Universal Credit has been back in the news over the past couple of weeks, after the National Audit Office highlighted a number of delivery challenges with the system.

These challenges were inevitable — Universal Credit is the biggest change ever to the welfare system and affects around 7 million people. The real test for the government is whether they’re willing and able to act on emerging evidence, and make the necessary improvements so it works for everyone.

We support the principles of Universal Credit. From our experience of advising hundreds of thousands of people about the previous benefits system each year, we recognise the need to simplify the system.

But it’s clear more needs to be done to make sure Universal Credit works for everyone. We’re encouraged the Work and Pensions Secretary, Esther McVey, has already made changes — and indicated last week she’s willing to make more. But with the rollout accelerating, changes need to happen more quickly.

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