Tuesday February 21st 2017
Local residents are to have their say on how money is spent on a number of projects in their community, thanks to a new participatory budgeting initiative launched by Midlothian Council.
£16,000 is being made available in each of three areas to support groups working to improve health by promoting healthy eating, supporting community growing schemes or other food related activities.
Running under the banner of ‘Food Glorious Food’, the initiative is being supported with funding from Midlothian Council and NHS Lothian and will run in three areas – Gorebridge, Woodburn/Dalkeith, and Mayfield and Easthouses.
Local groups in the Gorebridge and Woodburn/Dalkeith areas can now apply for funding support of up to £3000 (Gorebridge) and £2500 (Dalkeith/Woodburn) for their healthy eating and other food related projects, while groups in Mayfield and Easthouses will be able to apply from March for up £1000. Local people will then vote to decide which groups receive the money at special ‘decision-making’ events.
“Participatory budgeting is a new way of working that involves local people in taking local decisions,” explained Midlothian Council leader, councillor Cath Johnstone. “It can lead to greater collaboration between groups, ensuring that resources are better spent on tackling issues that matter locally.”
The closing date for Gorebridge applications is 3 March 2017. Voting for these projects will take place on Saturday 25 March from 1 to 3pm at Gorebridge Parish Church Hall, with all local residents welcome to take part.
Members of Midlothian Council’s communities team will also be available to assist with any enquiries or applications at Gorebridge Library on Wednesday 15 February from 11am to 1pm and again on Tuesday 28 February from 5 to 7pm.
For further information or an application form, email PBGrants@midlothian.gov.uk
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