Low take-up of entitlements is a persistent challenge in means-tested social security systems in Wales. Every year, financial support that people are entitled to goes unclaimed. In Wales alone, around 62% of people eligible for Pension Credit receive it — leaving a significant proportion without the support they are entitled to. Proactively identifying and reaching those people requires a different approach to benefit take-up.
The Welsh Government commissioned Alma Economics to review the Local Authority Data-Led Benefit Take-up Pilot in Wales, which tested whether data-driven tools could help local authorities identify residents likely to be eligible for unclaimed benefits. The review examined how the LIFT platform was implemented across participating local authorities, the effectiveness of the pilot in increasing benefit take-up, and the factors influencing its impact.
A contribution analysis approach was used, combining a desk-based review, scoping interviews, a Theory of Change (ToC), in-depth interviews with local authority representatives, and a focus group with third sector and support organisations. The research was delivered in two phases, with Phase 1 focusing on implementation and Phase 2 on impact assessment and three local authority case studies highlighting best practice.
The findings show strong potential for data-led approaches.
Overall, the pilot demonstrates that data-led approaches can improve targeting and operational efficiency. However, local authorities require adequate staffing, resources, and ongoing support to fully realise the potential of these approaches.
Read the report here
