West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin popped into Malvern’s Job Centre to talk to staff about the progress rolling out the new Universal Credit benefit. The local roll out of Universal Credit began in September when 124 people were moved onto the new single-benefit payment. Universal Credit rolls six different benefits into one payment and is paid monthly to reflect how many people in employment are paid. It is a better, simpler system that helps people into work and makes sure work always pays – people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than they were under the old system. The MP chatted to staff about the roll-out and offered her help to people who are experiencing problems as they move over to the new system. The Budget confirmed extra measures to help the transition to the new benefit, including £1.7 billion to increase existing work allowances in Universal Credit, making work even more rewarding. Harriett commented: “There has been a lot of publicity about the roll out of Universal Credit and I was keen to talk to the local team at the Job Centre in Malvern Library and to make sure that we get the best feedback to pass to the Department for Work and Pensions. “The consensus it is a much fairer system and that the roll out is working smoothly. The Job Centre team has agreed to keep me closely informed in case any issues arise. “The Government has listened to feedback to make sure that people transitioning to Universal Credit can access emergency funds if needed. My office is working closely with the local team to help where required and I want to thank the local Job Centre staff for their hard work through this process. “We are fortunate that we have a low level of unemployment locally and a strong amount of vacancies but the implementation of Universal Credit is important to help more people return to work and enjoy the security of a regular pay packet.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP receives a briefing on the local Universal Credit Rollout from Department for Work and Pensions Malvern team leader Dorian Lower