Big Society in action, but could we really rely on it?

Published: 9 December, 2010

• I RECENTLY wrote to all my local councillors expressing my fears and feelings about icy pavements.  

An unexpected response, and one for which I was very grateful, was Councillor Jonny Bucknell (pictured) ringing my bell to say he had personally cleared the pavement from my house to Budgens.  This was obviously a very kind thing for him to do; not to mention completely above and beyond the duties any councillor has towards his/her constituents.

Cllr Bucknell is a Conservative; I assume he took this action as a practical manifestation of Mr Cameron’s Big Society idea. 

While repeating my gratitude for, and appreciation of his action, however, I would point out an obvious flaw in the Big Society as opposed to action taken by employees of national and local government: that this depends on the willingness and ability (both together not just one or the other) of local people to take action on behalf of others.  

Making this point does not minimise the kindness of what Cllr Bucknell did for me.

I just wonder what would happen to vulnerable people if no one in their area was willing and able to help.

MARGARET KING
Belsize Grove, NW3