The business case for social welfare advice services: an evidence review

The Low Commission, with funding from The Baring Foundation, commissioned The University of Surrey to investigate whether the extant literature supports a business case for investment in social welfare advice services. To answer this we conducted a systematic literature review to examine:

1. What evidence exists for the provision of legal and non-legal advice on the business case/social return on remaining advice being offered; is there a return on any advice services?

2. The impact of this advice on the individual;

3. Recommendations for any alternative/future advice service.

4. Identify any possible considerations as to whether early provision of advice impacts on the outcome. Specifically, to what extent will it matter that advice is provided earlier (in terms of cost saving and/or impact on the individual)?