Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, who was the architect of Universal Credit and Bedroom Tax, is to be knighted.
Sir Iain worked under David Cameron's government as the work and pensions secretary when he spearheaded the controversial Universal Credit welfare reforms.
He now leads the political recipients in the- despite opposition parties outrage.
In government, Sir Iain argued the changes were designed to end the benefits trap, ensuring that it always paid for claimants to take work, while simplifying the system.
However, complications with the roll-out of the new system and delays in making payments were blamed for driving thousands of low-income families into poverty.
Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said Sir Iain had been responsible for creating a welfare system in which people were expected to survive for weeks without payment, causing "untold stress".
She said: "It beggars belief that Iain Duncan Smith has been rewarded in the New Year's Honours list.
"He is the architect of Universal Credit - a failed system that has left thousands of families struggling to pay bills and buy food."
In other awards, former Everton footballer Jill Scott has been made an MBE for her contribution to the women's game - after considering quitting the sport as a youngster.
The 32-year-old England midfielder, part of the England football squad which reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in France in the summer, was among the sporting names recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Scott spoke of her pride, but said it came after rejection and tears while competing as a youngster.
Ainsley Harriott has said he knows how proud his mother would have been at the news he has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
The TV chef has been made an MBE for services to broadcasting and to the culinary arts.
He said: "When I was first told about it, I immediately thought about my dear late mum - which really choked me up, because I know how proud she would have been, her boy's proud too - it's a great honour for me and for everyone who has helped me on my way."
Harriott is one of the best-known culinary figures in Britain thanks to his decades-long career in the kitchen.
