As 2010 draws to an end, Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd takes stock and sends a Christmas message to the charity sector
As we approach Christmas, I look back on a challenging but rewarding year. It is a real honour for me, as Minster for Civil Society, to work on behalf of a sector that has made such a deep impression on me these past few years, with its tireless commitment to helping others, and its practical, human approach to social problems.
We have a mighty task ahead of us, but it is great to see things starting to take shape, with organisations already in place to launch the first wave of the National Citizen pilots, good progress towards building the Big Society Bank and the Transition Fund open for applications, which will help organisations adapt to new opportunities and challenges.
The new Compact with the additional measures I have put in place to increase transparency and accountability is an improvement. Coming down the pipe is more detail on how we will make it easier for VCS organisations to compete for public services, and a Green Paper on ideas to stimulate more giving. Lord Hodgson’s taskforce will come to me in the New Year with specific ideas on cutting red tape.
I know this isn’t an easy time for social enterprises and community groups and that many charities will approach the New Year with some concern. The economic challenges facing the country are large and our commitment to tackling the deficit is as firm as it is necessary. But the Coalition Government has a social purpose at its heart and it is understood, right at the top of government, that you are central to it. Because whilst the message of the Big Society is new to many, you are there already, supporting people to take positive action, providing services that really work for the people who use them, and speaking up for those who would otherwise be voiceless.
I think 2011 can ultimately be a year of great opportunity for voluntary organisations and social enterprises and I will commit myself to clearing away every obstacle we can to your continued success.
A very happy Christmas to you.
Source: Directory of Social Change
04.Jan.11 
Big Society 
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