Luton Citizens' Fund decision day – 20 January 2023

On 20 January meetings will be held throughout Luton at which anyone over 14 will be able to hear representatives speak about projects in their area and then vote for ones they believe will most improve their neighbourhood. In total, 47 projects have been assessed and applicants invited to present details of each one at the decision days.
Residents can attend the event related to their residential ward area:

• ​North (Barnfield, Bramingham, Northwell, Sundon Park) - 1:30pm to 4pm, Marsh Farm Futures, Futures House, The Moakes, LU3 3QB
• East (Round Green, Stopsley, Vauxhall, Wigmore) - 9:30am to 12pm, Ramridge Primary School, Turners Road North, LU2 9AH
• Central (Beech Hill, Biscot, Dallow, Saints) - 1:30pm to 4pm, Denbigh High School, Alexandra Avenue, LU3 1HE
• South (Central, Farley, High Town, South) - 9:30am to 1:30pm, St. Mary's Church, Church Street, LU1 3JF
• West (Challney, Leagrave, Lewsey, Poets) - 9:30am to 12pm, Lewsey Community Centre, Landrace Road, LU4 0SW

Everyone attending will need to register at the door.  Registrations for the morning sessions open at 9:30am and close at 10am. Registrations for the afternoon sessions open at 1.30pm and close at 2pm. Once the doors are closed after registration, no one will be allowed to enter to participate.
In order to cast your vote, you must attend the full session and hear all project presentations. All those voting will need to bring a document showing they are part of a household in the appropriate ward, such as a family name on a utilities bill.
Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of the council, said: “Luton Citizen’s Fund is able to provide grants and support at the grass roots level of the town. The money is used to make a real impact and because it is so valuable, it is only right that residents can choose where the money goes. I hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to take matters into their own hands and bring about change in their locality.
“As ever, we are grateful to our airport company, Luton Rising, for the provision of the grants which will empower residents and bring about positive change.”
The Luton Citizens’ Fund will provide grants of up to £4,​000 to not-for-profit groups who deliver projects or services in Luton.
Luton Citizens' Fund is a participatory budgeting programme which centres around including residents in the decision-making process on where grants are allocated. Funding will go to schemes that reflect the Luton 2040 vision of a town where everyone can thrive. 
Each project will, in some way, fit in the following categories:

• a town built on fairness or social justice.
• ​improving health inequalities.
• improving the lives of children and young people.
• working towards carbon net zero.
• a town that works for everyone.​​

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