An AI-powered tool is being used by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to help allocate the region’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds.

The council has rolled out the £1m Neighbourhood Growth Fund on the ActionFunder platform, which aims to support the facilitate the efficient distribution of grants to local projects in the area using a ‘scalable, digital-first model’.

Organisations, such as schools, community groups and charities in Greenwich, can apply for grants valued between £2,500 and £35,000 until the first day of December, with residents being given the authority to vote online for the shortlisted projects they would like to see receive funding.

The model is designed to ‘increase transparency and reduce admin costs’ associated with the fund, which will see projects focused on infrastructure investment given precedence over service-based initiatives.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: ‘Development should mean more than new houses and flats, so we’re making sure that we put developers’ cash to good use in a way that benefits the whole borough.

‘That sentiment is at the heart of the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund which helps to pay for vital projects across that are aimed at improving community facilities and infrastructure. I know so many local groups will benefit greatly just as more than 150 have since the fund launched in 2018.’

Cllr Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, added: ‘This is a perfect example of how the public can help influence how money is spent which from a community perspective is important in people feeling as though their voice is listened to.’

To learn more about AI, check out: 10 Ways Councils Are Using AI to Transform Public Services.