You decide

‘You decide’ community events (often referred to as participatory budgeting) directly involve local people in deciding how public budget is spent. 

We are committed to helping people have an influence and make real decisions about the way things are done, and in some areas county councillors have started using these events to decide how local member grants are allocated.
 
In 2009 we ran six 'You decide' pilots. In 2010, 14 more events followed where local people decided how £240,000 of local member grant funding was spent.  The paper voting system used in 2009 was replaced with electronic voting pads in 2010 to make taking part quicker and easier.

Feedback from nearly 1,200 people involved last year indicates that 96% would like to take part again.  Many commented that they felt ‘You decide’ was a fair and transparent way to make grant decisions and that they found added value in the opportunities for networking between individuals and community groups.

If you are interested in taking part please contact your Community Engagement Manager.