MORE work can be done to improve Universal Credit, Justin Tomlinson MP has said.

On Monday Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, admitted one factor behind the increase in food bank use was the roll out of the controversial benefit payment, which at times left claimants waiting six weeks for financial support.

“It is absolutely clear that there were challenges with the initial rollout of universal credit," she told members of the house of commons, "and the main issue that led to an increase in food bank use could have been the fact that people had difficulty accessing their money early enough.”

Responding Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon and parliamentary under secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: "As Universal Credit has evolved we have recognised that further improvement are needed and I welcomed the additional £4.5bn of support announced in the last two budgets and in parliament.

He added he was working closely with charities to make improvements, saying: "For the vast majority of people Universal Credit is transforming lives, helping us to deliver both record employment and and the full financial support the most vulnerable in society need.

"I am leading work with foodbanks to help empower the fantastic volunteers to help identify and refer anyone who should be getting forma support."

The introduction of Universal Credit, which combines six benefits into a single monthly payment, has come under fire from charities such as the Trussel Trust and from parents and carers in Swindon who have reported falling to rent arrears due to delays to payments.