Data Tool to Spot Families in Need of Financial Support
A new data-driven initiative is set to enhance financial support for low-income households in Cambridgeshire. This innovative system aims to identify families who are eligible for benefits but are not currently claiming them, ensuring they receive the assistance they require.
Key Features of the Data Tool
– Collaboration: Developed through a partnership between Cambridgeshire district and city councils.
– Targeted Outreach: The system will notify families who qualify for free school meals but haven’t applied yet.
– Response to Need: The initiative stems from a 2025 report by the Cambridgeshire Poverty Strategy Commission, highlighting the importance of ensuring low-income households access all available support.
Alison Whelan from Cambridgeshire County Council remarked, Families across Cambridgeshire will feel a real benefit in their pockets as a direct result of this work. This underscores the commitment to improving financial situations for those in need.
Financial Implications
– Cost of Implementation: The system has an annual cost of at least £200,000, but funding may be fully covered by the government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund, as confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions.
– Reducing Crisis Interventions: By proactively identifying and assisting families, the authority anticipates a decrease in costly crisis interventions.
Proven Success
A similar data tool has already proven effective in South Cambridgeshire District Council, identifying over 1,000 additional claims within the past year. Whelan emphasized the significance of these insights, stating, These insights will enable us to provide targeted support that helps low-income households in the present and empowers them to build financial resilience for the future.
This new data tool is a crucial step in ensuring families receive the financial support they are entitled to, paving the way for improved well-being in the community.
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