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
Value) Bill. The authors argue that these tensions reflect unresolved issues within
the UK Conservative party, and that market liberals will have the upper hand.
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
Value) Bill. The authors argue that these tensions reflect unresolved issues within
the UK Conservative party, and that market liberals will have the upper hand.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 201-208 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Public Money and Management |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 23 Mar 2012 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Big Society
- market liberalism
- public services
- social enterprise
- social value