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Date

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LGR: how a data led approach creates new opportunities to support vulnerable households and keep services local Local government reorganisation (LGR) will reshape how councils work across England. With proposals due for agreement in Autumn 2025 and shadow authorities preparing for 2026, councils face both disruption and opportunity.

In this webinar, Max Taylor, Strategy and Policy Officer at Surrey County Council and Emma Richardson, Senior Manager at Northumberland County Council join the Policy in Practice team to explore how councils can prepare for these structural changes while continuing to protect residents and deliver high quality services.

Join us to learn:

• Recap on the LGR roadmap: what’s happening now, where, and when
• Data and safeguarding: how to overcome the challenge of merging systems while protecting vulnerable people
• Service resilience: opportunities to modernise IT, harmonise council tax support schemes, and embed digital delivery
• Strategic roles: the part leaders, safeguarding heads, and transformation teams play in making reorganisation work
• Opportunities for councils: from countywide deals to integrated partnerships, learn how to turn LGR into long term value

Three takeaways for attendees:

1. Clarity on timelines and responsibilities as LGR accelerates
2. First hand insight from one of the early areas on the accelerated LGR track
3. Practical takeaways to help your local authority manage risks, seize opportunities and safeguard communities during transition

5/11/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Preventing debt and homelessness this winter: impact case studies from leading organisations Record levels of temporary accommodation, rising arrears and deepening financial vulnerability are driving more people towards homelessness this winter. Many are already in debt or at risk of falling into it, yet millions of people across the UK are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Frontline services are under immense pressure. Local authorities are working with shrinking budgets, while financial organisations are managing increased risk and exploring ways to support vulnerable customers more effectively.

The webinar will focus on how councils, third-party organisations and financial institutions such as Nationwide are using data and proactive support to prevent households from reaching crisis point.

Speakers will include:
- Glyn Ashman from the London Borough of Hackney who will discuss the council’s campaign to support residents in temporary housing who are in arrears
- Ian Cheatle from Nationwide, who is the first financial services provider to launch a free telephone benefits calculator service, helping people understand and claim the support they are entitled to while tackling digital exclusion

By acting earlier, organisations can reduce harm and deliver better outcomes for customers, residents and communities.

Join us to hear:
• How organisations are using data to identify households at risk of debt or homelessness before crisis hits
• How proactive support can help people access the financial support they’re entitled to and improve resilience
• Examples of prevention campaigns and pilots demonstrating measurable impact for both residents and customers

26/11/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Review of 2025 in policy and practice: From data to impact As 2025 draws to a close, join us as we review the policy developments, sector wide challenges and practical successes that have shaped the past year.

From rising arrears and shrinking local budgets to major reforms to disability benefits and the continued impact of the cost of living crisis, 2025 has brought fresh pressure on low income households and the organisations that support them.

At the same time, many councils, housing providers, utilities and charities have stepped up with data-led approaches to drive targeted support, often against the odds.

We’ll revisit the key policy changes that defined the year and share insights from our work with partners across sectors.

We’ll also highlight findings from our landmark analysis of Council Tax Reduction schemes, which revealed worrying trends but also pointed the way toward more effective, fairer support for households struggling with arrears.

Through case studies, data and real world examples, we’ll celebrate the tangible impact our clients have had in their communities and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.

Join us to:

- Explore the key policy developments and sector challenges that shaped 2025
- Hear highlights from our work on Council Tax Reduction, unclaimed support and safeguarding
- Hear inspiring case studies from organisations that used data to drive impact in 2025, and what they see in store for 2026

10/12/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Overcoming the data disconnect in safeguarding Too often, vulnerable people are only identified when it is already too late. Safeguarding professionals are forced to make decisions with only part of the picture, as crucial information is spread across disconnected services and systems. This makes it harder to spot risks, see patterns or act early, leading to delayed or inappropriate support.

In this webinar, we’ll explore how councils and safeguarding partners are tackling this challenge by improving the way data is shared and used. You’ll hear about practical approaches to using daily, structured data feeds to inform decisions, identify concerns earlier and support coordinated prevention work across teams.

We’ll also look at real life examples of how better access to safeguarding data is already helping professionals to take timely, more targeted action, and how they are beginning to evidence impact.

28/1/2026

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

How Guarantor My Loan used the Better Off Calculator to unlock £1,000 for a client struggling with debt

Figures correct as at December 2024

2024 has been a big year of change for Guarantor My Loan. The introduction of the Better Off Calculator operated by Policy in Practice has helped us with the delivery in ensuring customers are provided with good outcomes, especially for those we have determined that further borrowing might not be in their best short, medium, or long term interests.

Guarantor My Loan provides credit to people who cannot access mainstream loans by allowing joint applications, where one applicant with good credit acts as a guarantor. For many, this is the last hope before resorting to high interest lenders or even illegal loan sharks. Recognising the need for further support, they integrated the Better Off Calculator into their processes to help applicants who do not qualify for loans.

In one case, a rejected applicant discovered an extra £1,000 per month in unclaimed support, showing that high cost credit was not the solution. Their use of the Better Off Calculator proactively helps clients in early debt stages and redirects rejected applicants to better financial options.

What challenge(s) have you faced this past year?

Our unique joint application model where a guarantor with good credit supports the loan provides a critical safety net. However, many applicants still cannot meet underwriting criteria, leaving them with limited options beyond high APR or illegal loan sharks. The challenge was to find a way to support these rejected applicants while managing existing clients’ early debt stages.

What led you to choose Policy in Practice’s product to address your challenges?

By adopting the Better Off Calculator as part of our collections and rejection processes we can identify unclaimed benefits, additional income, and other financial support. This approach ensures that individuals can find viable alternatives to high cost loans. Additionally, the tool helps existing clients in early debt stages by offering tailored financial advice and support before issues escalate.

What success have you had, or expect to have, as a result of using your Policy in Practice product?

Key successes include:

Uncovered savings: one rejected applicant discovered an additional £1,000 per month through unclaimed benefits, demonstrating that high cost credit wasn’t the solution
Proactive support: early debt indicators provided by the Better Off Calculator allow us to support existing clients before financial struggles worsen
Reinforcing ethical lending: By focusing on holistic financial wellbeing, we foster trust with clients

Want to know more about what Guarantor My Loan did?

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