Posted 01.10.14
Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, has announced that Universal Credit will be rolled out to all Jobcentres and local authorities across the country from early next year.
This marks a significant acceleration in one of the Government's biggest reforms. This expansion will be for new claims from single jobseekers.
Universal Credit brings together six benefits and tax credits into one. The new service is already available in over 50 Jobcentres in England, Wales and Scotland, and will be available in nearly 100 Jobcentres by Christmas.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith said:
"Universal Credit has now rolled out in the north west of England - to couples, shortly to families, to more than 1 in 8 Jobcentres by Christmas.
"I can announce that we are going to accelerate the delivery of Universal Credit from the new year, bringing forward the national roll out through 2015/16 to every single community across Great Britain."
To date 26,000 people have applied for Universal Credit. The national expansion will start in February 2015.
