The word infrastructure conjures up images of roads, trains and buildings for most people. However, a large part of cities’ spending –and consequently their potential savings – relates to the provision of services: therefore an important element of smarter cities is smarter service provision.
In the UK, all local authorities are required to pay a weekly allowance to young people who have been placed in their care when they leave it at the age of 18. Typically, recipients have to visit council offices weekly to collect their allowance in cash, creating potential risks of theft or loss for both council staff and recipients, while also requiring a complex cash management process for the local authority.
The London Borough of Lewisham, an inner-city district serving over 248,000 people, was eager to improve its efficiency and lower costs and decided to target its payments to young people.