A NORTH MP has this week raised concerns in Parliament about the payment system for Universal Credit.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake sought assurances from the government that people claiming the benefit will not be left out of pocket due to wage payment cycles.

He said: “In Thirsk and Malton, some of my constituents get paid on four-weekly cycles.

"This, of course, means that they can get paid twice in the same month and therefore can appear to be earning more than they actually do." Following an earlier letter to the Work and Pensions Secretary, Amber Rudd MP, Mr Hollinrake sought confirmation that steps are being taken to ensure that people receive the right level of support at the right time. In response Mrs Rudd said: “We do need to ensure that Universal Credit delivers on what it intends to do, which is to give real time financial support based on an actual month’s assessment.

"We have recently updated the guidance for Universal Credit so that work coaches can adjust to ensure that where the situation he describes occurs, appropriate adjustments are made.”

This reassurance comes off the back of the Secretary of State’s announcement that the next stage of the rollout has been postponed along with a parliamentary vote on the issue.

MPs were to vote on whether to move three million benefit claimants onto Universal Credit in the next few weeks.

But this vote has been delayed and Parliament will instead be asked to vote on transferring just 10,000 people to the new benefits system.

This will give the Secretary of State an opportunity to pilot the scheme first.

Mr Hollinrake said: “I am delighted that Mrs Rudd has listened to concerns and I think that is an example of good governance.”

He also stressed that the Universal Credit system is a very important reform, the biggest and most fundamental one since its creation.

Mr Hollinrake added: “It is a modern benefit based on the sound principles that work should always pay and those who need support receive it.

"It is also fair to taxpayers.

"That is why it is equally important that we get it right.

"I have always made it clear that my door is always open to constituents with particular issues and I will do everything I can to help them.”

Universal Credit is intended to help 200,000 more people into work when fully rolled out, and empower people to work an extra 113 million hours a year.

In last year’s budget, the Chancellor announced a £4.5 billion package for Universal Credit.

An extra £1.7 billion a year will be put into work allowances, increasing the amount that families can earn by £1,000 before their award is tapered away.