Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age which will be introduced over a four year period from 2013 to 2017. It will replace existing means-tested benefits and tax credits (including income-based Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance; Income Support; Child Tax Credits; Working Tax Credits; and Housing Benefit). It is the Government’s key reform to simplify the benefits systems and to promote work and personal responsibility.
The Committee’s inquiry will review the progress being made towards implementation of Universal Credit and will also examine aspects of the proposed entitlement conditions and the future operation of the benefit.