THE government’s flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit, will be in operation at one in three of the country’s jobcentres by spring.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith revealed the accelerated roll out of the new benefit yesterday as it came into effect in Blackburn and Darwen’s employment and benefits hubs.

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Universal Credit, replacing six benefits with one all-encompassing payment, was introduced at Accrington, Burnley, Rawtenstall, Nelson, and Colne job centres on October 6.

From today, Universal Credit is being opened up to families– couples with children and lone parents – following the successful rollout to individuals and couples.

Support worth up to 70 per cent of childcare costs will be available regardless of hours worked.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “Universal Credit is bringing welfare into the 21st Century by restoring fairness to the system and making work pay.

“We’ve already seen remarkable successes, with Universal Credit claimants moving into work faster and staying in work longer.

“By spring, one in three jobcentres will be offering the new benefit.”

The roll out started in the North-West, with six jobcentres going live yesterday with the rest of the region’s nearly 100 Jobcentres following early next year.

Welfare reform minister Lord Freud believes Universal Credit will up payments to East Lancashire.