The introduction of universal credit is pushing more people into debt and risking their tenancies, Social Security Secretary Angela Constance has warned.

The minister has called for the full service roll-out of the new welfare system to be halted until problems with its implementation are addressed.

Ms Constance's demand comes after a Westminster committee launched an inquiry into universal credit amid concerns over delays in payments.

The full service of universal credit, where people use an online account to manage their claim or apply for a benefit, is operational in certain parts of the country.

Three Scottish councils - East Lothian, Highland and East Dunbartonshire - have it in place, with its introduction in other parts of Scotland due in the coming months.

Ms Constance has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green to ask for a "complete halt to full service roll-out of universal credit in Scotland with immediate effect", stating it is "no longer feasible".

She said people who are moved on to full service have to wait six weeks before receiving their first payment, resulting in tenants building up rent arrears.

Delays in payments have seen landlords, including housing associations, reporting financial difficulties, with councils reporting record rent arrears, Ms Constance said.

"It is clear that the system simply isn't working and the UK Government is not prepared to make the necessary changes," she said.

"The six-week delay in receiving a payment - with longer delays for some being experienced - is a completely unacceptable situation and one which has the potential to push low-income households into further hardship and homelessness.

"I was also shocked to hear reports that, in some areas, landlords are advertising properties as 'No UC' due to their experience with the system.

"Despite the UK Government having these issues highlighted in the pilots for universal credit and by councils, charities, housing associations and parliamentarians, absolutely no meaningful reassurance has been received.

"I therefore cannot be confident that these issues are even close to being fully resolved and it is my view that it is simply not credible for the UK Government to continue with the further roll-out of full service universal credit until these problems are fully resolved."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "The best way to support people is to help them into work, and under universal credit people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer than under the old system.

"Our research shows that the majority of UC claimants are comfortable managing their budgets, and we're working with local authorities and landlords to get extra support to those people who may find themselves in arrears.

"We've been rolling universal credit out gradually so that we have time to ensure it works in the right way for everyone involved."

Alison Watson, deputy director of charity Shelter Scotland, said: "Shelter Scotland shares the Scottish Government's concerns about how the roll-out of universal credit is being implemented.

"We are worried that universal credit, implemented without thought to the consequences of leaving people with no income for several weeks, will push people into rent arrears and put more vulnerable people at risk of homelessness.

"However, there is real action that can be taken on homelessness right now here in Scotland. We are calling on the Scottish Government to take the lead on developing and delivering a new national Homelessness Strategy for Scotland.

"A new shared action plan on homelessness, co-produced with those who have direct experience of being homeless, could work across government departments and public services to focus on tackling the root causes of homelessness."

Scottish Greens MSP Alison Johnstone said: "Scottish ministers have sensibly said that they will use devolved powers to make payments more frequent and adaptable.

"In the meantime, the DWP should halt the roll-out to other areas of Scotland. The DWP has described universal credit a test and learn environment, but we cannot continue to put such strain on vulnerable people and council staff. The system's problems need resolved before it goes any wider."