Landlords have welcomed reports that Ministers are considering cutting the period Universal Credit claimants have to wait for their first payment from six to four weeks.

David Smith, policy director for the Residential Landlords Associations (RLA) said: “The current six weeks delay before Universal Credit claimants receive any money causes many tenants to get into rent arrears causing problems for them and their landlords. Any move to reduce this waiting time is very welcome.

“A reduction to four weeks would be more reasonable and bring payment schedules into line with those in the world of work.”