Horsham District Council has approved funding to introduce the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) data tool to help Horsham residents access vital financial support that they may be missing out on.
At a full Council meeting on 7 October, councillors agreed to a three- year subscription to the LIFT software and a ‘Better Off Calculator’ tool. Additionally, funding was agreed to employ a Cost-of-Living Officer and Citizens Advice Adviser to successfully deliver the initiative.
LIFT, a new data tool developed by Policy in Practice, uses anonymised data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Council to identify households eligible for benefits such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Allowance, Attendance Allowance, and Free School Meals, but who are not currently claiming them.
Residents who are eligible for additional financial support will be contacted by the Council and signposted to online claim forms.
Cllr Belinda Walters, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities commented:
“Providing help to residents in tough times, particularly when their circumstances and health needs change, and building communities where our people can flourish, are key priorities in our Council Plan.
“I am really pleased that we are investing in this technology to make sure that as many local families and individuals as possible are able to benefit from the financial help they need, and that they are entitled to.
"LIFT is a powerful step forward for our communities who are struggling.
“Many of our residents need help but may never have claimed benefits before and don’t know what is available and how to apply for them.
“The use of our new LIFT tool will be instrumental in identifying specific households that are eligible for help but did not realise it.
“By reaching out directly, we can put money back into families' pockets, ease financial pressures, and give people the security they deserve."
It is estimated by Policy in Practice that there is over £30 million of support unclaimed in Horsham District (based on October 2025 data).
Through campaigns supported by LIFT data, Horsham District Council will be able to identify those households eligible for assistance. These households will be sent a letter detailing what support they are missing out on and advise how to make a claim.
The LIFT technology is expected to be fully operational early in 2027.