New 'PB' for Lisburn Castlereagh

October 24, 2019

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to announce a pilot ‘Participatory Budgeting’ initiative called ‘Grand Choice’ which offers up to £1,000 to projects in the Killultagh area.

The key difference between Grand Choice and other council managed funding opportunities is that the successful projects will be chosen by the community.   Your vote will matter to your community, as you will have the power to decide which projects receive the much sought after funding.

The council and its partners have £15,000 available for projects across the district electoral area including, Aghalee, Ballinderry, Dundrod, Glenavy, Maghaberry, Stoneyford and White Mountain.  Those projects that receive financial support must relate to one or more of the following themes: Policing and Community Safety, Mental Health and Wellbeing or Engaging Young People.

Councillor Andrew Ewing, Chairman of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, said: “Grand Choice is the perfect opportunity for local residents to bring a project or event to their local community. To apply, you don’t need to be part of an existing constituted group but such groups are also eligible to apply.  If you and a few friends have an idea that will support your local community then please consider applying. You can apply for up to £1,000 to pay for things such as equipment, events, tutors, venue hire, transport for trips and other innovative ideas.

“All applications will be assessed to ensure the project is legal, safe, achievable within the budget and timescale.  If your group is not constituted you must obtain sponsor support from a local constituted group.  Community based workshops have been scheduled across the Killultagh area to help you decide if your project would be eligible for Grand Choice funds.  Please come along and talk to the team who will be happy to answer your questions.”

The scheduled community workshops are:

Monday 11 November 2019 – 7-9pm – St John`s Parish Hall, Stoneyford
Thursday 14 November 2019 – 7-9pm – Ballinderry Primary School
Monday 18 November 2019 – 7-9pm – Maghaberry Community Centre
Wednesday 20 November 2019 – 7-9pm – Methodist Church Hall, Glenavy

Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Sport NI, PSNI, the NI Housing Executive and the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust have contributed to the scheme in addition to the council.

To download an application form please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/pcsp

All application forms must be returned to the council by 2.00pm on Thursday 19th December.