ESSEX MP Bernard Jenkin has launched an inquiry to find out what the “Big Society” actually is.

The Harwich and North Essex MP announced the probe by the Public Administration Select Committee, which he chairs.

Critics say the concept is too vague to grasp, while some claim moves to get more people volunteering is a cover for swingeing cuts to public sector funding.

At Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House of Commons, PM David Cameron said the Big Society was about "giving people the opportunity to play a greater part in their lives and the lives of their communities".

Mr Jenkin said: "May I take this opportunity to inform you and the House that the Public Administration Select Committee is today launching an inquiry into the Big Society.

"Do you share my hope that as we consider things like volunteering, promoting charitable giving, decentralising public services, that we will receive positive evidence from all sides of the House?"

Mr Cameron replied: "I do and I am sure like everything you do it will be wholly supportive of the Government's position.

"You make a very good point which is that the Big Society is about more than just volunteering or support for charitable groups, it is about opening up public services, it is about devolving power to the lowest level and it is about giving people the opportunity to play a greater part in their lives and the lives of their communities.

Afterwards, Mr Jenkin said civil servants had not yet understood the changes needed.

He said: "The Prime Minister's project has faced a barrage of criticism in recent weeks.

"We will be looking to separate the inevitable hostility to spending cuts from the positive elements of the Big Society policy.

"This is potentially a huge culture change for government and how it goes about the business of government.”