Engaging Communities in Council Budget Setting

 

In a recent Lunch and Learn session hosted by LG Comms and Westco, comms leaders from Leeds City Council, Newcastle City Council, and the London Borough of Havering shared their innovative approaches to engaging communities in the council budget setting process. The session highlighted the importance of effective communication, diverse engagement strategies, and the use of digital tools to involve residents in financial decision-making.

 

Insights from Leeds, Newcastle, and Havering

 

Danny Clayton and Frank Perrins from Leeds City Council discussed their decade-long journey in budget consultation. They emphasised the importance of using various digital platforms and community engagement strategies to reach a diverse demographic. Leeds has successfully built a citizen panel of 2,700 residents, carefully curated to represent the city's diversity. 

 

This panel has been instrumental in gathering representative feedback on budget proposals. Over the years, Leeds has experimented with different consultation methods, including animations and social media campaigns, to increase awareness and participation. Their efforts have resulted in a significant shift in public perception, with residents becoming more understanding and supportive of the council's financial challenges.

 

Shah Armin introduced Newcastle City Council’s budget simulator tool, a game-changer in public engagement. This interactive tool allows residents to make their own budget decisions and see the consequences, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in council budgeting. The simulator has been particularly effective in engaging young people and has been adopted by other local authorities. 

 

Shah highlighted the integration of the simulator with Newcastle's broader consultation strategy, including the "Let's Talk Newcastle" platform, which offers various consultation formats such as surveys, discussion forums, and polls. This holistic approach has significantly improved public engagement and informed decision-making.

 

Effective communication and engagement in budget setting

 

Marcus Chrysostomou shared the London Borough of Havering's innovative approach to engaging younger residents through the "Shout Survey." This initiative involved collaboration with schools and youth councils to gather insights from children and young people and their perspective on budget priorities. 

 

The survey provided valuable feedback, revealing that young people were more supportive of income-generating proposals and environmental initiatives. Marcus emphasised the importance of transparency and feedback in the consultation process, ensuring that participants understand how their input influences decision-making.

 

Overall, the session underscored the importance of innovative and inclusive engagement strategies in council budget setting. By leveraging digital tools, collaborating with community groups, and ensuring transparency, councils can effectively involve residents in financial decision-making and build trust in the process.