CHESHIRE East Council has approved a new crowdfunding policy aimed at supporting residents setting up local projects that tackle local needs.

The crowdfunding policy was approved by the authority's Cabinet this week and will provide a digital platform inviting project proposals which require funding.

The platform will focus on locally based community and environmental projects within the borough, raising their profile among local and national funders while attracting support and funding from local businesses and residents.

It will also provide support to the voluntary, community and faith sector – where increased project funding is expected – promoting their projects and enabling recruitment of new volunteers.

The council says each proposed project will be supported to ensure it can achieve its aims safely and within budget, meaning local residents and less established community groups can apply with confidence.

Cllr Mick Warren, Cabinet member with responsibility for communities, said: "Crowdfunding can often be used to unite local communities in tackling key issues within their neighbourhoods, and it's our commitment to ensure that can be done with our support.

"Enabling community groups to add their projects to this central platform will provide local projects with exposure and the ability to raise funds and other assistance they would not otherwise have had."

The council's research estimates that for every £1 the council invests into community projects through crowdfunding it will result in an additional £3 benefitting local schemes.

To find out more about crowdfunding go here.