Given the recent Conservative announcement of 28% in cuts to the Rugby Council budget then surely it is now worth exploring what David Cameron means when he talks about the ‘Big Society’. Currently, voluntary groups, teachers, nurses, doctors and council workers across Rugby do their bit to create our ‘good’ society. But what are businesses such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s doing? In the wake of cuts to libraries, youth centres and care homes they continue to expand in the face of fierce opposition from residents. These corporations are sucking the life blood out of our town, threatening to destroy local businesses in places such as Bilton and Paddox. In reality they wipe out their competition thus limiting rather than enhancing consumer choice as they claim.

In my view, big businesses in this town must take greater social responsibility and add more to the environment that they operate in. For instance, small donations and business advice could be provided for community projects, financial help or sponsorship could be given to Dunchurch Library or Paddox Youth Centre, both vital local services near to new/planned stores. Our voluntary workers and public service sector do sterling work for us and yet their pay and conditions are being squeezed to justify cuts. The real alternative to this is to try to hold banks and big business in this town to account. These companies need to realise that they are part of our communities and consequently they need to contribute in a meaningful way. A few school vouchers just doesn’t cut it given the current financial situation and the zealous manner in which cuts are being administered.

If you oppose this lack of social responsibility by big corporations in Rugby why not use the alternatives we do have? Ethical community focused banking and independent shops can be found across the town, so why not try them this weekend? Vote with your wallet, money talks to these people. The ‘Big Society’ could mean so much more than a cynical Tory government marketing ploy to get services for free. It could mean true social responsibility that binds business and communities together in a mutually beneficial society. If we are all in this together then shouldn’t we all be involved in building a ‘Big Society’ that includes the public, voluntary and business sectors?

Rob McNally
Chair Rugby Labour West Branch and Paddox Borough Council Candidate