Millions of families under pressure from the rising cost of living are missing out on savings on their utility and broadband bills that could make a big difference. Research shows that savings of up to £144 a year for broadband alone are being left on the table. This is money that can help people to stay connected, an essential part of the way we live, work and learn.
Lack of awareness of the support available for families is a problem. Research from Ofwat suggests that only 15% of people knew about affordability support and similar research by National Energy Action puts that figure at just 8%.
As well as unclaimed benefits of around £15 billion a year, there is a complex and evolving network of other support available for people who need it. Frontline advisors need the latest information about social tariffs so they can help customers on their income maximisation journeys.
Listen back to hear
- The impact of rising living costs on low income families
- Support available for people who are struggling with digital connectivity and energy costs
- Practical tools that can help now
With guest speakers Daniella Weduwer, Policy Manager, Energy UK and Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement, Good Things Foundation
Listen back to our speakers
Dr Emma Stone
Director of Evidence and Engagement
Good Things Foundation
Daniella Weduwer
Policy Manager
Energy UK
Tylor-Maria Johnson
Policy and Data Analyst
Policy in Practice
Genevieve Hampson
Better Off Calculator Product Manager
Policy in Practice
Webinar poll results
Data poverty is when individuals, households or communities cannot afford sufficient, private and secure mobile or broadband data to meet their essential needs. The root cause of data poverty is poverty. Among working-age adults, those in the lowest socioeconomic groups are more than three times as likely as those in the highest socio-economic groups to not use the internet.
Without further UK Government support, the household energy price cap is estimated to rise again in October, to between £2,500 to £3,000. Such a rise could double the number of households in fuel poverty and put further pressures on business customers. Supporting vulnerable customers is also about helping them use less energy - the cheapest form of energy is the one we do not use.
Register for an upcoming live webinar
| Title | Date | Start Time | Duration | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reducing barriers to work using data led campaigns
In September 2023 the UK experienced an economic inactivity rate of 21.3% and an estimated unemployment rate of 4.3%, both of which have increased compared to previous data. Economic inactivity has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, prompting government efforts to integrate this group into the workforce. Historically, policies under Universal Credit and legacy benefits emphasised pushing people into employment through conditionality and short term measures. Today, both major political parties are exploring ways to facilitate return to work and eliminate barriers to employment. However, the government is also extending conditionality and adopting a tougher stance on sanctions for a broader range of people. Haringey is home to a young, ethnically diverse population. In June 2023, almost one fifth of those between 16 to 65 were on Universal Credit. Nearly 7% of residents over 16 were claiming unemployment related benefits, a figure above the London average of 4.7% and the 3rd highest rate of all UK councils Haringey Council wanted to find ways to overcome barriers to employment for young people and families with children and has used data to achieve success with its employment support programmes. Join this webinar to learn: - The new carrot and stick policy changes designed to break down barriers to work and reduce economic inactivity - What Haringey Council did to increase take up of free childcare for two year olds to 70% - How Haringey Council successfully helped 95 NEETs on their employment journey With guest speakers from Haringey Council | 29/11/2023 | 10:30 GMT | 1.3 hours | Register |
| Policy review of 2023 and what 2024 may hold
Join our last webinar of 2023 to hear our policy analysts review 2023's policy changes and big issues, from the ongoing cost of living and energy crises to the funding of local government and the Autumn Statement. We will highlight our policy findings from the year including our work that revealed that millions of households across the UK are missing out on £19 billion of support each year. We'll look at the role that data is playing in helping leading organisations to tackle these issues. Through case studies of different types of households we'll look at what the changes mean for families now, and what 2024 has in store. Along the way we'll share the positive impact that organisations we work with are having, and give practical solutions that others can adopt. | 6/12/2023 | 10:30 GMT | 1.3 hours | Register |
| How the debt sector is connecting people to support | 31/1/2024 | 10:30 GMT | 1.3 hours | Register |