Budget Simulator – Delib

Visit: http://www.budgetsimulator.com/whochester

Click for larger version (ideal for cut+paste into presentations!)

A demonstration of a tool from Delib (alternatives exist from other providers) which helps simulate the trade-offs between different areas of public spending, as part of an exercise to get citizens to deliberate more deeply about spending decisions:

The simulator will allow you to find out about each different area of the councils work and how much it costs each year. You can then decide how you would allocate the money across the departments based on last year’s budget. If you decide to raise spending in too many areas, you will be warned that you will have to put council tax up to do it!

For a real example, see the simulator in use on British Columbia’s site.

for more examples and tips