Participatory Budgeting - Workshop in the City Chambers

As part of my 'in-service training' as a Councillor, this morning I attended a briefing event about Participatory Budgeting. 

This half-day event was run by the Improvement Service and is funded through the Convention of Scottish local Authorities, (CoSLA).

This was a very practical session which provided insights into a number of approaches to public involvement in deciding spending priorities. I hope that it will be be possible to trial one of these approaches with The Ferry Local Community Planning Partnership.

Improving the Use of Assets and Resources

Tuesday was a training day for me. I attended a Master Class for Councillors in Scotland about our role and responsibility in improving the use of council assets and resources. This was organised by The Improvement Service, which was set up in 2005 to help enhance the efficiency, quality and accountability of local public services in Scotland.

This master class was led by Colin Mair, the Chief Executive of the Improvement Service and Walter Foster, a former Director of Property with Fife Council. I found their input most enlightening. I also appreciated the opportunity to discuss these issues with elected members from other councils. All in all, this was a most valuable use of my day.

As the improvement service is directly funded by the Scottish Government, there is no fee levied on the City Council for my participation in this seminar and the other events in the series. The only call on funds from the City Council is to reimburse my travelling expenses to this event.