In the English county of Cumbria, participatory budgeting was made possible through the Neighbourhood Forum Grants, thereby allowing local members of communities to engage in democratic decision-making regarding the allocation of resources.
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Problems and Purpose
In Cumbria a form of participatory budgeting has been around for a long time through the Neighbourhood Forum Grants mechanism. They are available for any non-profit making organisation that is involved in helping local residents. In 2009, Neighbourhood Forum awarded grants to 965 schemes. Each of the 60+ forums has a grants budget and each area also has its own priorities. Grants are administered on at local level where members of the public attending the forum vote on the allocation.
Background History and Context
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
Participant Recruitment and Selection
Methods and Tools Used
This initiative uses participatory budgeting, an increasingly common method of democratic innovation broadly described as "a decision-making process through which citizens deliberate and negotiate over the distribution of public resources." There are many benefits associated with participatory budgeting including increased civic and democratic education; increased government transparency; and an increased opportunity for participation by historically marginalized populations [1].
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
Analysis and Lessons Learned
See Also
Hampshire County's 'Have Your Say' Participatory Budgeting
Islington People's Project in Finsbury Park Ward (London, UK)
References
External Links
https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/yourcommunitysupport/communitygrants.asp
http://councilportal.cumbria.gov.uk/documents/s1147/11%20Forum%20Grants.pdf
Notes
Lead Image: Cumbria County Council https://goo.gl/VgTYkC