Universal Credit Programme Closure
Last November, Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, issued a written statement – Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament – providing details of the Government’s plans to complete the implementation of Universal Credit (UC) and formally closing the Move to UC Programme at the end of March 2025.
As a result of closing the UC Programme, from April 2025, we will stand up a new directorate, Working Age Services (WAS). This new directorate will bring together our services that focus on meeting the needs of customers and maximising employment, whilst building on the ways of working that allowed us to successfully develop and implement Universal Credit. It will also
build on work we have already done with Working Age digital teams to integrate our ways of working across UC, New Style benefits, Support Offers and other services.
I would also take this opportunity to share some news about our plans for 2025/26. In light of the good progress made on ESA cases to date, with over 200,000 already successfully transitioned to UC, I have accepted a recommendation to increase the volume of Migration Notices issued each month to 83,000. This will allow a little more time before the end of March 2026 to complete the migration of ESA cases to UC, with the final Migration Notices issued in September.
Neil Couling Universal Credit, Senior Responsible Owner
