By Richard Johnstone | 24 February 2014
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has insisted the government’s controversial Universal Credit benefit is being rolled out in a ‘safe and controlled’ way after confirming the extension of the reforms
From today, single unemployed jobseekers in Bath and Harrogate will claim Universal Credit, which is already in place in seven other areas of the country. Freud also announced the programme will expand to Shotton in Wales by the spring.
The flagship scheme will merge six existing benefits into one payment, but its implementation has been criticised by both the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee in recent months. In addition, the DWP has written off more than £40m of computing systems following problems that led to the deadline for implementation to be pushed back.
But speaking today, Freud said that the single benefit – which is now being paid to more than 3,600 claimants – would provide ‘modern welfare that rewards people who move into work, supports those who’ve fallen on hard times and is fair to taxpayers’.
He added: ‘We are introducing Universal Credit in a slow, safe and controlled way. This careful approach is working well and we’re in a strong position as we bring Universal Credit to Bath and Harrogate for the first time.
‘Most people are claiming it online, the information technology is working and comprehensive support is in place. We will build on these successes as Universal Credit continues to roll out.’
