Could local people help set and spend local budgets?

YOUR LOCAL BUDGET is a new website from NESTA and the Big Society Network. The website will provide a range of guidance on how to use online tools in Participatory Budgeting projects.

Participatory Budgeting is a method in which local citizens of an area take part in the allocation of part of the local Council’s available financial resources. It is more than just consultation on how a council spends its money, because it aims to give local people the power to set local spending priorities.

Your Local Budget will link up those involved in Participatory Budgeting projects and aims to work with "cutting-edge councils" around the country on innovative projects and develop better practice.

Campbell Park parish council near Milton Keynes is currently undertaking a Participatory Budgeting exercise using £5,000 of its own funds matched by an equal amount from its district council. The process there will provide a case study on what could happen in other areas. Find out more about this and more on Participatory Budgeting at First PB in urban parish council.

Perhaps Participatory Budgeting is something that could also be piloted in Wards in the East Riding Council area?