National Benefits Research Articles

Benefits, costs and enabling conditions to achieve ‘water for all’ in rural and remote Australia

Australia will not meet Sustainable Development Goal target 6.1, to “achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all” by 2030, unless water service provision is improved to hundreds of small (less than 10,000 residents), rural and remote (SRR) communities. We have estimated the national benefits of a programme to upgrade drinking water services to ensure ‘good quality’ for 395 Australian SRR communities using a stated preference survey of 3,523 participants reflective of the Australian population. Using multiple model estimates, we calculated the willingness to pay at between AU$324 and AU$847 per Australian household per year for 10 years. Aggregating across the relevant Australian population, we calculated the aggregate willingness to pay for water quality improvements at AU$1.2–4.7 billion yr−1, or AU$8.3–33.2 billion as a 10-year net present value. We further estimated the capital and operating costs to provide ‘good-quality’ drinking water in the 395 SRR communities under three scenarios; the costs range from AU$0.51 to AU$3.29 million per community and, in total, from AU$0.2 billion to AU$1.3 billion.

The cost of doing nothing about a sleeper weed-Nassella neesiana in New Zealand.

Nassella neesiana (Chilean needle grass), an invasive 'sleeper weed' established in sheep and beef pastures in three of New Zealand's sixteen local government regions, has a potential geographic range amounting to 3.96 million hectares spanning all regions except the West Coast. It impacts the productivity, market value and welfare of livestock through its sharp penetrating that cause blindness and the downgrading of wool, hides, and carcasses. In this study we estimate the benefit of preventing its spread as the present value (PV) of local (regional) and national productivity losses that would accrue over 200 years under a 'do nothing' spread scenario. Using a 3% discount rate and two assumed spread rates, 201 and 100 years to 90% occupation of its potential range, we calculate national PV losses of NZ$ 192 million and NZ$ 1,160 million respectively. In a breakeven analysis, these losses, which equate to the national benefits of preventing the spread, justify annual expenditures of NZ$ 5.3 million and NZ$ 34 million respectively. Restricting the analyses to the regions with known infestations (Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Canterbury) provided much lower estimates of the benefits (ranging from NZ$ 16.8 million to NZ$ 158 million) because spillover benefits from preventing spread to the other susceptible regions are not accounted for. These analyses support a nationally coordinated approach to managing N. neesiana in New Zealand involving surveillance and control measures respectively in the susceptible and infested regions.

AGING WELL: OLDER ADULTS AND DATA MAPPING

Abstract This presentation will feature how the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has advanced a program of work on data mapping and visualization. It will explain how this work is part of NCOA’s mission to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. Guided by the idea that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code, the mapping tools display area-level data to highlight different aspects of the lives of low-income older adults. This presentation will describe two of NCOA’s mapping tools and how they can influence policy and advocacy efforts toward aging equity at the local, regional, state, and national levels. The first tool, released in 2021, displays, in part, area-level access to smartphones and high-speed internet among low-income older adults. This map makes visible the invisible by demonstrating low rates of access even in geo-spatial areas with overall high levels of connectivity. The second tool, to be released in the third quarter of 2023, presents sub-state level data to identify gaps between area-level eligibility for each of three essential benefit programs [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)], Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare Savings Program (MSP)] and area-level enrollment rates. This map demonstrates how socio-spatial positions influence access to these national benefits, and how maps can be used to identify regions and communities to prioritize as part of strategic efforts to improve benefit access and promote aging equity.

Broadening and strengthening the health providers caring for patients with chronic hepatitis C may improve continuity of care.

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) lead to excellent rates of sustained virological response (SVR). However, loss to follow-up (LTFU) for SVR testing remains a challenge. We examine factors associated with LTFU in a real-world setting. Adults who received DAA therapy for HCV in one of 26 centers across Australia during 2016-2021 were followed up for 2years. Data sources included the patient medical records and the national Pharmaceutical and Medicare Benefits Schemes. Linkage to Medicare provided utilization data of other health-care providers and re-treatment with DAAs. LTFU was defined as no clinic attendance for SVR testing by at least 52weeks after DAA treatment commencement. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with LTFU. In 3619 patients included in the study (mean age 52.0years; SD=10.5), 33.6% had cirrhosis (69.4% Child-Pugh class B/C), and 19.3% had HCV treatment prior to the DAA era. Five hundred and fifteen patients (14.2%) were LTFU. HCV treatment initiation in 2017 or later (adj-OR=2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25-3.54), younger age (adj-OR=2.63, 95% CI 1.80-3.84), Indigenous identification (adj-OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.23-3.21), current injection drug use or opioid replacement therapy (adj-OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.25-2.20), depression treatment (adj-OR=1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.90), and male gender (adj-OR=1.31, 95% CI 1.04-1.66) were associated with LTFU. These findings stress the importance of strengthening the network of providers caring for patients with HCV. In particular, services targeting vulnerable groups of patients such as First Nations Peoples, youth health, and those with addiction and mental health disorders should be equipped to treat HCV.

Approaching national climate targets in China considering the challenge of regional inequality

Achievement of national climate targets and the corresponding costs would entirely depend on regional actions within the country. However, because of substantial inequalities and heterogeneities among regions, especially in developing economies, aggressive or uniform actions may exacerbate inequity and induce huge economic losses, which in turn challenges the national climate pledges. Hence, this study extends prior research by proposing economically optimal strategies that can achieve national climate targets and ensure the greatest local and national benefits as well as regional equality. Focusing on the biggest developing country China, we find this strategy can avoid up to 1.54% of cumulative GDP losses for approaching carbon neutrality, and more than 90% of regions would obtain economic gains compared either with existing independently launched targets or with the uniform strategy that all regions achieve peak carbon emissions before 2030. We also provide optimal carbon mitigation pathways to regional peak carbon, carbon intensity and energy consumption.

A cost-utility analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing in high-risk breast cancer patients and family members in Thailand: a cost-effective policy in resource-limited settings.

Screening for germline pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants (gBRCA) in high-risk breast cancer patients is known to be cost-effective in high-income countries. Nationwide adoption of genetics testing in high-risk breast cancer population remains poor. Our study aimed to assess gBRCA health economics data in the middle-income country setting of Thailand. Decision tree and Markov model were utilized to assess cost-utility between the testing vs. no-testing groups from a societal and lifetime perspective and lifetime. We interviewed 264 patients with breast/ovarian cancer and their family members to assess relevant costs and quality of life using EQ-5D-5L. One-way sensitivity, probabilistic sensitivity (Monte Carlo simulation), and budget impact analyses were done to estimate the outcome under Thailand's Universal Health Coverage scheme. The predicted lifetime cost and Quality-adjusted Life Years (QALY) for those with breast cancer were $13,788 and 10.22 in the testing group and $13,702 and 10.07 in the no-testing group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for gBRCA testing in high-risk breast cancer patients was $573/QALY. The lifetime cost for the family members of those with gBRCA was $14,035 (QALY 9.99), while the no-testing family members group was $14,077 (QALY 9.98). Performing gBRCA testing in family members was cost-saving. Cost-utility analysis demonstrated a cost-effective result of gBRCA testing in high-risk breast cancer patients and cost-saving in familial cascade testing. The result was endorsed in the national health benefits package in 2022. Other middle-income countries may observe the cost-effective/cost-saving aspects in common genetic diseases under their national health schemes.

PP147 What Does Real World Evidence (RWE) Offer Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Procedures In Australia?

IntroductionMedical device health technology assessment (HTA) in Australia is largely coordinated by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC). Its remit to improve the public’s health by deciding where to allocate public healthcare funding, can be enhanced by considering real world evidence (RWE). Existing data sources have limitations that can be addressed through RWE, including coverage of Australian patient populations who may not meet trial eligibility criteria, and long-term follow-up through data linkage and datasets. We partnered with a university to explore what information could be gained from an analysis of linked administrative patient data, with a view to addressing current evidence gaps and/or limitations. The findings can be used as a source of local data to define patient populations, estimate actual costs of care, and enable more comprehensive economic modeling to inform medical device HTA.MethodsThe University-developed New South Wales Cardiovascular Cohort dataset, comprising person-level longitudinal NSW administrative data for all patients admitted to hospital with a cardiovascular diagnosis from 2001 onwards, linked to national Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme claims data, was interrogated.ResultsWorking with RWE is resource intensive in terms of time and costs. The potential of these data was revealed as the research progressed. It was possible to continually refine the data analyzed and reported,as well as expand the data requested. Varied expertise is required to accurately analyze the administrative datasets, particularly clinical classification skills and expertise in methods for causal inference using observational data. Findings from this study will enable the refinement of information for MSAC submissions, including identifying the most relevant patient population and reporting comprehensive costs, beyond an admitted hospital setting. The data will enhance engagement with clinicians and refine messaging, for example regarding patient risk factors.ConclusionsRWE enhances Australian HTA applications. Local data, extended periods of time and insights not apparent from a focus on admitted hospital episodes can be revealed. Data can be refined during the process for specificity and applicability.

The Political Economy of Military Aircraft, the Case of Europe

ABSTRACT This article measures and discusses the continuities and changes in the procurement process in Europe by examining the influence of national preferences in terms of sovereignty, industrial issues, and strategic needs on procurement strategies. We focus on the aerospace defense industry and study four aircraft markets (fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs) in 30 European countries during the post-Cold War era. Our results reveal significant heterogeneity in terms of strategies. They suggest that European countries lack coordination in their aircraft procurement strategies; if a country has sufficient industrial capacity, it will seek to maximize national industrial benefits in its procurement choices, to the detriment of its European partners; conversely, if a country has no industrial capacity, transatlantic suppliers would be preferable to European ones. Members of the former USSR and Warsaw Pact have phased out old Soviet-era aircraft at different rates, depending on the market, with European suppliers benefiting more from this process than American ones. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the defense aircraft industry in Europe that can inform policymakers and stakeholders in this sector.

Integration Mechanism of Intellectual Property and Scientific and Technological Innovation from A Cross-domain Perspective: International Experience and Enlightenment

With the deepening of economic globalization and technological advancement, intellectual property and technological innovation have increasingly become pivotal elements driving economic growth and societal progression. A coupling relationship exists between intellectual property and technological innovation: technological advancement promotes the continuous evolution of intellectual property systems, while conversely, intellectual property stimulates technological innovation. By analyzing the intellectual property strategies characteristic of various nations, it is discerned that propelling technological innovation fundamentally depends on establishing a legal system and cultural environment conducive to incentivizing and safeguarding innovative outcomes. On the one hand, it's vital to ground strategies in the nation's realities. On the other, there's a need to incorporate the best from all sources, with an emphasis on indigenous innovation and applying these insights for national benefit, shaping an intellectual property legal framework with Chinese characteristics. Amid China's rapid development trajectory, the structure of its technological innovation chain manifests a "broad-middle and narrow-ends" configuration. The optimal remedy lies in delineating a developmental pathway for the intellectual property sector that aligns with China's unique circumstances. To elevate technological innovation, China ought to reinforce intellectual property education, establish an efficient operational model, intensify international collaboration and exchanges, ensuring the profound integration and symbiotic growth of intellectual property and technological innovation.

Abstract 14262: Cancer - A Driver of Heart Failure in People With Diabetes

Introduction: Despite the risk of heart failure (HF) in the survivorship phase of some cancers, the risk is not high enough to justify HF screening. However, people with diabetes mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of both HF and cancer. Examining this at-risk population may allow for better understanding of the effect cancer has on the development of HF. Hypothesis: Among people with DM, HF is more common in those with than without prior cancer. Methods: Data from the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS; 1,114,356 DM, types 1 and 2) from 2010 to 2019, was linked with public hospital data, the National Death Index and national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) database. People with cancer were identified by the prescription of chemotherapy agents on the PBS dataset or a hospital admission with cancer. Incident HF was detected via first hospitalisation with HF as the primary diagnosis or death due to HF. The model was adjusted for age and sex. Results: Of the total cohort (1,114,356 people with DM), 48,014 experienced HF during 6,663,046 person-years of follow up from 2010-2019. Specifically, of 175,656 people with DM and cancer, 8,464 experienced HF during 644,620 person-years of follow up. The HF incidence rate ratio (IRR) of people with DM and cancer was 1.63 (95%CI: 1.59-1.67), compared to people with DM but no cancer. Cancer admission alone had an IRR of 1.97 (1.90-2.05), with an IRR of 1.50 (1.46-1.54) in DM treated with chemotherapy with or without admission. Conclusion: Cancer diagnosis is associated with an increased incidence of HF among people with DM. The higher IRR of people with cancer admission alone supports the association of cancer with HF irrespective of chemotherapy. Further studies controlling for confounders of cardiovascular risk and refinements by age are required to justify grounds for HF screening.

Long-term Results of Imatinib Discontinuation in Patients with Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: National Multicenter Prospective Study.

The discovery of imatinib is a milestone for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (1). As life expectancy in CML patients has approached that of the general population (2), research has shifted towards improving quality of life and economic considerations. After 2010, it has been shown that some patients could maintain molecular response even after discontinuing imatinib (3). This national multicenter prospective cohort study aimed to observe the long-term consequences of discontinuing imatinib therapy in adult chronic phase CML patients. A total of 41 patients were included. The median follow-up time after imatinib discontinuation was 48 months (minimum-maximum 6-81 months). The rate of molecular relapse-free survival (MRFS) at 48 months was 33,2% (CI:48.2-18.2). Twenty-seven of 41 patients lost their major molecular response MMR, treatment was started again, and the molecular response was re-achieved with imatinib in all patients. There was no significant relationship between molecular relapse and clinical factors like duration of treatment or molecular response status. Discontinuing imatinib resulted in approximately 4,392,000 Turkish Liras (TRY) or 245,150 US dollars (USD) in savings. In conclusion, imatinib discontinuation with close molecular monitoring is a safe option and provides important national economic benefits and enhanced quality of life. This approach should be considered for all eligible patients. This is the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor discontinuation study from Turkey.

Simulation-based education in anaesthesiology residency training in Europe: A survey-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundSimulation-based medical education (SBME) is an important tool for actively improving the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. Despite the growing popularity and proven effectiveness of simulation-based education, understanding the extent and scope of its use in European anaesthesiology residency training is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of simulation-based training for anaesthesiology trainees in Europe. MethodsWe conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study to assess the current status of simulation-based education in anaesthesiology residency training in Europe. The online distributed survey included 56 items, aiming at trainees’ perspectives of availability in general and different types of SBME, implementation in national training programs, benefits and barriers. Regional, year of-training-dependent and workplace-associated distribution patterns of answers were analysed. ResultsWe collected responses from 268 anaesthesiology trainees from 37 different countries. Most trainees had participated in an anaesthesia-related simulation course, with the highest response rate in northern and western European countries. Anaesthesia-related simulation courses were included in the training programs of almost all respondents, regardless of the region, but perceptive availability varied significantly throughout Europe. The most taught topics using simulation included advanced/basic life support, airway management and management of polytrauma patients. The most frequently reported barriers to simulation were costs, followed by a need for more protected educational time. ConclusionThe study revealed discrepancies between the European countries as perceived by trainees. Further research is needed to explore the reasons behind these differences and promote greater access to simulation-based education across Europe.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ПРОЕКТА МОДЕРНИЗАЦИИ ГИДРОМЕТЕОРОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ОБСЛУЖИВАНИЯ В ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОЙ АЗИИ В 2012-2023 ГГ

Central Asia consists of five former Soviet republics: the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Tajikistan. The territory of Central Asia stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east, and from central Siberia in the north to Afghanistan and Iran in the south. Despite having an area the size of Western Europe, Central Asia is home to only 57 million people. In 2008, the population of Central Asia accounted for 14% of the population of the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, while the gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to only 5.0% of the GDP of the ECA region. The Central Asia Hydrometeorological Services Modernization Project (CA HMSMP) played a key role in enhancing cooperation, improving information sharing, and capacity building among the five National Hydrometeorological Services (NHMS) in Central Asia. The project has made significant progress in strengthening regional cooperation and institutional capacity of the four participating NHMSs. Through joint capacity building activities, including training of forecasters, NHMS specialists have established operational relationships for cooperation, mutual support, and recognition of regional and national benefits of data sharing. A high-level platform for the countries of the region (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) was also established to work closely together, build consensus on promising improvements, and harmonize practical aspects of weather, climate, and hydrological information services to be managed at the regional level.

The multiple injustice of fossil fuel territories in the Ecuadorian Amazon: Oil development, urban growth, and climate justice perspectives

Alongside growing awareness of the historical and ethical dimensions of climate change impacts, little is known about those territories both sources of fossil fuel extraction as well as not beneficiaries of its benefits, usually located in developing countries. Our study frames climate justice in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region (EAR), defined as “urban jungle”, due to urbanization processes linked to oil exploitation. By highlighting the multiple injustices for local communities, the general aim is showing how these areas are at the same time peripheries of fossil fuel extraction and national benefits, while also being entangled with the socio-environmental impacts caused and increased by oil activities. The methodology is based on spatial analysis carried out in GIS environment, combining different features (oil production, urban infrastructure, socio-environmental impacts), at different spatial and temporal scales. Results show that, since the beginning of oil exploitation in 1972 and until 2020, about 6.4 billion barrels were produced in the EAR, in 34 oil blocks located in the central-north sector. Moreover, between 1985 and 2020, oil exploited EAR has continued to be the most urbanized part, surrounding and involving indigenous territories and ethnic population in voluntary isolation. Finally, the results highlight the high density of recorded oil spills, pits and gas flaring sites in historically exploited oil block, and the extensive distribution of seismic lines in all the EAR, far from human rights obligations of enjoying a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. In conclusion, our analyses highlight the multiple injustices of these territories. Hence climate justice should embrace these territories in its perspectives, by involving them in the climate justice discourse and promoting the rights for a non-toxic environment. By doing so, scholars, stakeholders and policymakers might frame clear and just phasing out fossil fuel strategies.

Why Economic Growth Stimulates More Growth in Some Countries Rather than Others

Leontief multipliers are an important component of economic growth. However, input–output analysis is generally treated as a methodological tool for studying other questions in development. The size of multipliers themselves is of interest, as they determine how much nations benefit economically from the growth of base industries. Of the three types of multipliers—industrial supply purchases by firms, consumer goods purchases by workers, and growth derived from all sources—only the first has attracted attention in the global value chain literature; the other two have been neglected. We use OECD data on a large sample of nations in 2005, 2010, and 2015 to show that significant cross-national and inter-industrial differences exist in the size of multipliers. Contrary to expectations, higher-income countries can sometimes have lower multipliers than lower-income countries. The largest multipliers tend to be in the global South. We then provide a model explaining the differences in multipliers in terms of the domesticity of purchases, the wage intensity of production, the geographical size of the country, and the changing roles of GDP per capita and education as societies develop. The significance of these findings for development policy is discussed.

The influence of codex guidelines on international trade: An analysis focused on Kimchi

The global food trade, with an estimated value of approximately USD 2,395 billion in 2022, encounters various obstacles pertaining to consumer health and the preservation of species. To mitigate these, governments enact legislation and regulations, potentially hindering international food trade. The FAO and WHO established the Codex Alimentarius Committee in 1963 with the goal of harmonizing international food standards, guidelines, and moral behavior for consumer health and fair trade. This paper analyzes the economic impact of Codex certification on Kimchi trade in Korea. Before Codex, various non-standardized versions of kimchi were marketed globally. The implementation codex standards serve to mitigate these disparities by establishing a standardized global norm. The examination of multivariate import and export demand functions investigates the impact of the codex on the trade dynamics of kimchi. The findings indicate a notable rise in kimchi exports to Japan and an increase in imports from China, resulting in benefits for multiple nations. The analysis employs regression models with variables like export prices, GDP per capita, financial crisis dummies, and Codex accreditation. Findings show Codex significantly increases Korean Kimchi exports by 7,096 metric tonnes annually and Chinese Kimchi imports by 99,628 metric tonnes yearly. This highlights Codex's potential to foster international trade and enhance consumer trust. In conclusion, Codex standards offer a robust framework for safe international trade while ensuring consumer safety and promoting market growth. The study provides insights into the economic implications of Codex standards for global food trade.

Regional institutional quality and territorial equity in LTC provision

We show how regional governments affect the appropriate – in terms of territorial equity – assignment of a national LTC benefit. We analyse the case of Italy, featuring a three-layers setting, where eligibility criteria are defined by the central government (which bears the fiscal cost of transfers), but the assignment decision is taken by regional medical commissions, while applications are activated by individual potential beneficiaries. Combining administrative and survey data, and accounting for regional variation in eligibility prevalence, we document large territorial disparities in need-adjusted benefit assignment. We investigate the determinants of such disparities both in terms of individuals’ differential propensity to claim, and of regional discretionary behaviour, as shaped by the underlying quality of regional institutions. While several data limitations recommend caution, the empirical results suggest – in line with our conceptual framework – that regional discretion plays a role in LTC provision: in more detail, lower regional institutional quality appears related to more opportunistic benefit adjudication decisions.

Actual Status of Law Application on Land Acquisition for Socio-Economic Development Purposes

Vietnamese law has regulations on land acquisition cases for socio-economic development for national and public benefits, limiting land acquisition cases according to the scale of each type of project that will be approved and deciding the investment and investment policy. However, certain realities still exist. Analysis and comparison are the main methods used in the study. The article aims to present the current situation and recommend improving the land acquisition law for socio-economic development.

Terms «medicines availability» and «accessibility of medical devices» and patent law

State strategic and regulatory documents in healthcare use the terms “medicines availability” and “accessibility of medical devices”. However, there are neither any definitions of these term, nor there are specific details in those documents. Currently, the issue is especially relevant when legal mechanisms of compulsory licensing and the use of patents without the consent of patent holders for national security benefits need to be straightened. The article discusses the need for deeper understanding of the terms in the Russian legal system. Based on comprehensive analyses, the basic criteria, characterizing the availability of medical goods are highlighted along with the expediency of taking into account these criteria with possible limitations of patent holders’ exclusive rights in respect of medicines and medical devices Thus, taking into account the specification of physical and economic accessibility criteria, as well as other identified parameters proposed for discussion of the terms “medicines availability” and “accessibility of medical devices” by the expert community.

What can we learn from administrative benefits data?

We present the opportunities and limitations of administrative benefits data held by local authorities for data linkage projects. Whilst the richness of this data has been exploited by practitioners for administration, its potential remains little explored by researchers. We discuss data quality, sample selection and legal gateways for data sharing.
 Drawing on our experience working with over 40 local authorities, we present the structure of three datasets: the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, the Single Housing Benefits Extract and the Universal Credit Data Share. We show what variables are usually included, under which legal gateways this data can be shared and how the cohorts represented within the data compare with the low-income population. We discuss how these datasets can be linked at the household level with a number of other data held by local authorities such as social rent and Council Tax arrears, Housing Benefit overpayments and Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).
 Administrative benefits data provides a comprehensive snapshot of a household’s financial situation. Local authorities can proactively use and share this data with external data processors to fulfil their statutory duties if a legal gateway allows. By identifying households at risk of cash shortfalls before they reach a crisis point, councils can target support when administering local welfare schemes and preventing homelessness. By assessing eligibility for benefits, they can run data-driven uptake campaigns. This data captures a proportion of the population on national and local benefits within a local authority at several points in time. Attrition is of concern since households may leave datasets over time. Some will see their income rise and no longer qualify for benefits. Others will move out of the constituency.
 Local authorities routinely process longitudinal data on households receiving means-tested benefits by administering housing benefits, council tax support, and discretionary support funds. This data provides a unique real-time insight into the socioeconomic situation of low-income households. Yet, we show that its promising potential for policy research remains largely untapped.