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Big Society and the Environment – Defra context North West Environment Link 27th October 2010 Dr Angela Coulton GONW Big Society Values Means Decentralisation and Localism Freedom Frameworks that support social responsibility and civil liberties Fairness Those who cannot, we always help A Big Society matched by Big Citizens Responsibility Public Service Reform Political Reform A Smaller State Deficit Reduction and Economic Recovery Social Enterprise, VCS Those who can, do & 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. 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 Action What we can do for others Public Sector Reform What the state can do for you Community Empowerment What 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 [email protected]