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

Local councillors have been given an annual budget since April 2008 to spend on local projects in their wards.  The budgets are intended to enable councillors to address local issues and priorities that matter most to residents.  This could range from improving the local environment with new trees, flowers or improved paving, to purchasing new equipment for the local sports club, or funding activities for older residents.

Neighbourhood Funds: 2010-12

From the 1st April 2011 all wards have been allocated a new budget, now known as Neighbourhood Funds.  This budget will be added to any funds councillors are yet to allocate from 2010-11.  

To view details of all the projects funded from April 2010, please click here. 

If you would like to put forward your ideas for new projects in your ward, please email the neighbourhoods team. 

Pilot Programme: 2008-2010

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. 

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.
  
  

Following the success of the pilot programme, a new budget of £50,000 was allocated to each ward in 2010/11 for the same purpose. 

From the 1st April 2011, ward budgets were renamed Neighbourhood Funds, though the principles of the scheme remain the same.  For 2011-12, each ward has been given a new Neighbourhood Fund allocation of £46,000, however this has been added to any funds councillors have yet to allocate from their £50,000 allocation last year.

Your questions answered

What are ward budgets/ neighbourhood funds?

Ward budgets were introduced to help Ward Councillors tackle specific local issues and priorities.  The funds are to be used to commission new or additional projects, services or facilities in your ward.   The funds are made available to local councillors, and residents are encouraged to put forward ideas and suggestions for spending the budget to their local councillors. 

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 Team at the Council by clicking on the link, 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 / neighbourhood fund?

Regular information will be made publicly available in the form of an update on the use of neighbourhood funds at each round of Area Forums. A quarterly update report covering spending in each ward will be produced, explaining to residents how funds are being allocated in their areas and what has been delivered as a result.