Universal Credit: But we're still on track!

EDIT, April 26th:

The following blog post was posted on March 29th. Following this story, I simply HAD to update it and add in the final, hilarious killing blow.

The Universal Credit Time Line thus far

Government: Universal Credit will be Universal. It will take all those complicated benefits into one simple benefit for everyone all round the country by April 2013, by means of a universal IT system working seamlessly with the tax system.
Us: Sounds good. But, er, what about contributory JSA, council tax benefit, child tax benefit, contributory ESA, Pension Credit, Attendence Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay, Carer's Allowance...
Government: Well, except those benefits. Apart from those it will be Universal.

Some time later.

Government: Universal Credit will be Universal. It will take all those complicated benefits (apart from those it doesn't) into one simple benefit for everyone  from 4 dedicated job centres by April 2013, by means of a universal IT system working seamlessly with the tax system..
Us: Um. 4 dedicated job centres? Wasn't it supposed to be universal?
Government: Well, yes. But it will be universal by October 2013. But we're still definitely on track.

Some time later.

Government: Universal Credit will be Universal. It will take all those complicated benefits (apart from those it doesn't) into one simple benefit for everyone  from 4 dedicated job centres by April 2013 (universal to come in October 2013), by means of a universal IT system from which you will be able to enter your details and do job searches.
Us: Er, wasn't the IT system supposed to be universal and work with the tax system?
Government: Well, yes. But that will come later. For now only part of the system will be operational. But we're still definitely on track.

Some time later.

Government: Universal Credit will be Universal. It will take all those complicated benefits (apart from those it doesn't) into one simple benefit for everyone  from 4 dedicated job centres by April 2013 (universal to come in October 2013), by means of a computer on which a jobcentre advisor will enter your details on the system and use a spreadsheet to calculate your entitlement.
Us: Er, wasn't a universal IT system supposed to have been developed to work out all this and claimants do everything online?
Government. Well, yes. But that will come later at an undetermined date. But we're still definitely on track.

Some time later.

Government: Universal Credit will be Universal. It will take all those complicated benefits (apart from those it doesn't) into one simple benefit for everyone  from a single dedicated job centre by April 2013 (more to come later at undetermined time), by means of  a computer on which a jobcentre advisor will enter your details on the system and use a spreadsheet to calculate your entitlement (IT system to be implemented at undetermined time).
Us: Er, weren't 4 dedicated job centres supposed to be implementing Universal Credit?
Government: Well, yes. And more definitely will later. But we're still definitely on track.

I am filled with confidence.


UPDATE April 14th: A few days ago the Government announced it would be abandoning its "digital by default" scheme which was the original cornerstone of Universal Credit. This would have seen all claimants apply and use the benefit scheme online with the developed IT system. No further comments were forthcoming.  (But they're still on track...)

UPDATE April 26th:
Progress at last! It seems claimants will be able to enter their details remotely via a form that takes a minimum of 45 minutes to fill in. Sadly there is no save function so if they need to stop to fetch a form they then have to start again from scratch.

On the other hand the trial has been even further restricted. Only 300 claimants will take part and must satisfy the following criteria as it is feared the system cannot cope with anything more complex:

• live in a specified postcode area but not be homeless, in supported or temporary accommodation or a homeowner

• be single, with no dependent children, a British citizen and aged between 18 years and 60 years and 6 months
• be fit for work
• not have a claim to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) that ended in the last two weeks, except where ESA ended due to a decision that you no longer have limited capability for work
• not be pregnant or be within 15 weeks after the expected date of birth;
• not be receiving existing benefits (including Housing Benefit) or Tax Credits or awaiting a decision on, or be appealing against, a decision not to award any of those
• not be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• have expected take home pay no higher than £270 per month (under 25s) or £330 per month (25 or over) and not have savings in excess of £6,000
• not have any caring responsibilities
• not be self-employed, in education or have to rely on an appointee; and
• have a valid bank account and National Insurance Number.

What about everyone else I hear you ask? Well... they'll be sorted out later... somehow...