THE number of locals on Universal Credit is on the rise.

According to latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions, 7,168 households in Inverclyde are in receipt of the benefit.

This is 101 more than in January this year and 257 more than October 2021.

Out of the 9,000 people receiving the support payments this June, more than a third - 35 per cent - were in employment.