As reported in the Royal Borough Observer: "parents and supporters will be able to win funds for their favourite schools’ treasured projects under a new scheme being launched by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
The Schools Participatory Budgeting Scheme will see £100,000 made available each year, split across three terms. Schools can apply for up to £6,000 per round and the various projects put forward will go to a public vote online to decide which ones get the grant.
The scheme will operate as a pilot for the first year, before being reviewed. Its premise is similar to the successful Neighbourhood Participatory Budgeting Scheme that has given £179,100 funding to community schemes in the five years since it has been introduced.
Deputy lead member – school improvement, Cllr Ed Wilson said: “We want residents to have a say on where this funding should go as they are best placed to know which projects in their community could really do with a boost.” "
The Royal Borough has had an annual programme of participatory budgeting since 2010 as part of its Big Society agenda. The programme has been very successful with thousands of people taking part on a monthly basis; engaging with and supporting projects in their local communities. The Participatory Budgeting programme has now been extended to include school based projects.
- Read the full story on the Royal Borough Observer website
- Find about how this PB project has developed since 2010 on the council website