Fiona Welcomes Trial of People Power for Budget Setting in West Lothian
Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop today welcomed a Scottish Government initiative giving residents in West Lothian direct control over aspects of council budgets.
West Lothian Council is one of thirteen local authorities to benefit from a £500,000 funding boost designed to trial participatory budgeting – receiving an investment of £1,125.
Commenting, Fiona said;
“In these times of unprecedented political engagement in Scotland, participatory budgeting offers communities the chance to have a direct say in how councils spend their money.
“This funding will support initiatives to give local people the opportunity to address the issues that are important to their communities.
“Participatory budgeting has been used in other countries and the impact can be transformational. I hope that this is the first step in empowering residents in West Lothian and supporting their engagement with local government and their local community.”
ENDS
Notes:
The Scottish Government funding will be used to match-fund existing council commitments, provide support for participatory budgeting events, support communities to engage with the process, evaluation and learning.
Scottish Government news release on funding:
http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Councils-giving-more-power-to-people-2120.aspx
More information about participatory budgeting is available at: http://pbscotland.scot/