Universal Credit launches in Wilmslow

UC

From Monday, July 28th, new jobseekers in Wilmslow will join the Government's new benefits system when they start to claim Universal Credit for the first time.

This new system aims to make the transition into work far more smooth for claimants than had previously been the case under the old system.

Universal Credit has replaced six existing benefits with one all-encompassing payment, to make the system easier to understand and administer, and ensure that people are better off if they work than they would be on welfare.

Additionally, because UC allows jobcentres to access real-time HMRC earnings data, it means that the right level of support can be in place to help people on their journey into work.

Minister for Welfare Reform, David Freud, said: "I am delighted that Universal Credit is about to go live in Wilmslow as we continue to extend this ground-breaking reform in a careful and controlled way across the country.

"With record numbers of people in work, Universal Credit is destined to play a huge part in helping to build a stronger and more resilient economy for the future as part of our long-term economic plan.

"Under Universal Credit claimants are given support that is tailored to their individual needs, and they can now rest assured that when they increase their hours they will be better off financially, rather than fearing their benefits will be cut as a consequence of taking on more work."

Representatives of Churches Together in Wilmslow met George Osborne MP at the Quaker Meeting House on Friday, July 18th, to discuss where welfare reform is hitting people in his constituency and explore how the MP for Tatton and the churches might work better to address these needs.

Issues raised at the meeting included the roll out of Universal Credit.

Andrew Backhouse, Organiser of Churches Together in Wilmslow, said "We know there are people who are unable or reluctant to use IT yet who need it to access the new Universal Credit. As churches, we discussed this issue with George Osborne MP last week and we identified that there was a need for training and support that the church members might be encouraged to work on. Who would fund this necessary support?"

Tags:
Universal Credit, Wilmslow Job Centre
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