Lib Dem Success on Budget Simulator

A Liberal Democrat motion to council suggesting they should investigate the use of budget simulation software has received broad agreement.

Councils around the country are now using the process as part of greater community engagement. This is an on line tool (but could be adapted as a paper copy) which allows residents to express a preference on services provided, that they should be extended or scaled down and then to see the effect their choice would have on other areas of council spending.

This computerised way of consulting residents on the council's budget could be a real step forward as the borough council's ruling Residents' Party has consistently refused to consult residents prior to setting its budget. Existing Focus groups and the Citizen's Panel could use a paper version of the budget simulator, as could anyone without a computer.

The Strategy & Resources Committee agreed to investigate how such a tool could be used, including the costs of adapting budget simulator software which is currently available. The Borough Treasurer was particularly receptive to the suggestion of incorporating the topic within a wider ranging review of the council's Corporate Plan.