IDS Defends Universal Credit Targets

Iain Duncan Smith has come under fire regarding the failure to meet universal credit targets in the House of Commons. When asked about the effectiveness of the roll-out of universal credit, Duncan Smith said it was on track: “Universal credit is now available in more than half of jobcentres across Great Britain and will be available in all jobcentres early next year. Nearly 175,000 people have made a claim for universal credit so far. Our evidence shows that the universal credit claimants find work quicker, stay in work longer and earn more than the jobseeker’s allowance claimants.” Kate Hollern, Labour MP for Blackburn, expressed her surprise at the answer and responded: “The targets that the Minister set last October have been dramatically missed. Will he now accept that universal credit is a failed and expensive policy?” Read more on 24dash.