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“Strong support” needed to deliver Universal Credit successfully

22 October 2014

Citizens Advice has today said the priority in delivering Universal Credit must be helping the millions of people affected by the Government’s flagship welfare reform.

The Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, today published a report assessing the progress of Universal Credit so far.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:

“Delivering Universal Credit successfully means doing it safely for the millions of families affected by the reform. The principles of simplifying welfare and making work pay are sensible, but it is far too early to judge the success of Universal Credit. With nine in ten of our clients requiring assistance to deal with things like monthly payments and budgeting, strong support will be needed to help them. Many Citizens Advice clients have found that the new computer system for Universal Credit does not respond to changes in their personal circumstances, leaving them without vital financial support.

“The Coalition has done good work increasing financial support in Universal Credit for parents with their childcare costs. Ministers now need to iron out the design flaws in the new system which mean many people will struggle to make every hour of work pay. Giving Free School Meals to all children of parents receiving Universal Credit, and increasing childcare support to 90 per cent of costs would help guarantee work always pays and families can make ends meet.”   

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.