The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank has applauded the government's first year of welfare reform calling it "an impressive start".
It gave the coalition an 8/10 mark for its tackling of economic dependency, in the first of what the think tank said would be an annual review of government performance in many key areas.
Explaining the result it called the administration's first 12 months "an impressive start that promises to deliver meaningful welfare reform," but warned that "next year is critical in mobilizing local partners to play their part fully in the work programme".
"The CSJ has serious concerns about introducing the full benefit cap for households in one fell swoop," it added.
"During its first year the coalition should be commended for taking radical steps to confront economic dependency and worklessness," it continued.
And it also welcomed the decision to introduce a single universal credit payment.
However, the CSJ highlighted some elements it had concerns about.
"The rate of benefit withdrawal is higher than originally proposed and the savings limit extends disincentives to claimants to save whilst in work," it added.
"Furthermore, the CSJ believes council tax benefit should lie within the single Universal Credit in order to meet the aims of the government's welfare reforms; yet this important policy question is still unresolved."
The CSJ said it was looking forward to the introduction of the Work Programme but that it would be vital for the payment by results system to implemented thoughtfully.
It also raised concerns about some reports from smaller charities and providers of a lack of clarity in this regard.
