Whither Universal Credit?

In a recent speech, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Ian Duncan-Smith, insisted that UC implementation was proceeding according to the timetable set out in December 2013. However, this timetable is extremely light on detail.  The 10 pathfinder areas currently beginning to accept claims from couples are expected to add new claims from families in the autumn.  Then "once those extensions have been tested, Universal Credit is expected to become available across more areas in the North West of England." No indication is given as when exactly this might happen. "During 2016" the December 2013 statement continues, "current assumptions are that Universal Credit will be widely available across Great Britain and during 2016 and 2017, the majority of all legacy cases will be moved over to the new scheme." However, detailed plans are not currently available and DWP and HMRC continue work on their schedules to widen the delivery of Universal Credit up to the end of 2017.  Read more on the ARCH website.