Citizens Advice handed £39m to help Universal Credit claimants

The Citizens Advice Bureau is set to receive £39 million to help Universal Credit claimants, Esther McVey has announced.

The Work and Pensions Secretary revealed that the cash would fund advisers to help claimants get their first payment on time and be ready to manage it when it arrives.

Ms McVey, announcing the policy at Tory party conference in Birmingham, said that the decision to hand responsibility to the CAB was taken after advice from claimants and charities.

She said: “I have always said we will steer a new direction and work with partners to deliver vital services, and get Universal Credit right.

“The State cannot, and should not work in isolation and must reach out to work with independent, trusted organisations to get the best support to vulnerable people.

“This brand new partnership with Citizens Advice will ensure everyone, and in particular the most vulnerable claimants, get the best possible support with their claim that is consistently administered throughout the country.

“Citizens Advice are an independent and trusted organisation, who will support people as we continue the successful rollout of Universal Credit.”

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, added: “We offer independent and confidential advice to millions of people every year, and have already helped nearly 150,000 people with Universal Credit. We’ve seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and their payments are delayed.

“We welcome the opportunity to provide even more people with the help they need with Universal Credit, and deliver a consistent service through the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

“Delivering this service will give us even greater insight into the Universal Credit system. We’ll continue to share our evidence with the Government to help make sure Universal Credit works for everyone.”