From data to doorsteps: How Plymouth allocated discretionary support to families in 2025

Plymouth City Council wanted to maximise the number of households reached through Household Support Fund 7 (HSF), supporting those in crisis while building longer-term resilience.

Previously, HSF was distributed through online applications, council departments and partner organisations. This relied on households being aware of the fund or already engaged with services. The council sought a more proactive approach to identify financially vulnerable residents, including those in temporary accommodation or at risk of homelessness, and ensure support was distributed more equitably.

Previously, HSF was allocated through an online application process, through various council departments and through partner organisations,  relying on households being aware of opportunities or having existing relationships with providers/services. 

LIFT has enabled us to pilot a more proactive approach to supporting households, proactively identify and contact individuals who might not have otherwise reached out for help but who were still identified as most at risk / financially vulnerable, including those in temporary accommodation or at high risk of being made homeless.

Helping a carer get the support they were missing

Improving Lives Plymouth (ILP) supported an unpaid carer who was looking after their husband and receiving the lower rate of PIP. Through contact prompted by LIFT, ILP carried out a benefits check and identified that a change of circumstances form should be submitted to seek an increase to the higher rate of daily living PIP.

ILP also discovered that a family member had recently been diagnosed with dementia and supported an Attendance Allowance application, providing extra income to help cover essential costs such as taxi fares to appointments.

The household also received a grant from the HSF to ease winter fuel pressures, ensuring they could afford to keep their home warm during the colder months.

More than a grant: data led targeting delivers £25,922 in HSF and money advice to 94 households

Citizens Advice Plymouth used LIFT to identify low-income households potentially eligible for assistance through the Household Support Fund.

By November 2025 94 LIFT-identified households received HSF support, totalling £25,922. They also received income maximisation advice. Provisional figures indicate potential income gains of £125,000 across these households.

LIFT data shows that many of these households are single occupancy households in receipt of housing support and claiming the correct means-tested benefits, but income remains insufficient to cover costs, particularly where rent exceeds housing support limits or where residents are affected by the bedroom tax.