Using data analysis to improve benefit take-up

This report reviews the Welsh Government funded pilot that provided 12 local authorities with access to the Low‑Income Family Tracker (LIFT) platform. The pilot aimed to test whether data‑led approaches could improve benefit take‑up by identifying eligible residents who were not claiming support. The review uses a mixed‑methods approach, including desk research, interviews, focus groups and contribution analysis. It assesses how local authorities implemented the platform, the barriers and enablers they encountered, and the extent to which data‑led identification and targeted outreach improved benefit take‑up.

Overall, the pilot demonstrates that data-led approaches can enhance targeting and operational efficiency, but local authorities require adequate staffing, resources, and ongoing support to fully realise its potential.