, Sheffield, Reading and Queen’s University Belfast – it brought together academics, policy-makers and practitioners from across the UK to critique contemporary political debates within the context of devolved policy-making in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The papers in this special issue emerged from that seminar series. Whilst the policy discussions that follow are very much UK focused, the wider narratives around localism, empowerment, citizenship and welfare reform have a much broader international relevance as this editorial introduction explains.

Key Words:

• Austerity
• Broken Britain
• Community
• Devolution
• Voluntary sector
• Welfare

Acknowledgements

The papers from this special issue were drawn from a seminar series on the theme of: The Big Society, Localism & Housing Policy. Further information about the seminar series can be found at: http://bigsocietylocalismhousing.co.uk/.

The organizers of this seminar wish to acknowledge the support of the Economic and Social Research Council, Grant Number ES/J021172/1.

Thanks to the participants and co-organizers of this seminar series, especially Tom Moore, John Flint, David Clapham, Jenny Muir, Keith Jacobs, Peter Matthews, Tony Manzi and David Manley. Both for their helpful comments on this introduction and for conversations about the seminar series more broadly. Responsibility as ever lies with the author.