Who participates in participatory budgeting?
This is an interesting question that some researchers in Spain are currently researching to try and answer. They are undertaking research in about 20 countries around the world, including the UK. In the UK, Edinburgh, Conwy, Luton and Stockport were involved in the research. The results have yet to be published.
However, prior to undertaking the international research, the Spanish researchers undertook similar research in Spain and found that there, between 1-3% of the population of an area undertaking PB, actually participated. Generally, they found at the profile of participant was an adult male that was educated. However, they also found that over time, if PB was repeated in subsequent years, that this profile changed to include a greater number of women and younger people, to the point where they were actually in the majority (if PB had occurred for more than 2 years in a row).
Most of those that participated were already a member of a local organisation of some sort, whether that be the tenants and residents association, a local sports club or a women's group. And a quarter of those who were members, were members of multiple associations. The researchers conclude that the growth of PB is sustained and developed through a strong community and voluntary sector which provide many of the initial participants, at least in the initial years.
The researcher also found that participants had a higher interest in politics than the general population, and ideologically, the majority of the participants were left-leaning (which is different from the general Spanish population, who are more generally centre or centre-right).
These results are from Spain, however. The larger research project should provide a broader picture as well as a UK specific picture in the near future.
To read the full Spanish research report, click here.
