People invited to shape how £50,000 funding is spent

Arbroath councillor Lois Speed is urging people to attend a public information day in the town to find out how to have their say in how a £50,000 Community Choices fund will be spent locally.

The event is being held on February 24 at St Andrew’s Church, Hamilton Green, from 11am to 7pm.

Ms Speed said: “I believe it’s absolutely crucial the people of Arbroath find out about the Community Choices money and participatory budgeting events that are coming up and I hope that as many people as possible will attend.

“The event will provide all the information that people need to know, how to take part and what options there are to vote for and then the voting day itself in March.

“This really is local democracy in action and will allow people to vote on how money is spent in their area.”

The government recently announced that at least 1% of local authority budgets will be decided through participatory budgeting by 2021, allowing local people to vote for the projects they support.

Ms Speed said the move was important, given the lack of choice and control people often feel they have when it comes to decision making, especially on how money is spent.

“Despite living in economically uncertain times when things are getting tighter this will hopefully help people feel empowered and will enable them to have a voice,” she said.

“A real aim within the PB process is to seek out those who don’t always get heard or have the same opportunities.

“It is an inclusive initiative that values a whole community’s contribution and encourages everyone to play a part.”