Cameron calls for ‘pro-social behaviour’
David Cameron this evening will pledge to encourage more “pro-social behaviour” where people take responsibility for improving the lives of those around them.
The Tory leadership candidate will say that “government is only one part of the solution” in fighting crime and delivering public services – voluntary and community groups have a “crucial” role to play, and should be freed to do so.
Both Mr Cameron and his rival, David Davis, have emphasised the need to look towards the voluntary and community sector to deliver services. Many already are, but they are hampered by red-tape.
If he wins the race to succeed Michael Howard, Mr Cameron pledges to cut the bureaucracy imposed on community groups, and make it easier for them to bid for government contracts in areas of their expertise.
He says he would scrap the use of short-term contracts, remove the requirement for voluntary and community groups to disclose their budgets where public sector bidders do not, and allow them to recover their costs, as private firms can.
“Just as to achieve a strong economy.we need a combination of economic liberalism and economic empowerment to achieve a decent society, where we maximise the potential of the voluntary sector, we need a combination of freedom and empowerment,” he will say.
Delivering the annual Hinton lecture at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Mr Cameron will insist his support for the voluntary sector is not simply based on its ability to deliver public services, but also its social benefit.
“I have a much broader vision of voluntary action as a means of providing support to and worthwhile activity for the most marginalised individuals and communities,” he will say.
The shadow education secretary will argue that too much is said about anti-social behaviour, and not enough on “pro-social behaviour”.
“My final challenge to all of you is to ask what we as politicians can do to empower you to lead this move to a pro-social society,” he will conclude.
“What more can be done to encourage individuals, businesses and voluntary organisations to play their fullest part in making this country a better and more civilised place to live?”
