Cameron defends the "big society"

This is from The Guardian's Professional Local Government Network online service.

Cameron defends the "big society"

By Kate Hodge, Guardian Professional

David Cameron has defended his idea of the "big society" amid continued criticism. Speaking as the government published its Giving White Paper, Cameron claimed that big society was not just a money saving exercise, but a strong commitment to empowering communities. He also unveiled plans to give £40m to the third sector, including £30 million to help volunteer organisations and a £10m social action fund. Many welcomed plans to introduce tax incentives to promote charitable donation. Others, however, claimed the schemes were a desperate attempt by the government to help charities struggling to cope with the effects of strict economic austerity. Rachael Maskell, Unite's national officer, said, "Unless the White Paper addresses the funding crisis in a more strategic way and also the massive job losses already affecting charities, the White Paper will be no more than a white elephant."