Some extracts from David Cameron’s first speech that seem relevant to the community development sector. There is much here to hold him to. Emphases are mine!
One of the tasks that we clearly have is to rebuild trust in our political system…it’s about making sure people are in control and that the politicians are always their servants and never their masters.
Real change is not what government can do on its own. Real change is when everyone pulls together, comes together, works together, when we all exercise our responsibilities to ourselves, to our families, to our communities and to others.
And I want to help build a more responsible society here in Britain, one where we don’t just ask ‘what are my entitlements?’ but ‘what are my responsibilities?’. One where we don’t just ask ‘what am I owed?’ but more ‘what can I give?’. And a guide for that society, that those who can, should, and those who can’t, we will always help.
I want to make sure that my government always looks after the elderly, the frail, the poorest in our country.
Above all it will be a government that will be built on some clear values — values of freedom, values of fairness, and values of responsibility.
I want us to build an economy that rewards work, I want us to build a society with stronger families and stronger communities, and I want a political system that people can trust and look up to once again.
“About making sure the people are in control and that politicians are always their servants.” Perhaps time for a serious consideration of person centred and responsive methodologies instead of policy centred and strategic. Be interesting to see what happens to Communities and Local Government under the new coalition.
Cameron’s full speech is reported here.