Universal credit: Slow benefits change 'common sense'

The slow roll-out of the new universal credit benefits system has been defended by the work and pensions secretary.

The new credit begins on Monday for a small number of new claimants in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, but will eventually be extended across the UK. It merges several benefits and tax credits into one monthly payout.

Iain Duncan Smith said that spreading the changes over four years was "common sense".