Universal Credit: Delivering the welfare revolution

The Government is delivering the biggest changes to the welfare system in a generation. Universal Credit rolls six benefits into one system, designed to ensure that work always pays. It meets the needs of the twenty-first-century economy – a digital, responsive welfare system that mirrors the world of work.

Government has already rolled out Universal Credit to almost 1 million people. It has taken a ‘test and learn’ approach to ensure that roll out meets the needs of different claimants – and protects the most vulnerable. Significant recent policy changes, such as abolishing the 7-day waiting period from the application process and supporting the severely disabled when they move to Universal Credit, are key to this.

Reform was delighted to host the Rt Hon Esther McVey MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to deliver her first major speech on Universal Credit. The Secretary of State set out her vision of Universal Credit, to deliver a welfare system fit for the future. It took place on Thursday 19 July 2018.

A video of the speech can be found below: