People who receive benefits will see changes to the system as Universal Credit is rolled out in North Ayrshire.

This new type of welfare payment will replace the old system of six benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment.

The council have announced the changes will come into force from November 22.

Administered by the Department of Work and Pensions' (DWP) it will be available to those who are out of work and some people who are in work but on a low income.

The service will only be accessible through an online portal.

Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Support Laura Friel said: "These changes were announced by the UK Government some time ago.

"However, we are now at the stage where many more people will soon be switching over to Universal Credit and it's important they know how the changes will affect them and what they need to do.

"We don't want anyone to miss out on what they are entitled to so, if they are affected by the upcoming changes, I would urge them to find out as much as possible about the changes as soon as possible."

East Ayrshire will see this scheme put into place as early as October.