1. Celebrate London Data Week with Policy in Practice
   Join Policy in Practice this London Data Week (1-5 July) for two exciting events that highlight how we are using data to transform the lives of Londoners. Our first event, in partnership with the Greater London Authority, features speakers from Age UK London and local authorities who have participated in our data-led benefit uptake campaign. Register here
   
   The first of its kind, the campaign’s first phase made pensioners across the capital £8 million better off. The second event, held in Westminster, will explore how AI and public sector data can transform public services in London and across the UK. Don’t miss these opportunities ahead of the general election to see how an incoming government can use data to drive positive change. Register here
   
   
2. What do the general election manifestos tell us about work and welfare?
   In the first of our pre-election blog series we compare party manifestos on income, tax, and welfare reforms. The blog provides an overview on where the parties stand on critical areas such as work, employment, and income taxation. With £23 billion in  support going unclaimed this year we will continue to push income inequality and smarter use of available data across the system. To find out why people don’t claim and what we’re doing with organisations from the finance sector, housing sector and local authorities, listen back to our on demand webinars.
   
   
3. Rising cost of sickness benefit and what it means for an incoming government
   Deven Ghelani discussed the rising cost of sickness benefits on Times Radio. With an increasing number of people out of work due to long term illness, the need for early intervention and social security reforms is crucial. Our research highlights the decline in early access to support and the binary nature of the current system is making it difficult for people to reenter the workforce.
   
   
4. Importance of supporting unpaid carers vital ahead of upcoming election
   This month we celebrated National Carers Week by recognising the vital role of unpaid carers. Our Research and Policy Director, Rachael Walker, discussed Carer's Allowance and the challenges faced by unpaid carers in a webinar organised by the Vulnerability Registration Service. With £2.3 billion in unclaimed Carer's Allowance it is vital to recognise the economic value of unpaid care and how service providers can offer much-needed support which we explore in our blog.
   
   
5. What do the General Election 2024 manifestos tell us about women, children, and older people?
   The second of our manifesto blogs takes a closer look at what the parties promise for groups within the wider population who often face additional disadvantages within the welfare system. We've previously discussed how the welfare system supports, and in some cases works against, women.
   

“The scale of success is absolutely phenomenal. We got 95% of our clients identified with potential for extra benefits and support, which was significant. On average we've unlocked a life enhancing amount of £583 per household per month. Some of our clients have really complex situations and low incomes; that amount of money is life changing.”

• Deven was a judge for the first time at the The Municipal Journal achievement awards for the Health Foundation’s category 'Whole Council approach to tackling Health Inequalities'.
  
  
• Also presenting awards this month were Sam, Abbie, and Tylor-Maria for the Southwark Stars awards hosted by Community Southwark. The event, held in the Tate Modern, was a great success and we were delighted to present the award for ‘Supporting residents through the cost of living crisis’ to Share The Cost Global.
  
  
• Lightning Reach held a cross sector partners panel with a very informative Q&A. We heard from banking, charity, local authority and housing association representatives about all the action they're taking to raise awareness and accessibility of the available support for their customers.
  
  
• The Telsolutions Innovation Conference focused on navigating budget cuts and resource constraints for local authorities. Deven presented "Tackling Vulnerability by Closing the Unclaimed Benefits Gap," showcasing how data increased London pensioners' income by over £10 million annually.
  
  
• We exhibited at Housing 24 in Manchester, fostering collaboration in the housing sector, addressing the housing crisis with innovative solutions and funding for diverse housing needs.

• Understand the impact of the current policy context
• Discuss of General Election
• Review the £23 billion of unclaimed support in the UK in 2024
• Update on HSF and discretionary support
• Demo of the new LIFT campaign tool, where you will be able to send letters, emails and text messages directly through LIFT for campaigns
• Update on the GLA PC, FSM, HS campaigns
• Hear clients stories of success, including the approaches they took for early years and Managed Migration campaigns