A dedicated and flexible resource with which to address specific local issues and priorities

Local councillors have been given a new budget of £50,000 to spend in their ward this financial year from May 2010.

The two-year ward budget pilot programme ended on the 31st March 2010.  You can view a detailed summary of how your councillors chose to spend their ward budgets between 2008-10 by clicking on the appropriate document below.

If you would like any more information in regards to the projects your ward has funded, please email the neighbourhoods team for more details.  You can also put forward your ideas for new projects in your ward for 2010-11by emailing us. 

Background to the Ward Budget Programme

In April 2008, the Council introduced a Ward Budgets programme which provided £100,000 to each ward in the City to support local projects and priorities.  This programme drew on a fund of £2 million per year set aside for local projects.

All projects were:

• locally derived
• met an identified need
• improved local social, economic or environmental well-being
• did not undermine Council or partners' policies or service delivery
• were lawful.
  
  

Your questions answered

What are ward budgets?

Ward budgets were introduced to help Ward Councillors tackle specific local issues and priorities. Ward budgets are to be used to commission new or additional projects, services or facilities in your ward. Each ward received £100,000 in both 2008/9 and 2009/10 for this purpose; in 2010/11 each ward will receive £50,000.

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 Area Forums held three times a year across the City. You can also contact the Neighbourhoods and Engagement Team at the Council by clicking here, or calling us on 020 7641 3916.

How can ideas become a reality?

Following discussions with residents at Area Forums 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.

How will I be updated on the 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