THE national roll-out of Universal Credit has started, with Skipton being among the first to move over to the new benefit.

As part of the accelerated roll out announced by the Secretary of State Iain Duncan Smith in September, more than 150 jobcentres will come on board in the next two months – including Skipton Jobcentre Plus. It will then be available in all jobcentres by this time next year.

Universal Credit is aimed at getting people into work more quickly and so help them to earn more.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith said: “This government's welfare reforms have saved the taxpayer £50 billion and restored fairness to the system.

“The centre piece of these reforms - Universal Credit – has begun its national roll out, with Skipton among the first to move over. This landmark event is a key part of our long term economic plan, which guarantees you will always be better off in work than on benefits.

“The evidence shows that under Universal Credit, people move into work more quickly and earn more money, giving them increased financial security. It is very impressive that we have seen these results so soon and that this is having a real impact on people’s lives. This is a cultural change which will alter the landscape of work for a generation.”

Universal Credit will eventually replace six existing income-based benefits – Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Working and Child Tax Credits and Housing Benefit.