Preventing debt and homelessness this winter: impact case studies from leading organisations

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Time: 1030 – 1145
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Location: Online
Registration: Click here to register
Cost: Free – presented by Policy in Practice


Record levels of temporary accommodation, rising arrears and deepening financial vulnerability are driving more people towards homelessness this winter. Many are already in debt or at risk of falling into it, yet millions of people across the UK are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Frontline services are under immense pressure. Local authorities are working with shrinking budgets, while financial organisations are managing increased risk and exploring ways to support vulnerable customers more effectively.

The webinar will focus on how councils, third-party organisations and financial institutions such as Nationwide are using data and proactive support to prevent households from reaching crisis point.

Speakers will include:

  • Glyn Ashman from the London Borough of Hackney who will discuss the council’s campaign to support residents in temporary housing who are in arrears
  • Ian Cheatle from Nationwide, who is the first financial services provider to launch a free telephone benefits calculator service, helping people understand and claim the support they are entitled to while tackling digital exclusion

By acting earlier, organisations can reduce harm and deliver better outcomes for customers, residents and communities.

Join us to hear:

  • How organisations are using data to identify households at risk of debt or homelessness before crisis hits
  • How proactive support can help people access the financial support they’re entitled to and improve resilience.
  • Examples of prevention campaigns and pilots demonstrating measurable impact for both residents and customers.

Library talk – Infected blood compensation

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: 20 November 2025
Location: Online

The government established the infected blood compensation scheme in response to the Infected Blood Inquiry. The first payments from the scheme were made in October 2024 and as of September 2025, 3,284 people have begun a claim process. This Library talk explains the origin of the scheme, how it operates in practice, and recent changes to application processes. It will be useful for caseworkers and anyone who is interested to find out more about infected blood compensation.

Book your place on Act.

Caseworker Discussion Forum: Disability Services Complaints (DWP)

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This is a follow up session from the Forum meeting on 7 August where we were joined by the DWP Disability Services Advocacy team. We will be joined by the Disability Services Complaints team, DWP, who will outline their services and handling constituent correspondence.

Time: 10:30-11:30
Date: 21 October 2025
Location: Online via Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1953

News from the Commons Library

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The House of Commons returns from conference recess next week! Make sure you’re up to date with everything from the Commons Library so you can hit the ground running.

Visit our website and bookmark Library briefings for Commons debates, which we update regularly with the latest research.

You can also sign up for online events coming later this month designed to support your constituency work.

Join the DWP Disability Services Complaints team in our next caseworker forum meeting on 21 October, for an outline their services and handling constituent correspondence.

Followed by the return of Library Talks on 23 October, starting with a Library expert on everything you need to know about the Child Maintenance Service.

External Services Fair 2025

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The House of Commons Administration is pleased to announce the first-ever External Services Fair.

Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Date: 18 November 2025
Location: House of Commons

The House of Commons Administration is pleased to announce the first-ever External Services Fair. This event is designed to give Members and Members’ staff the opportunity to engage directly with a range of external bodies that support you in your casework. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from a range of Government Departments and External Organisations, all gathered in one place. They will be hosting stalls where you can drop in, ask questions, and learn more about how they can assist you in your work.

For full details, please see Parlinet here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/november/external-services-fair-2025/

Caseworker Discussion Forum: Disability Services (DWP)

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Time: 14:30 – 15:30
Date: Thursday 7 August 2025
Location: Online via MS Teams

The Caseworker Discussion Forum takes place each month via MS Teams.

This month’s forum will focus on a Disability Services benefits overview and handling constituent correspondence, with staff from DWP.

Book your place on Act.

The forum is complemented by a dedicated Teams chat which enables you to share ideas and best practice, with support being on hand from the Library should specialist knowledge be required.

You do not have to be a caseworker to attend these sessions – they are open to any Members’ staff who handle casework.