09 Jul 2020
People living in Newtown will have the chance to vote which community projects should gain from additional funding following investment from Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn.
A virtual event is being held on July 11, which will see people have their say on how £20,000 is split between groups who have made bids for funding.
The money has come from an investment of £140,000 from Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s in neighbourhood policing areas around the force, with additional funds from organisations in the Newtown area.
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said: “It is fantastic to see that a total of 21 bids have been submitted by community groups in the Newtown area for this funding opportunity. I have committed to fund this new and innovative approach to community funding as I think it’s vital that local residents have a say in how money is spent in their area.
“They are best placed to work with the police, and other partner agencies, to identify where the money is needed and what would most benefit the local communities.”
Superintendent Ifan Charles, force lead for participatory budgeting, added: “This is the first event of its kind we have held in Dyfed-Powys, and we were pleased with the high level of interest from groups in applying to take part.
“Organisations were required to show how their project could improve community safety and promote a healthier safer community in Newtown.
“We have 21 bids, with requests totalling £62,000 – however we only have £20,000 in the pot. The community will now decide which bids would be most beneficial for people living in the Newtown area.
“In doing it this way, we are giving people a greater say in how their community evolves.”
The Newtown event will take place on July 11 with an online voting system set up with assistance from Mutual Gain.
Mr Llywelyn has committed £140,000 for 14 neighbourhood policing forces to spend within the communities they serve.
Each of the 14 Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the force will receive £10,000 to be spent on projects, with communities themselves being the key decision makers in how the money is allocated.
The funding pot in Newtown has been doubled to £20,000 with support from Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, Mid Wales Housing, Wales and West Housing, and Newydd Housing.
Newtown NPT has worked with partners to establish the FLOW Newtown group - Funding Local Opportunities Working together - to work with community groups on the application process.
Supt Charles said: “We are looking forward to seeing the results of the vote, and finding out which projects will be able to support the community with their good work.
“Following the Newtown event, myself and Inspector Matthew Price will be carrying out training across the force so similar events can be carried out.
“Participatory budgeting has worked really well elsewhere and I’m excited to lead the introduction of this approach here.”
*For information on taking part in the Newtown event, visit the FLOW Newtown Facebook page