Rise in Universal Credit claimants in West Lothian and Falkirk council areas

Universal Credit is a monthly payment available to those on low incomes and those out of work, currently worth around £335 a month for a single person over 25.

According to provisional Department for Work and Pensions data from April 14, 15,088 people were receiving Universal Credit in West Lothian – the highest number since October.

And 13,409 people were receiving Universal Credit in Falkirk – again, the highest number since October.

Figures from February show that 45 per cent of households receiving Universal Credit in West Lothian are families with children, including 4,275 single-parent households. While 40 per cent of people on Universal Credit in West Lothian were in employment.

The same figures show that 42 per cent of households receiving Universal Credit in Falkirk are families with children, including 3,606 single-parent households. While 39 per cent of people on Universal Credit in Falkirk were in employment.