Why it matters: The Sustainable Suffolk Investment offers people and organisations a way to invest to help deliver positive environmental action in their community while receiving steady financial returns.
However, investments are long-term and may be hard to sell, with no protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
The returns: The scheme pays 4% interest annually over five years. Investors receive their original investment back in six-monthly instalments along with interest on the remaining balance.
The benefits: Returns qualify for Individual Savings Account (ISA) tax-free status with no investment fees. The Esmée Fairburn Foundation will match the money invested by residents by 50%.
Who can invest: The scheme is open to residents, businesses, community groups and other investors both within and outside Suffolk, until 1 December. If the target is not reached, future investment opportunities will be available.
The projects: Suffolk County Council will deliver carbon-cutting projects from April 2026 to March 2027. Investors can stay updated on progress to see how their money is making a difference.
Key risks: Council investments differ from savings accounts – investors lend money directly to the authority.
Investments are long-term and may prove difficult to sell before maturity. Changes in market interest rates could affect the value if sold before the five-year term ends.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme provides no protection against potential losses. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future.
What the council says: Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils' Environment Portfolio Holders' Group, said: "Local people will be able to both reap the environmental benefits that the funded projects will bring and receive a monetary return on their investment. The offer from Esme Fairburn Foundation to match residents' investments by 50% will allow us to progress further, faster. And of course, it will mean we can make taxpayer money in our county go further."
How it works: Abundance Investment, a Financial Conduct Authority-regulated crowdfunding platform operating for over a decade, arranges the investment on behalf of Suffolk County Council.
The bigger picture: The scheme forms part of the Sustainable Suffolk partnership between all of the county's public sector organisations working together to create a more environmentally sustainable county and combat the climate emergency.
The bottom line: Suffolk County Council is offering residents the opportunity to fund local environmental projects through a five-year investment arrangement, with foundation matching that extends the available funding.
