West Berkshire
West Berkshire Council launched the UK's first public council green investment to help it go carbon neutral by 2030.
Total invested
£1 million
West Berkshire Council has ambitious plans to tackle the climate crisis. The council unanimously declared a climate emergency on 2nd July 2019 and since then, they’ve been busy taking the first steps to tackle it. it set a target for West Berkshire to become carbon neutral by 2030 - twenty years ahead of the government target. Their plans revolve around key themes of sustainable transport, buildings, energy, waste and resource efficiency, and the natural environment.
In 2020 they became the first Council in the UK to launch a public green investment, and their involvement in this innovative the project has won a number of awards including a Public Finance Award, has featured on the inaugural Net Zero 50 list and been shortlisted for two Local Government Chronicle Awards.
More about West Berkshire Council's investment
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A simple way to make direct green investments
Our council green investments are a simple way to invest in a greener future, with a range of features that can help them fit into your financial plans.
Online account
Sign up online for a free account. Open to UK residents 18+.
Invest from £5
A low minimum investment, so it’s open to everyone.
Low risk
There is no record of a council defaulting on its debts. Learn more.
Regular interest
Receive interest back every 6 months, to withdraw, or reinvest.
Tax free investing
Choose to invest through an IF ISA and pay no tax on your interest.
No fees
There are no fees for investing. None at all.
Solarising community rooftops in West Berkshire
More than half the funds raised were used to install solar PV on the roofs of six council buildings including schools, a leisure centre, a facility for people with special needs and its own council offices.
More about council investments
Why invest
To make a difference on climate change we need a green transformation across our entire society. Our council green investments are a unique way for anyone to support essential local climate action.
Look after your financial future
Our council green investments offer a valuable low risk, stable and flexible option that can help support your financial plans - whether you are growing your nest egg or want to generate an income.
Know what your money is funding
Our council green investments comply with the Green Loan Principles, which means that investors know exactly what green projects your money is being used to fund, and receive regular updates across the investment term.
Risks of investing
Rising costs, increasing demand for services, and cuts in central government funding have all put council budgets under strain. But investing in councils remains low risk due to the way they are regulated.