The Universal Credit benefit system, which combines six-income based benefits into one payment, began its roll out in February. The addition of 17 new sites today mean it is available in over 70% of all jobcentres across the country.
Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith said introduction of the new benefit system marked a “cultural change” to the world of work and would guarantee people “will always be better off in work than on benefits”.
The new system combines Job Seeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and Housing Benefits into a single payment. Combined with other welfare cuts, the changes intend to encourage more people into work and return tax credit spending to 2007/08 levels in real terms.
The job centres which will now offer Universal Credit to single jobseekers are:
Aberdeen Ebury House
Aylesbury
Bathgate
Broxburn
Buckie
Chesham
Elgin
Forres
High Wycombe
Ipswich
Ipswich ‘MyGo’ Hub
Livingston
Milton Keynes
Oldbury
Smethwick
Tipton
West Bromwich
