Cotswold District Council Introduce Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT) to Support Vulnerable Residents

This cutting-edge platform, developed by Policy in Practice, will enhance the Council’s ability to identify vulnerabilities of low-income households, inform strategic planning, and better target resources to those most in need.

Since the benefit changes under the Welfare Reform Act 2012, the roll-out of Universal Credit, and now the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, more families in the Cotswolds are facing financial hardship. LIFT will help the Council better understand these challenges by using advanced data analytics to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and provide targeted interventions. 

Claire Bloomer, cabinet member for Communities, said: “LIFT is a powerful tool that enables us to identify at-risk households and proactively engage with them. By utilising this technology, we can take a more strategic approach to delivering support, ensuring that no family is left behind.” 

How LIFT Works 
The LIFT platform compiles data from the Council’s existing records, such as housing benefit and council tax support claims, and cross-references it with publicly available information. It can track changes over time, identify risk factors, and provide a detailed picture of household needs across the district. This information will allow the Council to design effective campaigns and allocate resources where they are needed most. 

Examples of targeted campaigns include: 

• Benefit Maximisation: Helping eligible residents claim underclaimed benefits like Pension Credit. 

• Healthy Start: Promoting uptake of this critical support for families with young children, which provides access to healthy food and essentials. 

• Free School Meals: Encouraging families to apply, ensuring children receive at least one nutritious meal a day. 

• Income Deficit Support: Providing support to families in financial difficulty, and promoting long-term stability. 

Bracknell Forest Council, which has been using LIFT for nearly two years, has seen significant successes, such as increasing Pension Credit take-up by £100,000 annually and improving council tax collection. LIFT also helps councils address other barriers, like reducing social care debt and supporting housing stability. 

Claire Bloomer, cabinet member for Communities, said: “This is about creating a sustainable support network for our residents. By maximising incomes and providing targeted interventions, we can reduce the pressures faced by households and build a stronger, more resilient community.”