Cotswold District Council has deployed a data-driven initiative that has helped more than 9,300 residents avoid financial hardship since December 2024. The Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) program, launched in partnership with Policy in Practice, has delivered over £341,000 in targeted support to families across the district.

Targeted Support Prevents Crisis

Jane Portman, chief executive officer at Cotswold District Council, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, ‘This programme shows the real impact proactive, data-led support can have.’ The initiative uses local data to identify individuals at risk of financial instability and connects them with relevant advice, funding, and support schemes before they reach a crisis point.

The program’s most significant achievement has been its focused Pension Credit campaign, which helped 96 pensioners secure over £339,000 in additional income. According to officials, this could generate an estimated £1.9 million in long-term financial benefit for the local economy.

These additional funds have also enabled pensioners to access broader support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, which helps reduce heating costs during colder months. The program has also helped 49 households move out of fuel poverty by securing Warm Homes payments to reduce energy bills, while 54 households received targeted water bill relief.

Expanding Financial Resilience

Targeted outreach to Universal Credit recipients resulted in 181 new Council Tax Reduction claims, offering further financial relief. Additional campaigns have Attendance Allowance, Healthy Start vouchers, and the Severe Disability Premium, all aimed at improving residents’ financial resilience and ensuring they access the support they need.

In total, 17 focused campaigns have been launched under the LIFT program, each addressing specific financial needs and improving access to critical resources. The program’s success has demonstrated the value of early intervention and data-driven outreach in addressing financial instability at the community level.

According to Portman, the program is not only about providing immediate financial relief but also about strengthening the wellbeing of local communities. ‘It is about putting money directly into people’s pockets and strengthening the wellbeing of our communities,’ she said.

Future Expansion and Impact

The LIFT program will continue to expand in the coming year, with further campaigns planned around Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and Healthy Start. Officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining and scaling this approach to ensure continued support for vulnerable residents.

The success of the LIFT program highlights the potential of data-driven initiatives in addressing financial hardship before it escalates. With more than £341,000 in aid already distributed, the program has set a precedent for other local authorities looking to implement similar strategies to support residents in need.

The initiative also highlights the importance of early intervention, as the program has helped prevent families from reaching crisis points. By connecting individuals with relevant support schemes before they face severe financial strain, the program has provided a more sustainable approach to financial resilience for households in the Cotswolds.