THE Scottish Government is to use new welfare powers to increase the flexibility of Universal Credit payments.

The benefit remains reserved but Scottish ministers have pledged to make payments more frequent and adaptable in the first use of the social security powers devolved under the Scotland Act 2016.

New claimants who live in council areas where a digital claiming system has been set up by the UK Government will have the option to be paid fortnightly instead of monthly.

Tenants in both social housing and the private rented sector will be able to have the housing element of Universal Credit paid directly to landlords.

A consultation is to be launched later this month on the regulations necessary to bring about the changes.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “As part of the social security consultation exercise last summer, we heard direct from people that paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to landlords and receiving more frequent payments would be two important improvements to the DWP approach.

“I am delighted, therefore, that I am able to address these concerns and go further, by extending the direct payment option to tenants with private landlords and deliver these flexibilities for people in Scotland.

“Universal Credit remains reserved to the UK Government but work with DWP to deliver the powers over the flexibilities is progressing. Our priority is to ensure that, when these are devolved to us, we are ready and able to implement them in a way that best meets the needs of the people of Scotland.”

John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, said: “This should help protect tenancies and minimise rent arrears.”