THE Government’s widely-criticised Universal Credit scheme was rolled out in Alton last Wednesday - but only for new claimants.

The Alton launch came just days after it was revealed that ministers were bowing to pressure and planning to further delay the rollout of the flagship welfare reform for people claiming benefit.

A single monthly payment for people who are in or out of work, Universal Credit replaces some of the benefits and tax credits they might currently be getting.

These include housing benefit, child tax credit, income support, working tax credit, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, and income-related employment and support allowance.

Part of a staged introduction across the UK, people on benefits need do nothing until they hear from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about moving to Universal Credit, unless they have a change in circumstances, such as a new child, employment or change of address.

To find out if you are eligible for Universal Credit you can check online using the Citizens Advice eligibility checker, or you may need to book and attend an interview at Jobcentre Plus - the Alton office on Butts Road is open from 9am-5pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

Heralded as a way of encouraging people on welfare benefit back into work, Universal Credit has proven controversial almost from the beginning, with reports of IT issues, massive overspends and administrative problems.

Payments have been delayed, which have left some people out of pocket as they make the transition.

In addition, concerns are being raised that 3.2 million working families could lose £48 per week - about £2,500 per year - compared with the old system.

To soften the blow, in Monday’s Budget the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, announced an extra £1bn for the next five years to ease the roll out of Universal Credit, enabling work allowances to increase by £1,000 per year for working families and people with disabilities, meaning they could receive an extra £630 per year in their pockets.

The scheme is being rolled out piecemeal across the UK, with Universal Credit expected to be available to new claimants in all Jobcentres by December.

However, the switchover (managed migration) for existing benefit claimants to Universal Credit has been delayed.

DWP spokesman Lesley Anstis said: “We have long said that we will take a slow and measured approach to managed migration. This will not begin, as originally thought, in January 2019, but later in the year after a period of preparation.

"For a further year, we will then begin migration working with a maximum of 10,000 people, continuing with our test-and-learn approach. This is to ensure the system is working well for claimants and to make any necessary adaptions as we go.

“We will publish full plans for the next stage of Universal Credit rollout, including managed migration, in due course.”

While the system was supposed to be up and running by April 2017, it is now not expected to be fully operational until December 2023.

The Local Government Association has welcomed the delay, adding that some of the extra spending should be given to councils so they can provide a safety net to people “struggling to cope”.

Commenting on the rollout, East Hampshire Citizens Advice chief executive Helen Drake said: “Citizens Advice nationally has been highlighting, over the last year, some of the problems people have faced in areas where the benefit is already rolled out, particularly with claiming and changing from the current benefits to Universal Credit.

"They include delays in making the first payment, adjusting to payment by calendar month rather than every two or four weeks; and applying and keeping in touch digitally.

“New local claimants (in the Alton and Bordon area) will have to claim Universal Credit. Anyone claiming one or more of the existing benefits will have to apply for it if their circumstances (such as level of income) change. Eventually, all existing claimants will be required to change to Universal Credit.”

Citizens Advice provides free, impartial and confidential help and advice on Universal Credit, either online at citizensadvice.org.uk, by calling 03444 111444, or dropping into its office on Alton’s Market Square.

Commenting on behalf of Alton Foodbank, newly-appointed manager Ian Dane said: “The Trussell Trust reports that foodbanks nationally have seen an increase in usage in areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out.

"Thanks to the generosity of Alton residents, and the dedication of the foodbank volunteers, the Alton foodbank is ready to support an increase in demand if the number of people seeking help rises when Universal Credit is rolled out locally.

"Our mission is to ensure that nobody in Alton goes to bed hungry.”

Applications for Universal Credit can be made online at gov.uk/universal-credit and, if successful, the first payment will be made in around five weeks of applying.

For help, call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328564.