Mr Iain Duncan Smith – Department for Work and Pensions
The full Universal Credit service for new claims remains on track to be delivered nationally for all types of claimants from May 2016, completing in summer 2018.
Today, I can announce the Jobcentres which will be go live with the full service from May through to the end of 2016. Details of the sites are in the table attached to this statement, they will also be published later today on the gov.uk website.
This rollout plan continues the successful delivery approach we have used to date, expanding steadily, safely and securely to ensure the system is resilient and we have the opportunity to learn as we go.
In agreeing this plan my Department has engaged with the Local Authorities. We will continue to work closely together to finalise and announce the plans for 2017 by July. Details for 2018 and the completion of the rollout of the full service will be announced by September.
As each jobcentre rolls out all new claims will be on Universal Credit and it will no longer be possible, in that location, to make a new claim to income-based Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Tax Credits. By the middle of 2018 this transition will be complete and it will no longer be possible to make a claim for these legacy benefits or Tax Credits anywhere in Great Britain.
My Department will bring forward the relevant legislation for these sites in due course.
