Will PB only attract ‘the usual suspects’
The experience of PB projects so far has indicated the exact opposite. Whereas under more traditional funding methods, eg community chests/panels etc, there is sometimes a ‘cosy’ relationship between the funding body and well -established community groups (often including self-styled ‘community champions’), under a PB process, which operates on a one person-one vote basis, all the community’s voices are equal. The tangibility of PB - direct vote on a pot of money which sees direct results in a neighbourhood - often draws more people into the process. Coupled with good community engagement targeted at the more marginalised groups and those less likely to enage, PB is often more balanced and involves more of the community than other community enagagement methods.
