In 2017 COSLA and Scottish Government established a framework agreement whereby at least 1% of local authority budgets (excluding council tax) will be subject to PB decision making by the end of 2021. The framework agreement represents a significant step forward in reshaping how people are involved in local decision making.

Mainstream participatory budgeting will play a key role in how local authorities scale up their participatory budgeting activity to meet the framework agreement. Mainstream PB, scales up small grants community budgeting by creating opportunities for communities to participate in decisions about service delivery and local resources.

To support work towards the 1% agreement a PB Team was established within COSLA in Spring 2019. The PB team work closely with local authority officers and elected members through working groups, stakeholder engagement and local support.

In September COSLA hosted the first National PB Officers Conference where local authority staff came together to learn about the diversity of local approaches to mainstream PB across Scotland. Over 60 delegates attended the event, representing local councils, health and social care partnerships and other public sector agencies.

Workshops included a world café style session where five local authorities gave short presentations on their approach to PB and specialist workshops delivered by Glasgow Disability Alliance, Young Scot, Democratic Society, Audit Scotland and Scottish Community Development Centre.

Reviewing discussions and workshop sessions from the event it was clear that many different approaches to Mainstream PB in Scotland are evolving across the 32 local authorities as councils design strategies to meet local needs.

COSLA is working with local authorities on bespoke support, training and resources to profile and shape PB alongside a PB Officers Working Group, a PB Equalities and Inclusion working group, support to deliver digital participation and engagement via the CONSUL online platform and a range of training sessions.

Any questions or to get in touch with the COSLA PB Team

Jillian Gibson, PB Training Officer (07825 420 907) jillian@cosla.gov.uk

Katey Tabner, PB Social Inclusion Officer (0131 474 9278) katey@cosla.gov.uk