Big Society: Britain in Bloom

Baroness Gardner of Parkes Excerpts

Wednesday 9th March 2011 Lords Chamber

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the role played by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom campaign, and similar schemes in communities, in their Big Society agenda.

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

My Lords, in asking the Question, I declare an interest as I have a daughter who is a council member of the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): My Lords, I commend the Royal Horticultural Society for its Britain-in-bloom campaign. I know that the campaign inspires an enormous number of people to act as volunteers and to get involved in caring for and improving their neighbourhoods for the enjoyment of everyone who lives in them. It brings communities under the horticultural banner and brings local people into a new sphere.

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that. This is a long-standing scheme. At the present time, when lots of people face major difficulties, it is particularly important for people to feel a sense of achievement in what they are doing and a sense of community. Local authorities should be asked or encouraged to help this to continue. As I understand it, they are not asked to contribute financially. Can the Minister comment on that?

[Baroness Hanham]

My Lords, as I understand it, the Royal Horticultural Society is very generous in supporting local authorities and people within them who want to take part in the competition. I have absolutely no doubt that all noble Lords would agree that the work that is done and what is produced as a result of the competition makes London and local authorities look much better. I have no difficulty at all in agreeing with the noble Baroness or in again congratulating the Royal Horticultural Society on what it does in this initiative.