New report: Where are we with participatory budgeting in Scotland?
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 5th February 2025
A new report provides a snapshot of participatory budgeting (PB) activity in Scotland, underlining both the challenges and opportunities that remain.
Participatory budgeting is a way for people to directly decide how local money should be spent. The report is a result of an engagement exercise with practitioners, and found that with current public sector budget savings, some local authorities and other public bodies may be finding it increasingly difficult to find money for PB.
Another challenge arising the significant movement of key staff who had been responsible for leading and supporting PB in local areas. The report also highlights the importance of buy-in from elected officials and officers, which is key to ensuring successful PB processes.
PB remains a key way for communities to have real influence, with almost all practitioners reporting that, when properly resourced, it can be one of the most effective community engagement tools, and result in better outcomes and value for money.
While significant challenges remain across how public services are delivered in Scotland, it’s crucial that we continue to support the fundamental community development principles of participation and shared decision-making. PB acts as a powerful way to see those principles in action.
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