THE mood was good at the Conservative Conference although sober, given the challenges ahead.

The Prime Minister's speech highlighted the difficult decisions on the deficit but also focused on his vision of the Big Society — the idea that we should not look to government to solve all our problems, that we should empower individuals, families and communities to shape and implement solutions to the challenges they face. Here are some of the ideas behind it.

Firstly, localism. Decisions taken locally. For example, providing social enterprises with funding (without burdensome application procedures that tend to give larger state-backed organisations unfair leverage in the bidding process), an environment with less red tape and a backdrop that is not overshadowed by a compensation culture that may frighten off many from getting involved.

Secondly, individual choice. For example, in education where more providers are to come into the market and where parents are to decide where their children go to school. In law and order where local people will elect their police chief (on the basis that they know their local priorities).

Thirdly, transparency. Making sure that with empowerment comes information. Technology has made transparency so much easier to deliver, with for example, the internet able to provide millions with access to the details of government contracts such that those who feel that they can provide these at better value and quality can make their case. This might be a community organisation that can provide more effective rehabilitation for addicts.

If we are to achieve a fairer society based upon true social justice then I believe that it will be impossible for that to be delivered by government and the state alone. Though we tend not to trust in either of them — we can perhaps learn to trust in ourselves.