UNIVERSAL Credit has been introduced in Stroud, the Department of Work and Pensions calls it ‘simplified’ but MP David Drew accuses the Government of ‘using the people as guinea pigs’.

The new system means that claimants, employed or unemployed, will get a single monthly payment of their benefits and it replaces many current schemes including housing benefits, jobseeker’s allowances and child tax credits.

It has now been introduced in Stroud and will be rolled out across the country completely by 2022.

MP David Drew is not in favour of the changes or the fact that Stroud is one of the first places to move onto the new system.

He said: “I heard today of the case of a nurse who has now lost her tenancy and her home because her Universal Credit was not paid on time.

“This matters because Stroud has now had the roll-out of Universal Credit.

“It is wrong to use people as guinea pigs when they really need support.

“I joined with a number of MPs across the political spectrum to urge the Government to delay this roll-out.

“Until the pilots have got a scheme working which is right and people are being paid on time, at the right amount, the Government should not be pushing on with this.

“I feel very strongly that we, now facing Universal Credit, shouldn't be in this situation.

“Whether it's the clients themselves, or whether it's the landlords, we have to have a situation where there is certainty.”

However the Department for Work and Pensions says that UC simplifies the system.

Employment minister Damian Hinds said: “Universal Credit is central to our goal of building a Britain that works for everyone and it is already transforming lives across the country.

“We are simplifying the system, making it more tailored to claimants needs and enabling those who have been out of a job for a while to take on short contracts to build up their skills and confidence for a full time role.

“Today sees the next step towards our goal in Stroud, with Universal Credit expanding to become available to the full range of claimants, bringing additional support to break down the barriers to work.”

For more information go to gov.uk/universal-credit