1. Policy in Practice responds to Autumn Budget 2024 Yesterday's budget raised taxes to allow for investment in public services. This much needed boost will deliver growth over the long term to pay off. Our latest blog explores the impact of the Chancellor's announcement for low income households and benefit claimants. Watch our for a more in depth analysis from Policy in Practice in the days to come.
2. £17 million in unclaimed Pension Credit for older Londoners on lower incomes Our Pension Credit take up campaign with the Greater London Authority, Age UK London and 23 London boroughs has secured £17 million for older people across the capital. The campaign
that began in February 2023 is funded by the Mayor of London and will continue into its third phase this winter, expanding to more boroughs. To date 2,174 older residents have claimed an average of £4,394 in Pension Credit and an additional £200 in Winter Fuel Payments per household.
3.
We're leading the conversation to drive take up of unclaimed benefits This month appeared on BBC Radio 4's Moneybox twice to highlight the need for better awareness and support in claiming unclaimed benefits. Deven Ghelani discussed DWP’s latest Pension Credit campaign and the role of government in informing people of their eligibility, while our blog explored what national Pension Credit campaigns can learn from
local experience. We also spoke with BBC Wales' Felicity Evans about the £23 billion in unclaimed benefits, the reasons behind low uptake, and how people can check their eligibility.
4. New report shows the impact of our work on people’s financial wellbeing This month's Fintech
Pledge 2025 impact report highlights the positive results of initiatives aimed at improving financial resilience. Policy in Practice, leading the benefits pillar, focuses on maximising incomes. The report highlights our work with StepChange in Scotland where data analysis and proactive outreach have connected eligible people to unclaimed support. Founded by Zopa Bank and ClearScore in response to the cost of living crisis, the 2025 Fintech Pledge is also lead by The Money Charity, StepChange, The Money & Pensions Service and Policy in Practice.
5. Poverty metrics dashboard showcased in London Challenge Poverty week We joined 4in10 for this year’s London Challenge Poverty Week by hosting a webinar introducing our new, free RAPID poverty metrics dashboard. Developed with the JRF the tool gives policymakers real time data on poverty rates and living standards to informed decisions about poverty.
Policy in Practice's work widely featured in new council tax debt collection report by StepChange
In Summer 2024 Stepchange surveyed its debt advice clients to understand their experiences of council tax debt collection and enforcement.
Its new report, Looking through the keyhole, published this month, offers a deep dive into affordability challenges,
interactions with local authorities and enforcement agents.
Policy in Practice wins national award for anti poverty work
We won at the inaugural Resolve Poverty Awards for our work alongside Sovereign Network Group (SNG) for partnership working strategy.
The award is in recognition of our commitment to supporting income maximisation, reducing arrears and improving the quality of life for tenants.
The Resolve Poverty Awards celebrate the people, organisations and networks playing a significant role in tackling poverty in local areas and regions across the country.
Welcome to our new clients
Out and about in October
IRRV Annual Conference
This month the team took over our social media accounts to report live from the fourteenthIRRV Conference, Exhibition and Performance Awards at the Telford International Centre. The team was on hand at our stand to discuss the £23 billion in unclaimed support and the work we are doing with our clients and partners to identify households eligible for support and help them to claim.
Rachael Walker and Tylor Maria Johnson presented a talk on income volatility and how it impacts
Council Tax Support Schemes from our research with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the real life impacts of income change. Adam Kenny represented Policy in Practice at the IRRV annual golf tournament.
Join our 12 Days of Christmas campaign to showcase your good news from 2024
Help us spread festive cheer by sharing your 2024 success stories! Now in its fifth year, our delightful 12 Days of Christmas campaign is an established favourite in the countdown to Christmas, highlighting the inspiring impact of our clients from across local government, housing, finance, utilities and advice sectors.
To showcase your good news
stories from 2024 simply complete this short form. Whether you've reduced arrears for your customers or your organisation, helped people into work, boosted customers' income, or made a difference in another way, let us celebrate your achievements. As a thank you, five featured stories will be chosen at random to receive a £100 donation to a charity of your choice. Please submit your story by Friday 15 November and help inspire others this Christmas.
Stay informed: join our upcoming free webinars
Vulnerability, debt and the missing £23 billion: How the credit and collections sector can drive change this winter
We’re always looking for people who want to drive change and make a difference. The compelling work we do, plus the attractive package and career prospects we offer, make Policy in Practice a great place to work.
