We have reinvented municipal lending for the digital age. With Abundance, local government can borrow cost effectively from its citizens, while fostering deeper engagement with them.
Since 2020, councils of all political colours have been building communities of citizen investors to help finance the essential local projects that are needed to make our places thrive both now, and in the future.
Councils have offered investments
Invested so far
In September 2026, two new research papers about municipal investments were published by the Green Finance Institute and the University of Leeds.
These reports look at the financial case for councils for using municipal investments - including comprehensive analysis of historic PWLB data - and demonstrate real potential for both savings and scale in the municipal investment model. They also explore the civic value of citizen investment programmes, using new survey research and interviews with both councils and citizens.
Municipal investments have consistently delivered savings against the PWLB Certainty Rate.
Investments can complement existing borrowing sources for billions of annual council borrowing
Offers a practical way to connect citizens with your plans for the future of our places
Building a community of citizen investors takes time, but the benefits of launching a municipal investment programme start on day one. Our experience shows that you can expect to save money on your borrowing costs , and reach a broad demographic of residents with a product they will find relevant and engaging.
“It’s changed how I see the council. It’s not just something in the background — it feels like a partnership.”
Citizen investor, Hammersmith & Fulham Council
You will also be starting a conversation with citizens about how they engage with the places they care about, deepening their understanding of the value of local government.
Trust is integral to local government, and finding practical ways to grow that trust are essential. Our municipal investments let you showcase what you are delivering to create a thriving future for your communities. Our data show that citizens find municipal investments are a powerful way to build trust in their councils and to create a sense of partnership, along with deeper engagement in their local area.
55%
trust councils that issue a citizen investment more than those who don’t
64%
want to find out more about the positive difference their council is making for its community
59%
feel that their council is working in partnership with its residents
Source: Abundance 'Wider Impact of Municipal Investments' survey, August 2026. Figures for investors who had invested in their own council, or a council they had a connection to.