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A dedicated and flexible resource with which to address specific local issues and priorities
From April 2008, the Council will be introducing a Ward Budgets programme and will provide £100,000 to each ward in the City to support local projects and priorities. This programme draws on a fund of £2 million per year set aside for local projects.
It is expected that all projects will:
Click here for a two page summary of Ward Budgets
Click here for the Ward Budget process diagram
What are ward budgets?
Ward budgets are being introduced to help Ward Councillors tackle specific local issues and priorities. Ward budgets will be used to commission new or additional projects, services or facilities in your ward. Each ward will receive £100,000 in both 2008/9 and 2009/10 for this purpose.
How can you put forward your priorities and ideas?
Your views about the key issues and priorities for your ward can be submitted at any time during the year. There are several ways to give your input. To influence spending, the best way to present ideas is via the annual MyWard debates at the MyWestminster Forums being held in April and May across the City. You can also contact the Neighbourhoods and Engagement Team at the Council using the details on the front page.
What is the MyWard debate?
Each ward will hold a "MyWard debate" as part of the MyWestminster Forums being held across the borough throughout April and May. To start the debate, Councillors will lead a discussion about priorities for their area, which will allow you to contribute your thoughts and ideas. Each MyWard debate is open to anyone who lives, work or learns in the ward.
How can ideas become a reality?
Following discussions with residents at MyWestminster Forums in April and May 2008 and using their own local knowledge, Councillors can recommend how the ward budget should be spent to cabinet.
Will the budgets just be used to make savings for the council?
No, the ward budgets programme is fresh money to provide real improvements to Westminster’s neighbourhoods. They cannot be used by council services, partners or third parties to make savings.
Who will monitor spending?
Ward budgets are still public money so the same criteria apply as would to any other form of public spending, such as appropriate accountability. All activity is subject to the Council’s Constitution, Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. Click here for information on the Council's decision making processes.
Can wards share budgets?
Ward budgets can be used to fund joint projects between two or more wards providing each ward has identified the same issue and there are clear benefits for the residents in each ward.
How much will things cost?
If Councillors propose spending the budget on extra services delivered by the council or its partners, the price will be calculated in real terms based on how much the extra burden will cost the relevant department, including set-up, man hours and running costs. When commissioning services from third parties, the usual codes of conduct will apply in seeking a number of quotes to ensure best value for money.
What is the timeline for spending?
Ward Members can make recommendations for expenditure from the Ward Budget to the Cabinet Member for Customer and Community Services up to three times each year. The three annual submission dates are:
How will I be updated on spending of my Ward Budget?
Regular information will be made publicly available in the form of an update on the use of each Ward Budget to every round of Area Forums. A short annual report for each ward will be produced, explaining to residents how the Ward Budget has been spent in their ward and what has been delivered as a result
2008 Westminster City Council. Contact the Council
