The Council’s approach to PB
A continuous programme of PB-based activity will be developed, based on an analysis of opportunities. This approach will not be prescriptive, likely involving a combination of the above approaches, and focus first and foremost on ensuring local people have a greater say and influence in funding decisions that directly affect them.
Learning and Development
While considerable progress has been made in recent years, PB remains an evolving approach in giving communities a direct voice in how elements of public money are spent. The Council will continue to participate actively in development of this national framework whilst tailoring, where appropriate, these principles to the local context. The Council will strive to raise awareness, develop and support officers, communities and relevant partners to deliver effective and empowering PB processes.
Evaluation and Review
As with PB itself, evaluation of the approach is evolving. At this stage, however, it is anticipated that the Council’s evaluation will include, as appropriate to the specific project(s) involved:
- Total expenditure, and by extension proportion of total budget (as calculated in accordance with national framework), allocated through PB with a view to demonstrating year-on-year progress in its coverage
- Percentage votes cast as a proportion of eligible participants
- Percentage of residents rating PB process as good or very good and
- Percentage of individuals reporting improved involvement in decision-making. The evaluation will also compare planned to actual delivery of project outcomes and take account of external reviews, internal reviews and wider best practice.