Universal Credit is 'transforming lives for the better' in Hemel Hempstead, claim officials

The new benefit started to be rolled out in Hemel, Berkhamsted and Tring from December 2018 to replace Jobseekers, Income Support , ESA and Child Tax Credit.

The 'bespoke' payments prompted complaints that many of the town's low income families were being left worse off.

But Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince hailed Universal Credit as a success story, saying it was helping to support thousands of people across the region.

He said improvements have been made over the past year, including increasing the amount available to claimants as an advance to tide them over until they receive their first payment and increasing the time parents and guardians have to claim back childcare costs.

Meanwhile James Snelling, local DWP group partnership manager, said: “Universal Credit is helping more and more people in the South East move into work faster and become financially independent.

“It is providing valuable support for families and is helping to transform lives for the better.”

To find out what Universal Credit could offer you, click here