Richmond Council has helped hundreds of vulnerable households access financial support they were entitled to, unlocking more than £8 million in savings through its targeted outreach programme.

By using the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT), the Council has been able to proactively identify residents who qualify for help and ensure they receive it.

One key success has been working with Thames Water to increase access to water social tariffs.

94 households were supported directly by the Council to join the scheme, saving a combined £23,600 per year.

A new data-sharing partnership with Thames Water has since auto-enrolled a further 531 households, unlocking £211,338 in annual savings.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "The LIFT tool is a powerful example of how data can be used responsibly and effectively to support our residents.

"Many people can miss out on support they are entitled to simply because they are not aware they are eligible.

"By harnessing this data, we can proactively identify and assist these households, turning insight into real-life benefits for residents across Richmond upon Thames.

"This work is making a real difference to people's lives, ensuring support reaches those who need it most."

• The LIFT tool has also helped secure additional support across a range of services:
• 139 households now receive Pension Credit, unlocking an estimated £6.4m lifetime saving
• 78 residents are now claiming Attendance Allowance, worth an expected £2.2m over their lifetimes
• 235 pupils have been enrolled in Free School Meals through an opt-out scheme, saving families £31,000 annually and generating £290,000 per year in Pupil Premium funding for schools
• 35 households have been supported to apply for Healthy Start vouchers, with a projected £11,000 lifetime saving

The Council says this approach will remain central to its work in supporting households with cost-of-living pressures, alongside its Cost of Living Hub, a borough-wide network of Community Spaces, and regular updates on national and local support available.

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