Number of people receiving Universal Credit support in the Rochdale borough reaches almost 14,000

Almost 14,000 people in the Rochdale borough are now receiving Universal Credit support, according to the latest official figures.

New data, released this week, shows 13,734 locally are claiming the new benefit, an increase of 4.5%.

Universal Credit replaces six previous benefits with a single monthly payment to provide support for people who are unemployed, in low-paid work or unable to work due to a disability or health condition.

Controversial from the start, the government admitted for the first time earlier this year that problems with the introduction of the Universal Credit system had driven people to food banks as people were left without money due to payment delays.

The roll-out has been plagued by delays to payments, which have left tens of thousands of vulnerable people in rental arrears and some even dependent on food banks.

A report from Crisis also claimed single people and small families receiving Universal Credit were at increasing risk of homelessness in parts of the north west, including Oldham and Rochdale, because of a persistent shortfall between the benefit and the true cost of renting, leaving them in rental arrears.

The publication of the latest figures comes just days after the UK employment rate rose to a new record high of 76.2%, whilst unemployment has fallen over the year to 3.8%.

As Universal Credit is now available in all UK jobcentres the number of people claiming the benefit will continue to rise naturally. This does not necessarily mean an increase in unemployment for the area.

Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said: “Universal Credit is a force for good and provides a vital safety net for people who are out of work or on low wages across the North West.

“Significant improvements have been made in the past year, such as providing extra support for families reporting childcare costs reducing deductions, and we will continue to work towards improving the service.

“This Government believes that finding work is the best route towards prosperity and under Universal Credit more people are better off by moving into work faster and staying there for longer.”

People can also speak to Citizens Advice, who offer a free ‘help to claim’ service for Universal Credit, funded by the department.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Universal Credit, which is now available in every jobcentre across the UK, can check online.

For more information about Universal Credit, please visit:

• www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/