Issue - decisions
The Low Income Family Tracker
17/10/2025 - The Low Income Family Tracker
Councillor Rachel Crouch, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, presented the item, the purpose of which was to give a brief overview of the Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT) progress since inception.
Councillor Crouch advised that LIFT was a powerful new data tool to help residents receive support that they are entitled to. The tool was already making a real difference for those in crisis who did not realise that they were entitled to support. Councillor Crouch gave examples of cases where the tool had led to identification of those eligible but not in receipt of pension credit which had resulted in 68 successful pension credit claims. Following this success the tool was now being used more widely for families with low incomes to enable them to access monies such as Warm Homes Discount (WHD) and Housing Benefits. The County Council had agreed to continue to fund the scheme up to March 2027.
In the discussion a query was raised as to how communication with potential eligible recipients was made. The Officer advised that this was currently done in writing.
A further point was made regarding the importance of continued work with third parties, such as Citizens Advice, to promote and implement the scheme. This was considered important as some residents may find engagement with the Council a barrier.
Councillor Crouch proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.
Councillor Alaric Smith seconded the proposal and highlighted that the benefits system had high complexity and that therefore people were often unaware of their eligibility for support. This work was therefore impressive and important.
This was voted on and approved unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive:
1. Noted the report.