Building the Little Society

Today I asked the Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office:

Robert Halfon (Harlow): "Will the Minister set out what steps he is taking to increase access to public contracts for smaller grassroots charities as well? And does the Minister agree with me that for the Big Society to work properly, we need to build the little society too?"

The Minister's reply was very encouraging for Harlow charities and community groups, when he said:

Francis Maude MP: "My Honourable Friend makes the point very well. All the measures that we are taking to enable small and medium-sized businesses to participate more fully in Government contracts, will of course apply to the voluntary and charitable sector as well. Indeed, in the recent award of contracts under the DWP's Work Programme it is estimated that 35% to 40% of the value of the work will go to organisations from the voluntary and charitable sector, which will be worth we believe in excess of £100 million pounds a year."

p.s. the Public Admin. Select Committee in Parliament (of which I am a member) has announced that it will lead in inquiry into the Big Society. You can see more details HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com