SCNF at DWP Event

Many SCNF members joined in the DWP event at the Brit Oval on 3rd March, which was attended by around 100 delegates. The focus of the event was to share good practice and obtain feedback from delegates about the information and support required.

The event was opened by Hugh Pullinger from DWP explaining the focus on services for older people and an ageing society. Hugh set out the challenges of delivering and adapting services for a growing population of pensioners (250k will be over 100 by 2050!). DWP wants to encourage people to prepare more effectively for later life, to increase participation in local activities and to reduce the number of people becoming isolated.

Hugh was followed by Nicky Kaye from Bracknell and SCNF describing the range of services enabled by the E+ card which is also available to pensioners on their concessionary transport card. Kevin Farquharson, on behalf of Capital Ambition, described the recent work on the London Card which is intended to make it easier for all residents to access services and is planned to incorporate the Freedom Pass which is in the process of being re-issued.

The final case study was presented by Geoff Pickford from Derbyshire who described the Gold Card applications which they have linked to over 60 concessionary transport cards. The Gold Card extends use to libraries, local business discounts and promotion of welfare and benefits.

Presentations have been requested from contributors to be posted in the members area and we are awaiting feedback from DWP on the table discussions to identify delegates' key issues and needs. DWP is also expected to announce shortly the locations for application trials they will be funding later this year.

This was one of the most successful events we have been involved in. Many of our sponsors had stands which delegates were able to visit during the breaks and ask more detailed questions.

We will keep members advised on future DWP scheduled events.

Kevin Farquharson
Co-Chair SCNF
www.scnf.org.uk

DWP Expressions of Interest

In December nearly a dozen authorities expressed an interest in the DWP invitation to support trial(s) of smart card applications. All the response were forwarded to DWP with a brief summary of the applicants. DWP is now following up with each during January.

The SCNF was delighted to see the number and range of responses which reflects the growing interest in applications of smart cards beyond transport. It will be excellent to see a number of these proposals move forward including the one(s) selected by DWP for funding.

SCNF will be following developments closely and the event on the 3rd March will provide insight into the possibilities and existing experience in other schemes.

To be the first to receive new information, make sure you have signed up to the SCNF.

Kevin Farquharson
Co-Chair SCNF
www.scnf.org.uk