Welsh gov acts on our policy recommendations, Winter Fuel Payments analysis and real-time poverty metrics launched

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1. Welsh government acts on Policy in Practice CTRS recommendation
The Welsh Government has announced a key policy that makes it more likely that people on Universal Credit in Wales will automatically receive Council Tax Support without a separate application. This change follows recommendations from our collaboration with the Bevan Foundation and will be implemented in the next regulations. Simplified assessments of non dependant income were also supported, reducing costs for councils. These changes mark a significant step towards better support for those in need.

2. One million households to miss out due to Winter Fuel Payment changes
Exclusive research by Policy in Practice for the Observer reveals the impact of changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. From December 2024 only people receiving Pension Credit will qualify, leaving 850,000 eligible pensioners without support. Our analysis for the Telegraph found £6.1 billion in support is going unclaimed through other passported benefits. It featured in BBC's Wake up to Money, The Independent, Localgov.uk, The Chronicle, Birmingham Live and Econstrum. See how much Pension Credit is unclaimed in your area.

3. Policy in Practice and JRF launch new real-time poverty metrics dashboard
In collaboration with the JRF, we have launched our new RAPID dashboard. The Real-time Analysis of Poverty Indicators Dashboard a new online interactive portal that supports local authorities and charities to build evidence relevant to poverty, inequality and destitution via monthly metrics. Read JRF's guest blog post to learn more.

4. Fintech Pledge 2025 hits 15 million actions to improve financial resilience
Run by Zopa and Clearscore, the Fintech Pledge helps consumers to strengthen their financial resilience through cross industry collaboration and connecting consumers to financial technology platforms. Policy in Practice leads the pledge’s income maximisation pillar. A key part of that work is our collaboration with StepChange. In a pilot in Scotland we identified 95% of clients were eligible for additional benefits, averaging £583 per household per month. Watch our webinar featuring Vanessa Northam from StepChange speaking about this work.

5. Working with new government to drive locally led take up campaigns
As summer recess draws to a close Policy in Practice has reached out to congratulate all newly elected MPs. We want to work with the new government to tackle disparities across all regions of the UK, driving positive change. Our benefit takeup campaigns are easily replicable and we can also work with local governments to show how much support is going unclaimed in their region.

Managed migration of pension age households on tax credits began in August. Pensioners claiming Working Tax Credits are now eligible for Universal Credit, including Transitional Protection where appropriate.

We've updated the Better Off Calculator to calculate Universal Credit and Transitional Protection entitlement for pension age working tax credit claimants. Individuals and advisors can use the Better Off Calculator to learn what their new Universal Credit award will be and see if they’re eligible for Transitional Protection.

Where people have irregular or fluctuating income, our ‘Next month’s Universal Credit’ feature will help with forward planning.

Webinar: Tackling poverty: Practical steps to increase incomes and support families this winter

Wednesday 25 September from 10.30 to 11.45

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect millions, addressing affordability is more crucial than ever. In 2024, nearly a third of adults are struggling financially, with over 1 in 5 living in poverty.

Despite the significant support available, an estimated £23 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year due to stigma and the complexities of the welfare system.

This webinar will explore practical strategies to maximize the nation's incomes and boost financial resilience.

We’ll focus on the importance of September as a critical time for organisations to help older adults apply for Pension Credit before the Winter Fuel Payments deadline at Christmas, and to ensure eligible families secure Free School Meals before the October school census.

Join us and our guest speakers to learn how you can make a real difference in boosting financial resilience and tackling poverty.

Webinar: Removing roadblocks: How to simplify application processes for benefits and support

Wednesday 23 October from 10.30 to 11.45

The cost of living crisis may have fallen off the front pages but getting help to people who need it most is as important as ever. In 2024 a third of adults are struggling to cope financially and over 1 in 5 adults are living in poverty. Each year, people miss out on an estimated £23 billion in benefits and support due to stigma and the complexity and confusion that is seemingly baked into the welfare system.

This webinar will focus on identifying and removing barriers that prevent eligible people from accessing the support they need. Attendees will gain insights into innovative approaches that leading organisations are taking to enhance customer engagement, streamline application processes, and ultimately, increase the take up of social tariffs and other benefits.

Join us and our guest speakers to learn what other organisations are doing to remove the roadblocks to support and benefits.

Webinar: How to securely share safeguarding data to prevent harm

Wednesday 27 November from 10.30 to 11.45

The responsibility to safeguard vulnerable residents lies with councils and a range of safeguarding partners, but too often vulnerability is identified too late. Limited data co-ordination between organisations makes it hard not only to identify people who need support before they hit a crisis, but also to understand whether they are known to other safeguarding agencies and the wider safeguarding landscape.

Prevention is critical to improve safeguarding and we know that data needs to be more effectively shared across agencies if we are to better protect vulnerable people and reduce the potential of people falling into the social care system. This is a big challenge.

Join this webinar hear the latest learnings from a powerful project, backed by the LGA and NHS Digital, to link data across adult services, children’s services, public health, the NHS, Police and Fire and Rescue Services.