Who needs to be involved when planning a PB programme?
Most participatory budgeting programmes begin within a public organisation or partnership, and are led by a small team of paid officers. Their job is to facilitate the PB process. Experience ain the UK and worldwide has shown that careful planning and wide stakeholder involvement at the outset can really improve outcomes. Community representation is essential, as is the involvement of elected councillors and key budget holders from within public bodies. It is therefore normal to set up a steering or reference group that can help guide officers in project implementation, set out funding criteria, improve evaluation and strengthen local accountability. The PB Unit has produced detailed guidance that can help to identify, engage with and support this steering group.
