UNIVERSAL Credit was rolled out in Bolton on Wednesday.

This means that everyone in the borough currently receiving any of the six benefits replaced by Universal Credit will be affected.

The single month payment replaces Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income support, Working and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claims that the new scheme is "simplifying the system" and "revolutionising welfare".

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Minister for Employment Alok Sharma said: "“Universal Credit is central to our commitment to help families improve their lives by moving into work. We know it’s working – with Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.

“And now we are rolling it out to a wider range of people in a safe and controlled way. From today, more people, including families and disabled people, can claim Universal Credit and access the extra help it provides.”

A £4.5 billion cash boost into Universal Credit was announced in the Budget last month. The DWP says it will be increasing the amount people can earn on Universal Credit by £1,000 before their payment begins to be reduced, and provide a ‘run on’ worth on average £200 to claimants to ensure a smooth transition.