Roll-out of the controversial Universal Credit will go ahead as planned in West Dunbartonshire at the end of next month, despite reports that the government are to delay its introduction across the UK.

Leaked government documents seen by the BBC show officials have bowed to pressure and decided to further delay the roll-out of its flagship welfare reforms.

However, in a statement to the Post, the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “The roll-outs to Universal Credit in your areas are not being delayed and will continue as planned.”

Universal Credit is due to be rolled out in West Dunbartonshire on November 28, with various agencies pulling out the stops to ensure difficulties seen in other areas are minimised for local claimants.

However, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP told the Post the the implementation of Universal Credit has been “utterly shambolic”.

“There is overwhelming evidence of the devastating impact Universal Credit is having in Scotland and across the UK - pushing people into poverty and crisis.

“I have raised this in parliament with the Prime Minister but they refuse to listen to the evidence that Universal Credit is not fit for purpose.”

The SNP MP for West Dunbartonshire added: “As ever it’s the poorest in our communities paying the price of Westminster austerity.

“With the full roll-out of UC in West Dunbartonshire just weeks away, I would urge the UK government to urgently rethink this damaging policy.

“It’s time to immediately halt the roll-out, fix the problems with UC and reverse the cuts.”

For more information about the available support, contact Working4U on 01389 776855, wrmas@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or at west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/get-in-touch/.