Legislating for the big society? The case of the Public Services (Social V alue) Bill

A key aspect of the ‘big society’ discourse in England is an enhanced role for voluntary organizations in the delivery of public services. However , Conservative philosophy draws upon the contradictory positions of market liberals favouring the free market and a small state, and those favouring community self-help and local distinctiveness. This article explores how these tensions were played out in parliamentary debate over the second reading of the Public Services (Social V alue) Bill. The authors argue that these tensions reflect unresolved issues within the UK Conservative party, and that market liberals will have the upper hand.