Image by Banksy, from Neil McInroy’s presentation at "a budget in the public interest"
Taking place at the Manchester Metropolitan University, on the afternoon of the 18th September 2017.
This seminar examined how we ensure public spending, and the spending of key partner agencies (including the police, health, housing and transport authorities,) or the community and not for profit sector, and even the private sector (which is set to gain big contracts to deliver public services) is always:
‘Budgeting in the public interest’.
Taking its cue for the formation of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, a soon to be released refreshed Strategy for Greater Manchester, the election of Andy Burnham, and the devolution of significant budgets to Health and Social Care, this event explored themes, such as:
- Reconnecting people and politics: Why this matters,
- The community empowerment agenda in Scotland (and the messages it has for Greater Manchester),
- Citizens as more than passive consumers of services,
- Routes towards a more participatory political culture.
Download the presentations from:
- Jez Hall on the worldwide development of PB
- Neil McInroy of CLES on reconnecting people and politics
- Alistair Stoddart of the Democratic Society on PB in Scotland and digital engagement
- Liz Richardson on participatory governance in Greater Manchester
Public trust in long established political structures is creaking under the strain of the Brexit referendum. Political parties are arguably shifting positions based on internal dynamics and short term interest. All the while social inequality grows and a generation of young people are struggling to find jobs, housing or a voice within the political discourse. Greater Manchester is not unique in having to respond to these challenges. The question for this seminar was:
Are there lessons to learn from outside, such as the exciting community empowerment programme in Scotland, or the large scale PB in Paris, New York and South Australia?
Through a mixture of key note presentations, and Open Space discussion our free seminar furthered all the participants thinking about how a great modern city ensures ‘everyone is along for the ride’.
There was a linked practical workshop in the morning at the same venue, looking at the nuts and bolts of participatory budgeting for public sector commissioners, researchers and community activists.
Download Alan Budge’s presentation on "an introduction to PB in the UK"
With thanks to
Manchester Metropolitan University Business School for providing the venue,
PB Partners for organising the event,
Members of the UK PB Network for supporting the agenda and facilitating the conversation.
