More than £8 million in savings delivered for low-income families in Richmond upon Thames

Through targeted outreach, Richmond Council has helped hundreds of vulnerable households access all the support they are entitled to, unlocking millions of pounds in financial assistance and improving access to vital services.

The Council’s proactive use of the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) helped 94 households move onto water social tariffs, saving them a combined £23,600 per year. Building on this success, Richmond has now established a data-sharing partnership with Thames Water, enabling the auto-enrolment of eligible residents - resulting in a further 531 households accessing water social tariffs, delivering a combined annual saving of £211,338.

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.”

LIFT has also helped officers secure additional support for residents in other areas:

• 139 households now receive Pension Credit, with an estimated £6.4 million lifetime saving.
• 78 residents have claimed Attendance Allowance, expected to save £2.2 million over their lifetimes.
• 235 pupils have been enrolled in Free School Meals through an opt-out scheme, saving families £31,000 annually and generating an additional £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.

Richmond Council remains committed to using innovative tools and partnerships to reduce inequality and support residents with cost-of-living pressures.

Cost of living support

Visit the Richmond Cost of Living Hub for the latest information on what is available nationally and locally as well as details of the borough’s network of Community Spaces and free support calculator.

You can also sign up to receive cost of living support updates straight to your inbox.

LIFT is data analytics software that helps authorities maximise income, reduce costs, and target welfare support to low-income households.