The Big Society must have caused more confusion than any other idea yet mooted by this Government.
Yet in a way, I think it is simple. We promised to roll back the frontiers of the state, to replace big government with big society.
The idea is that we are all responsible for our own and others’ welfare.
The idea is not that because we pay our taxes and maybe a little more, then we are relieved of the obligation to concern ourselves about others.
The last Government spent lavishly, but on layers of bureaucracy.
Somehow, people thought that because it was a Labour administration, they were doing their bit for others
In truth, over the last 11 years, the gap between rich and poor widened and entire groups, like the elderly, were increasingly neglected.
The idea that we should all contribute is not new.
In this country, there has been a long and honourable tradition of charitable contributions.
Regrettably, things are changing.
Research shows that the over 60’s – the civic minded generation - now account for almost half of charitable giving in this country.
But overall, charitable donations - of money and time - are falling. The recession undoubtedly plays a part. So do the long hours many of us work.
We tend to isolate ourselves in our own bubbles, not seeing what is around us.
So while the concept of a big society may seem nebulous, I do applaud some of the ideas.
For example, the youth volunteering service for 16-year-olds is a great way to integrate young and old, and to teach some invaluable skills.
Cynics say the big society is a disguise for government cuts. I disagree. Many of these schemes will cost money and the government will underwrite them.
We have lost the way of doing things for ourselves because, under the nanny state, so much has been done and decided for us.
If we take back some of that power and remake our communities as we would like them to be, then that must be good for us all.