Bracknell Forest Council

Summary of Submission

Facing increased financial hardship and homelessness following the pandemic, Bracknell Forest Council saw a 750% rise in families approaching them as homeless in four years. 

To address this crisis, the council adopted the LIFT platform in 2021. 
Identifying 550 households at risk of financial crisis, crucial in a borough where affluent areas can mask pockets of deprivation. 
The new Financial Inclusion team launched seven targeted benefits take up campaigns, with great success.
The campaigns led to substantial financial gains for residents and the council, with every £1 invested in LIFT yielding £36 in resident income and £26 in recovered arrears. 

Bracknell Forest Council’s proactive data driven approach has effectively addressed worsening deprivation and financial hardship in the borough. 

In less than 18 months the Financial Inclusion team secured over £820,000 for over 240 households, allowing more than £550,000 of arrears to be recovered.