Local MP Maria Miller called in at the Basingstoke Jobcentre Plus offices to have an update on the roll out of Universal Credit in Basingstoke.
Universal Credit is a major reform of the benefits system, and is being rolled out in different phases across the country. It has just started to be rolled out in Basingstoke, initially for new benefit claimants and existing claimants where their circumstances have changed.
The JCP team explained how they are working with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and other local organisations to help ensure that people affected by the changes understand what they need to do, and how universal credit works.
Maria said: “It was good to meet the JCP team for this update. They have clearly taken time to work with a wide range of partners locally, to help more people to have the opportunity to balance work with disability and health conditions.”
“I was interested to hear that the JCP team in Basingstoke have brought in staff with experience of rolling out Universal Credit in other areas, so that they can learn from that experience. I will be keeping in close touch with them so that I can be aware of how the rollout progresses locally.”