Universal Credit will be piloted in the NW.

[Vagaceratops]

Here

Tameside, Oldham, Wigan and Warrington apparently.

Given how much those areas are reliant on benefits, that seems like a good place to test out the efficacy of the new system.

Or given that these are predominately Labour voting areas, is it a cynical move to road-test a big change to the benefits system that may cause a furore without affecting potential Tory voters at an early stage?

Or is that just cynical?

I'd have thought, as acid tests go, having the trial run of a new welfare system in areas where no-one has any political incentive to give it an easy ride is a pretty brave move.