Adur & Worthing Councils Supports Low Income Households with Supermarket Vouchers

The councils’ Proactive team wrote to 131 households in Adur and Worthing identified as having a low income or impacted by the two-child benefit cap to offer them vouchers to buy groceries or household items.

The money for the grants comes from the government’s Household Support Fund, which is distributed by local authorities.

Households were identified by the councils’ Proactive team of dedicated caseworkers using data analysis technology developed by social policy software and analytics company Policy In Practice.

The technology allows the councils to combine data from multiple separate systems into one shared dashboard to provide a clear view of low income households across both districts. This means the councils can identify and support residents more quickly and effectively.

In spring last year the councils contacted over 600 households claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and living in properties with a low energy efficiency rating to offer them the chance to apply for a cash grant of £150.

The councils have previously supported residents falling just outside the eligibility criteria for Pension Credit and gave them supermarket vouchers.

As well as offering targeted financial support, the Proactive team used the Household Support Fund to help some of the least well-off residents by providing deposits for housing, rent in advance, white goods and furniture.

Residents identified by the Proactive team have also been able to access support from partner organisations, including reductions on water bills with Southern Water and free swimming lessons from South Downs Leisure, as well as financial support and digital wellbeing checks from Lancing-based organisation TellJO.

Councillor Dom Ford, Worthing’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “Our Proactive team is in regular contact with some of the most vulnerable members of our community, taking time to offer personalised support that makes a real difference to people’s everyday lives.”

To find out more about how Adur & Worthing Councils use data to support residents, please visit https://policyinpractice.co.uk/case-study/adur-and-worthing/.

For resources for anyone struggling with the cost of living, visit https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/.