A LONG-AWAITED digitisation of the entire UK benefits system is to be rolled out in Oxfordshire later this year, hailed as 'the way forward'.

But there was a tangible sense of unease in Blackbird Leys last month as the plans for Universal Credit full service were explained, with fears many residents may not have easy access to the technology required to make claims.

The service, which is being launched in Oxford, Abingdon and Witney this October, aims to streamline the system and brings six types of benefit under one roof.

It allows claimants to be observed in real-time while they input information, which they could be expected to do every day.

Speaking at a meeting of the Leys Community Partnership, John Wood, a partnership manager for Jobcentre Plus, said: "We have built this listening to people's feedback.

"We have a team of people constantly looking at the system when people are updating information. If they hesitate or there's any problems, we can respond.

"It's the most advanced benefits system in the world and we have people coming from New Zealand and Germany to see how it works."

At the moment Oxfordshire is operating a 'live service' in which Universal Credit is only available to single people and those making straightforward claims.

The full service will be open to all individuals in the UK, including those who have come out of care or the justice system, of 'working age': from 18 to 60.

It replaces Jobseeker's Allowance, employment and support allowance, child and working tax credits, housing benefit and income support.

New claimants from October, and November for those in Banbury and Witney, will begin using the system straight away, logging personal details into an online account.

Mr Wood said: "After you make the claim online you have five days to make an appointment [with Jobcentre Plus]. After five working days, the claim will fail.

"People will be expected to log in connect, possibly daily, to say what's going on with their claim. It's a very interactive system."

Backdating for Universal Credit is also limited to one month, with new claimants expected to give evidence for their absence for work and justify the delay in claiming.

Old claimants and those claiming ESA for long-term sickness or disability will be moved over more gradually from 2020 to 2022.

Those present at the meeting, including representatives from councils, local organisations, charities and colleges, expressed consternation at the changes.

Cash has in the past been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions for some people to get computers, which could prove a serious issue in the months ahead.

Oxford City Councillor Jennifer Pegg said: "A lot of people don't speak English and don't know how to use a computer.

"What research did you do? Can you quantify how many people have access to computers?"

Ellie Francis-Brophy of Catalyst Housing said 40 per cent of the association's customers do not have regular access to mobile phones, internet and computers.

She said: "This is a great system for a model person, but the language of it and the entire apparatus has got no relevance for any of our customers are poor.

"There's a big difference between how we use computers and how people who are claiming any of these benefits use computers or mobile phones. Being poor is different.

"Are you going to find ways to get computers here in pop-up stations? Are you going to have real staff in a transition phase?"

Questions were also raised for claimants who are homeless. A limited telephone service will still be provided, but with the person at the other end building a digital claim.

Mr Wood said: "We would expect a large majority of people to be able to use computers. This system is not going to change. It's going to move forward.

"We use the internet, per capita, more than any other country in the world. I couldn't say what research was done in order to find that.

"Whether you agree with this or not, the way in which we approach it is that we are trying to get people into work. Once they overcome their barriers, their lives improve."