SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has urged
community groups in Cunninghame South to apply for a new £2 million fund to
help local communities have a greater say in decision-making.
The Scottish Government’s Community
Choices Fund will allow community groups to organise participatory budgeting
events. These events give communities the opportunity to make decisions on how
and where investment is spent in their area.
Participatory budgeting is recognised
internationally as a way for local people to have a direct say in how, and
where, public funds can be used to address local needs.
The Community Choices Fund is the
latest step in the Scottish Government’s roll-out of participatory budgeting
across Scotland.
Commenting, SNP MSP Ruth Maguire said:
“Every community in Scotland has
different needs and challenges. We want to see more decision-making handed to
local people – especially in choosing local spending priorities – and groups in
Cunninghame South shouldn’t miss out.
“The new Community Choices Fund is a
real opportunity for communities to vote on investment, shape services and
address the issues that are important in their area.
“Participatory budgeting is gaining
real ground in Scotland with a large number of councils, including our own,
North Ayrshire taking the lead, to date and helping to organise over 50 events
this year. These events have included decisions on housing revenue, roads
capital spending, and the procurement of a bus service.
“However, it’s important that
community organisations and community councils are also able to take the lead
and reach out to people in communities across Cunninghame South and
Scotland.
“The SNP want to give communities more
control to shape their futures – and I hope there is a range of ideas and
applications from organisations across our area.”
