Will The Universal Credit Reforms Improve The Benefits Service For Users?

A study by the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) found support for welfare reform, but identified risks that need addressing if UC is to bring about real improvements for all service users. It found that:

    *Switching to monthly single payments is a significant challenge to low-income families.

    *The scope and scale of financial support and advice to help people through the transition need urgent clarification. Payments of UC need to be explained clearly and regularly, with the elements intended to support children identified separately.

    *Service users must be informed about how schemes are changing locally. Minimum national standards for face-to-face services and replacements for the Social Fund would help transparency and consistency.

    *The Government needs to review the impact of localisation on UC’s key aims. If evidence suggests that the main benefits of reform have not been realised, localisation would need reconsidering.

    *There needs to be a more visible ombudsman for the benefit and employment services system.

Download the report from the CESI website.