Budgeting – a reflection on the range of approaches
- Written by: Simon Cameron — COSLA — Development Manager - Participatory Budgeting
- Published: 14th March 2018
Simon reflects on some key messages that came from the Academy's recent event on human rights, gender and participatory budgeting
Listening to the discussion on the three models of human rights, gender and participatory budgeting, the thing that strikes me most is the simple message at the heart of each. As Dr Angela O’Hagan so succinctly put it “it’s about people”. For me that is the message we have to keep coming back to if we are serious about addressing the challenges of inequality and deprivation that we have in society. It is the focus we must have if we are to deliver meaningful and effective public services that truly meet the needs of our communities. Moving beyond delivering services at people, because that is how we have always done it, and effectively engaging and listening to what people need so that we deliver with them.
The different lenses discussed at the budgeting masterclass allow us to better understand the complicated world we live in. However, recognising the simple message from each approach that people and all of the characteristics and circumstances that make them who they are is vital. We must see the person and not just any one part of them. A person centered approach means that we must value, trust and engage with people to ensure the decisions we make, whether at a national or local level, are ones that impact positively on people’s lives. In valuing the lived experience people have, we can trust that they themselves can best express what their own needs are and we can then engage with them to look at what, as services providers, we can or should be providing.
The message of ceding power for me is to stop making assumptions and recognise that as service providers we do not have all of the answers nor can we make all of the decisions alone. We should be supporting and giving voice to our communities by engaging with individuals and groups. The challenge we face, if we value the public services that we have, is changing the way in which we work to better recognise all of the opportunities we have to listen to and engage with our communities. If we can value the lived experience as much as the statistic on the page then we can start to change our models of delivery. Using any and all of these approaches to how we budget puts people at the centre.
End of page.
You may also like:
Dementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingCancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue reading