MP for North Swindon, and minister at The Department of Work and Pensions Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the news that the Citizens Advice Bureau will be offering advice to people on Universal Credit benefits.

The Whitehall department has announced it will fund the charity to offer claimants a comprehensive advice service on how to make a claim and how to be prepared for when their first payment arrives.

Mr Tomlinson tweeted: "Really positive step. Universal Credit can transform opportunity and it's absolutely right we have taken this step to make sure all can fully benefit ."

The chief executive of the CAB Gillian Guy, said: "We offer independent and confidential advice to millions of people every year, and have already helped nearly 150,000 people with Universal Credit. We’ve seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and their payments are delayed.

"We welcome the opportunity to provide even more people with the help they need with Universal Credit, and deliver a consistent service through the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

"Delivering this service will give us even greater insight into the Universal Credit system. We’ll continue to share our evidence with the government to help make sure Universal Credit works for everyone."

Citizens Advice will run its developing service alongside local authorities until the end of March 2019, when it will take sole responsibility for offering advice from April 1.