But Mr Duncan Smith on Thursday night urged the Government to ignore the complaints and proceed with the acceleration of the roll-out of Universal Credit.

He said any concerns about the scheme were “a few months ago” and could be resolved by making alternative payments to claimants during the handover period.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “There is no reason to delay or stop this - the Government already has all the mechanisms to resolve it and that is what ‘test and learn’ is about.

“They should carry on with the ‘test and learn’ process because that is the way they make sure the process delivers and it is already delivering and they are resolving those problems.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “The vast majority of claimants are comfortable managing their money, and for anyone who needs extra help, we have budgeting advice and benefit advances.

“Continuing to roll-out Universal Credit in a safe and controlled way will mean many more will benefit from moving into employment.

“Universal Credit lies at the heart of our commitment to help people improve their lives and raise their incomes.

“It does that by providing additional, tailored support not available under the old benefit system, including more help for those in work so they can eventually stop claiming benefits altogether, and under Universal Credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the previous system.”

Case Study: Council leader warns of shock to come

The introduction of Universal Credit has been a disaster for Newcastle Upon Tyne, after it was chosen to test out the new benefit system, senior figures have warned.

Nick Forbes, the Labour leader of the council, said the said the rest of the country would be “in for a shock” when Universal Credit is rolled out.

Mr Forbes who is also leader of the Labour group in the Local Government Association, said most people on Universal Credit in Newcastle were behind on their rent payments.

Universal Credit claimants are now estimated that there are £1.1 million in arrears on their rent in Newcastle.

Your Homes Newcastle, which manages homes on behalf of behalf of the council, told an inquiry by MPs that it was helping struggling to prevent claimants becoming homeless.