In 2015, with their welfare advice budget facing a 50% reduction over 3 years, Kirklees Council went live with BetterOff to ensure their benefits system could still deliver. Since going live, Kirklees has seen a huge £1.3 million in cashable savings and an annual average of £18 million in monetary gains going back into the local economy for their citizens between April 2017 and April 2019.

BetterOff helps people navigate the welfare system more effectively by combining national and locally administered forms with comprehensive advice and support for users re-entering work. Claimants can access and apply for the right support whilst providing a base from which they can get back into long term sustainable work. Along with this support, the technology reduces the number of sanctions by providing the claimant with direct access to the relevant forms and processes based on their personal need. All whilst reducing the need for resources at the front line – in customer contact centres and via third party support agencies.

Steve Bird, Head of Welfare and Exchequer Services, at Kirklees Council adds: “Ensuring that people on benefits claim their full entitlement and are fully supported in their search for employment has clear economic and social benefits. BetterOff has been developed with the tools and features to support these areas as well as offering high-quality advice. Helping the majority of customers to self-serve is also, in turn, helping advisors to work more efficiently, by being able to focus face-to-face contact on those who are vulnerable or have complex needs.”

If you’d like to find out how BetterOff can support your Local Authority, please do not hesitate to contact us or book a free demo with an expert using the form below.