Government plans to radically overhaul the benefits system and roll out the first pathfinder from April are still on track despite IT setbacks, according to Whitehall sources.

A troubleshooter has been seconded to head up the Universal Credit project following IT setbacks. A 'pathfinder' to trial the new system, which replaces the current system of unemployment benefit and tax credits, is set to launch in April in Manchester and Cheshire.