Introduction of Data-Led System for Financial Support
A new data-driven system has been developed to assist in identifying low-income families in Cambridgeshire who are entitled to additional financial support.
Cambridgeshire district and city councils have collaborated to create this system, which aims to detect individuals not currently claiming benefits they qualify for and to notify families eligible for free school meals who are not yet receiving them.
Background and Purpose
This initiative follows a 2025 report by the Cambridgeshire Poverty Strategy Commission, which recommended measures to ensure low-income households receive all the assistance available to them.
Alison Whelan, representing Cambridgeshire County Council, emphasized the positive impact of the system, stating:
"Families across Cambridgeshire will feel a real benefit in their pockets as a direct result of this work."
Benefits and Cost Considerations
The council highlighted that the new platform is expected to reduce the need for expensive crisis interventions by decreasing residents' vulnerability.
Regarding financial aspects, the authority noted that the system incurs an annual cost of at least £200,000. However, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the full expense could be covered through the government's new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Existing Systems and Expected Outcomes
South Cambridgeshire District Council already employs a similar system, which has successfully identified 1,000 additional claims from residents over the past 12 months.
Whelan further commented on the system's potential benefits:
"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."
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