THE Government department responsible for universal credit says the system is a ‘force for good’ after the council leader labelled it as an ‘unmitigated disaster’.

It was brought in to replace six benefits with a single monthly payment for those on low incomes, or out of work.

Warrington was an early adopter of the system after being selected as a pilot area.

But the Government has faced widespread pressure to halt the further roll-out of it following a range of problems.

During the leader’s forum earlier this month, council leader Cllr Russ Bowden criticised the system.

The Labour politician said he believes it has ‘pretty much been an unmitigated disaster’ from a ‘social perspective’.

Andy Carter, Tory Warrington South parliamentary candidate, has also acknowledged the problems with the system.

He said: “I think the idea behind universal credit is really, really good.

“But I don’t think we’ve managed to deliver it in the way that it should have been delivered.

“It should be one of the defining successes of a Conservative Government – delivering a benefits system that helps people back into work and a safety net that is there for people when they need it most.

“We haven’t got it right at the moment.

“I think areas like Brexit have taken up too much time and we need to get past that so we can tackle these issues and get them right.”

He added that he would like for it to be ‘put right’ immediately and says he ‘knows it is something that is a priority’.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the Government department responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy.

The department – which is the UK’s biggest public service department – has responded to the comments from Cllr Bowden and Mr Carter.

A DWP spokesman said: “Universal credit is a force for good and it is currently supporting more than 2.5 million low-paid and unemployed people across the UK.”