Policy paper

Universal Credit: welfare that works

This document sets out plans to create Universal Credit to simplify the welfare system, make work pay and combat worklessness and poverty.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Documents

Universal Credit: welfare that works

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RTF version – Universal Credit: welfare that works

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Welsh executive summary – Universal Credit: welfare that works

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Easy read – Universal Credit: welfare that works

Details

This white paper sets out the government’s plans to introduce legislation to reform the welfare system by creating a new Universal Credit. Universal Credit will radically simplify the system to make work pay and combat worklessness and poverty. The paper outlines:

  • the need for change
  • how Universal Credit will work
  • how it will affect benefit recipients
  • its broader impact

Read Iain Duncan Smith’s speech – Universal Credit: welfare that works

The government has also published its report on the consultation responses to 21st Century Welfare which spelt out the problems of poor work incentives and complexity in the current benefits and tax credits systems. Over 1,600 responses were received. There was general agreement on the need for reform with strong support for our objectives of streamlining the system and making work pay.

Impact assessments

Updates to this page

Published 11 November 2010

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