Universal Credit fully rolled out across five areas

Universal Credit, the government’s flagship benefits reform, is now available to all types of claimant in five areas across the UK.

Universal credit is already offered to all single jobseekers in the UK, but this expansion will now make it available to jobseekers with families across Bath, Newcastle, Bridgwater, Rugby and Lowestoft.

The government says that Universal Credit is simplifying the benefits system, by combining Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and Housing Benefits into a single monthly payment.

Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud said: “Universal Credit is transforming lives and is central to our vision of a society where anyone, regardless of their background, can get on in life and reach their potential.

“Universal Credit simplifies the system and is much more flexible, enabling claimants who may have been out of a job for a while to take on small amounts of work to build up their skills and confidence.

“Today sees the next step in revolutionising welfare by expanding Universal Credit to make it available to the full range of claimants, and bringing the additional support it offers to parents to help them re-enter the world of work.”