Is PB merely a ‘token gesture’, giving the illusion of influence over tiny sums of money?
Whilst the sums of money directly allocated by residents are a small percentage of any given budget, the empowerment is genuine, in terms of residents owning decisions and seeing the results of their decisions appear in their local neighbourhood. Direct control over a percentage of a budget encourages greater ‘budget literacy’ generally, creating over time a much more informed community. Furthermore, by meeting people from their community and seeing what community groups are doing in the area, develops a greater sense of community, fosters volunteering and improves people's wellbeing.
