Testing and refining a concept to make it easier to apply for School’s Essential Grant, Free School Meals and Council Tax Reduction

We need to test the feasibility of the concept developed during the previous phase of the project. We will explore how well the idea meets needs in practice and whether it can be effectively implemented within local authorities. 

We’ll be working closely with several local authorities on a voluntary basis. Following their responses to the expressions of interest in working on this project. Their insight and collaboration will be essential in shaping and validating practical, user-centred solutions that can improve access and reduce duplication across the benefits system.

• Makes it easier for people in Wales to access the financial support they are entitled to by reducing the risk of missed entitlements 
• Supports more consistent and joined-up delivery of benefits across services  
• Helps reduce pressure on public and third sector services by improving access upfront 
• Contributes to Welsh Government goals on tackling poverty and reducing inequality by directly supporting the Welsh benefits charter  
• Builds evidence for scalable, user-centred improvements to the wider Welsh benefits system

Our multidisciplinary team will work in fortnightly ‘sprints’. This means we plan our work in two-weekly cycles and talk openly about what we’re doing and learning at the end of each cycle.  These regular feedback loops will help us adapt quickly and deliver value as early as possible.

We will provide updates on a regular basis.

Are you a local authority interested in learning more or getting involved in the concept testing phase, please contact Lauren by emailing benefits@digitalpublicservices.gov.wales

Keep an eye out for resources we use during this project. 

The Digital Service Standard for Wales: Tried and tested principle for designing digital services