Big Society

Report that brings together a range of evidence about civic engagement and community control. Starting from an overview of some of the emerging coalition policy around the 'Big Society' and localism, it proceeds to consider these current directions in the light of the long history and diverse history of “Big Society” type approaches, then outlines some of the opportunities and challenges communities face in taking up these opportunities.

The report has a specific focus on the challenges for more disadvantaged communities in engaging with the Big Society.

Pamphlet that explains why it is important for policymakers to have a better understanding of the capacity for active citizenship in their local areas. It also sets out a preliminary method for measuring the presence or absence of key mechanisms and social assets driving participation.

It puts forward an argument for a new approach to understanding and measuring active citizenship and is designed with the political and policy context in mind.

Report that draws on evidence from over 80 homeless people who took part in our survey and in depth peer research discussing what ideas within the Big Society mean for homeless people and what some of the barriers might be to their greater participation and inclusion. It looks at new research from the public, sector leaders and St Mungo’s staff (see Appendix for details).

Report that examines the current drug policy - prescribing methadone to drug addicts in the hope that this would replace use of street drugs, reduce street crime and cut criminal justice costs.

Summary that examines the relationship between ‘poverty’ and ‘place’ in six low-income areas, drawing on residents’ accounts to explain different patterns of neighbourhood change.

It is based on the findings of a four-year research study, which has captured how communities’ distinctive socio-cultural and historical features impact on people’s experiences and perceptions, and on a report that highlights the implications these have for current policy agendas.

Report that examines some of the principles and assumptions behind policies concerned with place, poverty and welfare introduced by the Coalition Government, and considers how they connect with the perceptions of residents.