These include difficulties for claimants who wish to access Universal Support, and significant administrative problems and delays. Whilst we welcome the Department’s approach to uncovering problems within the system before it is rolled out to all claimants, the majority of these issues have yet to be resolved.

These issues exist in addition to inherent problems with the design of the new benefit, such as the long wait for a first payment, repayment of advances, high levels of third party deductions and the difficulties which face people with poor digital skills.

We also have specific concerns about the proposals for managed migration. The current timetable for roll out is very ambitious, and the notification period before legacy benefits are stopped is too short.