The council estimates between 17,000 and 20,000 households have been affected by welfare reform changes, including changes to housing benefits, Council Tax, the end of crisis loans and community care grants, implementation of the Benefit Cap, introduction of Personal Independence Payments to replace the Disability Living Allowance and introduction of Universal Credit.
The research will look at what people are able to spend their money on, including food costs, where they can afford to live and housing conditions. The research will also look at where the most affected residents receive support. The data will show how reliant people are on avenues such as advice lines and services, church, community or friendship networks, GPs, child and family services and mental health services and food banks.
Dr Tom Scanlon, Director of Public Health for the Council, said:
“The new welfare reforms are complex and it is not clear what the overall impact will be on people’s lives as each reform is implemented.
“In a time of austerity, this sort of research is essential as it helps us to identify those people who will experience the greatest hardship. It will help us understand the practical difficulties they face and how the council and other services can help to lessen this hardship with practical support.”