COMMUNITIES are to be given a say in how councils spend money in their areas.
Thirteen councils are to share in a funding boost of nearly £500,000 which will be used to give people the opportunity to decide where investment should be directed.
People will be able to vote on project offered by local authorities through a mix of community meetings and online polls thanks to the windfall, which comes from theScottish Government's Participatory Funding budget, which provides money to local authorities
Community Empowerment Minister Marco Biagi said: “In these times of unprecedented political engagement in Scotland, there are many people who want to participate, but don’t get involved in traditional consultations.
"Participatory budgeting gives them a sense of ownership and removes barriers that can often come between them and being involved in local decision making.
“This funding will give people the opportunity to address the issues that are important to their communities.
Fiona Garven from the Participatory Budgeting Working Group, which represents organisations interested in democratic participation, added: “
“Good participatory budgeting offers opportunities for people across a diverse range of groups to engage in discussions about what matters to them, their families and their communities.
"As a vital part of a wider strategic approach to advancing community participation and empowerment, PB provides a mechanism for local services to be designed and decided upon directly by the people who use them, ensuring those services best meet community needs and aspirations."
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