Below the radar in the Big Society
A recent working paper from the Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC) explores the debates about ‘below the radar’ (BTR) community groups and their assumed role in delivering the Big Society.
It argues that the motivators for community action are, and have been, ill understood in policy circles. Further, there is and has been little systematic analysis of the power relationship between the state (both locally and nationally), communities and neighbourhoods which can inform meaningful debate on devolution and localism.
The paper examines the implications of the new policy environment for small community groups and asks can such activity, which has often been independent of, and operated outside the state, be co-opted to deliver particular government policy objectives?
2 March 2011
