Voluntary Action: a Stalking Horse for the Right?

Abstract

Support for voluntary action has become a major part of the Conservative Party's social policy. This article identifies the range of action undertaken in the 'voluntary sector' of the social services. Conservative policy is examined through the statements of leading politicians over recent years. These are related to ideological differences within the Conservative Party and an attempt is made to assess the way in which these policy statements have been reflected in practice. It is suggested that any development of policy in this field will be accompanied by increasing government control over voluntary groups. In addition ways in which the left has responded to the growth of voluntary action are examined and the conclusion highlights the dangers of both the current policy and of some of the left wing reactions to these policies.