THE number of people receiving Universal Credit support in Wychavon is 2,532, according to the latest figures from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Redditch was one of the first areas in the country to receive the roll out of Universal Credit which aims to simplify the benefit system and replaces six previous benefits with a single monthly payment.
However such was the chaos surrounding the implementation of the benefit, with some people waiting six weeks or more to receive any money, it caused severe hardship for many recipients in Bromsgrove and Redditch when it was rolled out.
Despite this, Will Quince, the government’s minister for welfare delivery said: “Universal Credit is a force for good, delivering personalised support right across the West Midlands and helping people find work.
“This week the employment rate reached a joint-record high and the jobs market continues to go from strength to strength.”
The number of recipients of Universal Credit in other districts of Worcestershire are as follows:
Bromsgrove – 2006; Malvern Hills – 1588; Worcester – 2954; Wychavon – 2532; Wyre Forest – 2816; Redditch – 3,875.
