Scope and IE Hub: Personal financial budgeting tool to benefit disabled people

Financial software specialists IE Hub are supplying personal financial management software to the disability equality charity Scope for free.  

Since July 2023 disabled people, supported by Scope’s disability energy support service, have had access to IE Hub. This sophisticated software and budgeting tool allows for greater management of finances.   

The impact of the Scope and IE Hub partnership

The online budgeting and income maximisation tool has had a dramatic impact. Since going live in July IE Hub has identified:  

• 68 per cent are eligible for additional benefits of on average £526 per month per person  
• 72 per cent are eligible for a reduced water social tariff  

This service is particularly important as inflation remains stubbornly high. Further, the cost of living for disabled people continues to bite. According to the Office of National Statistics – disabled people are twice as likely to experience financial vulnerability and run out of food as non-disabled people.  

A coalition of over 140 charities – including Scope – recently called on the Prime Minister to honour a promise to support disabled people with a social energy tariff. Despite a fall in the energy price cap that came into force on Sunday 1 October. They warned that bills are expected to still be around 13 per cent more expensive than last winter. 

The software will be available to disabled people who use Scope’s Disability Energy Support Service. This service provides free energy and water advice to disabled people. IE Hub’s services are available to the charity for free. Scope are on a rolling 12-month contract scheduled to last for three years.  

Andy Woods, Utilities Partnerships Lead at disability equality charity Scope said:  

“This is a fantastic new way we can support disabled people and their families.  

“The cost-of-living crisis has hit disabled people incredibly hard over the past 18 months, and all indications are that we’re in for a very tough winter.  

“We know that life costs more if you are disabled, and our helpline has been inundated with calls from people with nowhere else to turn.  

“Many disabled people use energy to power vital and life-saving equipment turning them off isn’t an option.  

“While we’re calling of the government to introduce a social energy tariff, we’re also empowering disabled people and their families with crucial knowledge and understanding about their financial situation.” 

Dylan Jones, CEO at IE Hub said:  

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Scope.  

“At IE Hub, we’re dedicated to providing tools that empower individuals, and it’s heartening to see the tangible impact our software and growing Creditor Network have had on the lives of many disabled individuals.  

“The statistics speak for themselves – in these challenging times, offering financial tools can be a game-changer.  “We’re committed to helping level the playing field and ensuring that disabled people have the resources and support they need to manage their finances effectively.  

We’re proud to be on this journey with Scope. We are eager to see how our collaboration will evolve in the coming years.” 

Summing up the Scope and IE Hub partnership

Together, IE Hub and Scope will provide a comprehensive support system. They are incorporating an online financial budgeting tool, education, counselling, and access to resources, enabling families to make informed decisions and better manage their finances during this challenging time.

By equipping parents and families with the knowledge and understanding of their financial situation, this partnership aims to alleviate the burden and empower them to build a more stable and secure future. 

For more information about IE Hub go to https://iehub.co.uk  

For more information about Scope go to www.scope.org.uk