People Powered Places, formerly community assemblies, are ways to influence spending decisions

A person with a microphone speaks to a room — Cllr. McLean speaking at a People Powered Places event

Newham’s flagship local democracy programme – People Powered Places – has seen more than 10,000 votes cast for 119 community projects across the Borough with the winners sharing a funding pot of more than £1.6million.

Following shortlisting from an original pool of 366 entries, residents voted for their favourite projects in eight neighbourhoods.

During 2023 community assemblies were re-launched as People Powered Places. Newham’s participatory budgeting programme has since gained new momentum and reached more residents and voluntary, community and faith sector organisations than ever before.

Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet member for Resident Engagement and Experience said: “This year’s People Powered Places programme has put Newham on the world map as a leader of participatory democracy.

“The people of Newham have truly embraced this programme and are now exercising their power to directly affect where £1.68 million is spent on local projects across the Borough.

“From mental health projects and peer support groups to youth-led projects and community gardens, this money, directed by the people for the people, will be a real game changer. I can’t wait to see the projects come to fruition.”

The projects cover a wide range of issues. The Young Entrepreneur’s Book Club is a project aimed at empowering the ambitious youth of Newham, aged 15 to 25, to unlock their entrepreneurial potential.

Another is the local climate change education initiative, ClimateYouChange. Their focus is on community sharing of knowledge about changes all of us can make to lower our carbon footprint, as individuals, community groups and together with the decision makers at a local and national level.

Resident-led working groups will monitor those who have been awarded funds alongside Council officers to check on their progress and offer support. Newham residents will have an opportunity to follow the progress on Newham Co-create website and at the next People Powered Places event in summer 2024.

Cllr McLean said: “I’m really excited about all these projects and look forward to seeing how they develop and inspire others to come together to make a difference in our communities. We will make sure to update all residents as the projects come on stream so everyone can share in the success.”

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