Free workshops exploring Participatory Budgeting within social housing

There has been interest expressed by housing associations and local authority housing services in using PB. This workshop will investigate the principles of PB, learn from recent Scottish experiences and consider how communities and social landlords can benefit from linking local interests, needs, skills and enthusiasm with spending. The Scottish Government is promoting Participatory Budgeting (PB) through the Community Choices programme. Many Local Authorities are already using PB within their community engagement work, much of it reported on our site. This participatory workshop focuses on how social landlords and the communities they serve can benefit for PB approach and offers:

examples of using PB in a social housing context
interaction and group exercises to provide a stimulating and informative experience
a review of existing tools for housing led PB in a range of communities
debate on; inclusive and responsive local commissioning of housing, environmental and community projects.
PB enhancing landlord’s wider consultation and participation

Workshop discussion will inform a short briefing report that will be:

fed back to the Scottish PB working group to inform policy development; and
made available to communities and landlords to help guide their activities.

How attendees will benefit

The 1/2 day workshops will:

increase participant’s knowledge of PB, including experiences in Scotland;
explain the difference between ‘participatory small grants’ and ‘mainstream’ models of PB;
consider how PB can aid tenant engagement in improving services and increase tenants’ satisfaction with social landlords and services; and
explore the role of community organising and good community development principles within PB.

It will be suitable for staff, board members, tenants and community representatives whether considering PB for the first time or looking to extend their knowledge. To ensure the widest possible participation only two people from each organisation / community please, unless there are special circumstances. Breakdown of each workshop:

Part 1: PB Overview: definitions, history, case studies and video presentation.
Part 2: Addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by PB for Scottish housing.
Part 3: The future for PB for Scottish social landlords.

Lunch is not provided. There will be a coffee and comfort break during the afternoon.
FREE to attend, booking essential at: elaine.scoular@tpasscotland.org.uk