Nearly 3,000 people claimed universal credit in four pathfinder areas last year.
Statistics published by the Department for Work and Pensions yesterday reveal 2,960 started claiming the new benefit between April and October last year. Universal credit, which combines a number of benefits into one monthly payment, is being rolled out for ‘simple cases’ – single jobseekers with no disabilities or dependants, in some parts of the country. Ashton-under-Lyme started accepting claims in April. Oldham, Wigan and Warrington started in July..
The DWP statistics show seven out of 10 claims are for people under 25 years of age and 70 per cent are male.
Oldham has experienced the most claims, with 590, followed by Wigan with 550.
Universal credit for simple claims was rolled out in Hammersmith on 28 October and Rugby and Inverness on 25 November. Harrogate, Bath and Shotton will start claims by the spring.