Tipping the Balance April 2014

Ellie Roberts Senior Researcher

Introduction to the research

Community Links welcomes reform of the welfare system - we believe it should be simpler, fairer and support people to escape poverty through work.

However, we anticipated that welfare reform would bring a unique set of challenges and barriers…

So, we decided to undertake some qualitative research to better understand the impacts.

Methodology

Sixteen qualitative interviews with local people impacted by reforms.

Four focus groups with Community Links employment and advice staff

Five qualitative interviews with local policy makers, advice staff and other stakeholders

Document review

Key findings – welfare reform has had a significant impact

Changing spending habits Direct impacts on health and wellbeing Worrying impacts on families and childrenChanges to housing were rarerIn most cases the reforms had not increased

the attractiveness of employment

Key findings – three main reasons for undermined resilience

1. Cumulative financial impact was significant and in some cases unmanageable and overwhelming

2. Poor communication of the reforms which has resulted in a worrying lack of understanding

3. Inadequate support and perceived lack of compassion

“I’m watching that electric meter like a clock. Constantly opening the cupboard and looking for food that’s not there.”

“Nobody ever really sits you down and tells you what is going on.”

“There’s been no help. There’s been no support. Every time I ask for help I come up against a brick wall.”

Key findings – need for early action and more nuanced approach

Need for a more nuanced approach to implementing and communicating all current and future reforms

Essential that increased support is focused on the least resilient people, and that communications are personalised, especially for those who find it hardest to engage

Case Study 1 – Michelle and the cumulative impact

Case study 2 – Aziza reaches crisis point

Case study 3 – Shanti moves into work

Recommendations

Standardised, coherent communicationsMore easy to access supportGreater discretion and a tailored approachContinued collaborative support from the third

sector

Community Links

www.community-links.org

@comm_links

#welfarereform