CIVIC chiefs have reiterated they will be supporting residents as they transition onto the controversial Universal Credit (UC) benefit system.

As previously reported, Winchester will this month beginning its full rollout on UC, which is expected to affect more than 2,800 residents.

It has proved controversial nationally since it was first announced in November 2010 by the then Conservative work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith.

Last month a report by the National Audit Office claimed UC would cost more to administer than the system it was brought in to replace and that some claimants were facing months of delays before receiving payments.

Now Cllr Stephen Godfrey, portfolio holder for professional services, has reiterated plans to ease vulnerable residents onto the new system.

He said that the council will have an in-house support team that will increase to help residents with budgeting; £138,000 has been allocated to help with housing costs; £10,000 to fund additional money advice and support; and information signposting residents to support services.

Cllr Godfrey added: “The service will aim to support claimants in a way that suits them. This will include home visits or meeting at mutually agreed locations.

“The extent of out of hours working is not clear at this stage but will be considered where appropriate if demand is there.”

Citizens Advice Winchester District has also revealed how it will help people get ready for UC, which combines six benefits, including housing benefit and working tax credit, into a single monthly payment.

Other changes include payments being made in arrears once a month, rather than every week; payments will go straight into claimants’ bank accounts; and any change in circumstances will need to be made online.

Natalie Webb, chief officer of Citizens Advice Winchester District, said: “UC is the biggest-ever change to the benefit system, so it’s important people get the right support.”

At a cabinet meeting last month, Cllr Godfrey said it was expected that around 50-80 residents per month would be registered on UC, with the scheme being rolled out to new benefit claimants at this stage.