Social Policy Reports

Our Social Policy worker, Amy has produced two Social Policy reports. 

Collaborative Council Tax Pilot 

From November 2023 until the end of March 2024, our Bureau was funded by the Scottish Government to pilot a Council Tax Debt Engagement project. Working alongside the revenues department at Clackmannanshire Council, we aimed to encourage those with council tax debt to access support and develop practices to improve the experience of debt collection. Our Social Policy worker has created a report that summarises the developments made throughout the duration of this pilot and analyses the wider issues identified.

Henry Smith: Welfare Rights and Representation Project 
Assessment of the benefits appeals process and the impact of the advice sector

This report focuses on our Welfare Rights and Representation Project that was funded by the Henry Smith Charity from 2018 until 2024. The aim of the project was to target those who face additional barriers in accessing the welfare system such as people affected by mental illness and/ or caring concerns to ensure they are given the support to access their rights and entitlements.

From the 1st of January 2021 to the 1st of May 2024, 297 clients were seen as part of the project. From these clients, 504 client financial gain records were identified, with a total client financial gain of £2,295,262.54. 

Both reports can be accessed below.