THE Bishop of Oxford last night sounded a warning about the coalition Government’s ‘Big Society’ idea, branding it a cover for cuts.

The Rt Rev John Pritchard warned community groups in areas such as Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill would not be able to function without cash.

He called on the Government to slow down the speed at which it is cutting public services so communities had more time to “rise to the challenge of the Big Society”.

Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron launched the idea in July last year to empower communities, saying groups should be able to run post offices, libraries, transport services and shape housing projects.

The idea was a central theme in the Conservatives’ election campaign.

But Bishop John said: “The money that’s needed to bring the best out of the community won’t be available.

“It’s being removed when they hope that people’s community spirit will rise and make up all the gaps.

“I think we are in dangerous territory if we assume a demoralised society will be able to step in to the breach.

“When the Big Society gets mixed up with cuts and inadequate clarity we can only give it one and a half cheers.

“We have to ask ourselves if the Big Society really is simply a cover for the cuts.”

He said Oxford’s more deprived estates, like Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill, could be affected.

He said: “I fear for these communities because there is a great spirit there.

“But I would want to encourage people to get involved and make up whatever ground they can within the Big Society concept.

He added: “I think the cuts are coming so hard and fast, it has wrong-footed local authorities.

“I would be calling for any easing of the speed of the cuts so that local communities have more time to arise to the challenge of the Big Society.”

Sue Funge, who runs the cash-strapped Starlight Community Project in Greater Leys to help people get back to work, said: “When residents are faced with tougher and tougher times with less opportunities for employment and higher costs of living it is more likely that getting involved in the community is low down the agenda.”

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk