Removal of ringfencing for certain programmes makes it more straightforward to wield the axe. These aren't essential "frontline" services in the same way as, say, schools, or child protection. But their disappearance would be entirely at odds with this government's vision of a "big society" where people have a sense of their social responsibility.
The discourse on the big society has thus far lacked proper reference to young people except for the National Citizen Service for 16-year-olds, a top-down, grandiose government initiative engineered by adults. Whatever this scheme's merits, it cannot alone define the big society for young people. The realisation of the big society will depend on a host of opportunities for today's young people to participate, be involved and feel they have a stake in their communities. These are tomorrow's parents, remember.
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