Press release

Universal Credit roll out continues

The national roll out of Universal Credit continues today (11 May 2015) with the benefit now available to new single claimants in Richmond, Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway.

From:
Department for Work and Pensions and The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP
Published
11 May 2015
Universal Credit

Universal Credit – which will be available in all jobcentres across the country by next spring – simplifies the system to make sure it always pays to be in work. When fully rolled out, it will make 3 million people better off with a £7 billion boost to the economy every year.

Already available at over 260 jobcentres across the country, the new benefit will eventually replace 6 existing benefits:

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credits
  • Housing Benefit

Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, said:

Universal Credit is bringing welfare into the 21st Century by restoring fairness to the system and making work pay in a modern labour market.

We’ve already seen remarkable successes with Universal Credit claimants moving into work faster and staying in work longer.

As part of our long-term economic plan, today sees the next stage of this welfare revolution with the continual roll out of Universal Credit.

The latest research into the impact of Universal Credit demonstrates that the new system is getting people back to work faster and helps them to earn more. For the first time claimants will now be supported to progress in work.

Fraud and error will be significantly reduced, with jobcentres having access to real-time HMRC earnings data under Universal Credit. Benefit payments can now be calculated exactly, meaning the right level of support is in place to help people on their journey into work, including topping up claimants earnings when they are on a low income.

More about Universal Credit

Universal Credit is now available at 1 in 3 of the country’s jobcentres.

Universal Credit is paid monthly, mirroring the way most people are paid in work.

Read the DWP report Universal Credit at Work – spring 2015.

More than 64,000 people have already made a claim to Universal Credit – it is available in 264 jobcentres including all of the north west and is available to couples too. Claims from couples, families and lone parents are also being taken in 96 sites across the north west.

On 11 May 2015 Universal Credit will be offered to single claimants in:

  • Richmond jobcentre area
  • Kirkwall jobcentre area
  • Lerwick jobcentre area
  • Stornoway jobcentre area

Contact Press Office

Media enquiries for this press release: 0203 267 5112

Press Office

Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

London Press Office (national media and London area enquiries only – not questions about personal claims) 020 3267 5144

Out-of-hours (journalists only) 07623 928 975

England and Wales (local media enquiries) 029 20 586 then 097 or 098 or 099

Scotland (local media enquiries) 0131 310 1122

Follow DWP on:

Published 11 May 2015

Related content