Government funding to the Borough of Sefton, which is located in North West England and has a population of around 276,000, has fallen by 50 per cent since 2010. When funds are so scarce, it is particularly important for the borough to find innovative and efficient ways to maintain and improve citizens' quality of life. This requires a rethink by the council and by citizens, leading to a focus on the results of procurement, self-initiative, cooperation with other actors and an optimum management of available resources.

In January 2019, Sefton Council launched the crowdfunding platform The Sefton Crowd for innovative projects created by citizens. Its focus is on ideas for projects designed to protect vulnerable groups, build a resilient society and support sustainable economic growth, also using innovative technologies and approaches. This helps interested citizens, as well as local associations and civil society groups, turn their ideas for projects into viable plans for crowdfunding.

The local authority contributes up to 5,000 pounds sterling or up to 40 per cent of the project budget. The remainder is generated via the UK platform Spacehive, which enables digital fund-raising for local projects from citizens, local authorities, businesses and foundations.

The Sefton Crowd has been so successful that the project has been extended for two years. During this period more backers will be recruited, included local businesses. Besides that, even more projects will be launched across Sefton, including in economically and socially vulnerable sections of society.