On 29th September the Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith, announced his plans for the next stage of the role out of Universal Credit.

The plan is for Universal Credit to be rolled out across the country to all Jobcentres and Local Authorities from
early 2015.

This will be a huge expansion in one of the government's largest and most controversial reforms. 

Universal Credit is intended to bring together 6 benefits and tax credits into 1. The new service is already being piloted in 50 Jobcentres across England, Wales and Scotland, and will be available in nearly 100 Jobcentres by Christmas.

• You can read a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions on the issue here