Past participatory budgeting projects

Funds for Fetlar

A Community Council PB Project based in Fetlar to distribute £6,000, undertaken in July 2017.

The aims of the project were to:

  • Build and maintain momentum in PB activity already being supported by PB Partners
  • Increase the impact PB has to support community engagement
  • Build on participatory democracy
  • Help tackle inequality

Fetlar Community Council worked in partnership with Shetland Islands Council to deliver this project.  Priorities were identified and projects had to be beneficial to the majority of the community, younger people and promote community sustainability and viability.

Fetlar Community Council invited applications from local groups through local advertising, word of mouth, email, local press and social media.  The PB event took place on Saturday 29th July  with 43 people attending and 40 voting papers returned.

A total of 7 applications were received with all of them going forward to the public vote.  Information on each project was produced to share with the community.  Fetlar Community Council decided that their PB event should have a “presentation” format where each group nominated someone to sells its idea.  Each had 5 minutes to share their project idea, encourage support and then be available to answer any questions from the voting public. 

Once everyone’s presentations were complete the voting took place then refreshments were on offer while the count was done.  Results were then announced and cheques presented.

James Rendall, chair of the Fetlar Community Council said; “We decided to try PB as it brought more money to our community and we really liked the idea of the community deciding how the money was spent.  It has been a successful event, and a lot of fun.  I am really excited about the 6 new projects which will now be able to go ahead in our community, and look forward to seeing the benefits for the folk of Fetlar.”