BASINGSTOKE’S MP has been told the rollout of a new benefits scheme in the town has not seen the problems seen when it was introduced elsewhere in the country.

Maria Miller, visited the JobCentre Plus (JCP) office in Winchester Road and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in the Discovery Centre to get an update on the roll out of Universal Credit on June 10.

A major reform of the benefits system, Universal Credit was implemented throughout Basingstoke in May last year, initially for new benefit claimants and for existing claimants whose personal circumstances had changed.

During her visit, the Mrs Miller met the JCP leadership team to hear about the progress being made. She also met Citizens Advice advisors, who are working with the JCP to help Universal Credit claimants during the early stages of their claims.

Citizens Advice nationally are receiving government funding to provide Universal Support, to help claimants manage their claim.

With this, Basingstoke Citizens Advice has decided to provide face-to-face support in the JCP office, as well as providing direct help at its base.

Advice service manager at Basingstoke CAB, Louise Paine, said: “It is still being established, and it has been hugely helpful being able to building a relationship with the JCP

.

“So far, we haven’t had many problems with the rollout.”

Mrs Miller said: “

I was pleased to hear that the roll-out is progressing relatively smoothly, with the team having benefitted from bringing colleagues in with previous experience of rolling out Universal Credit in other locations.”