Residents in Swindon could be owed as much as £600 each in unclaimed council tax benefit

2.42.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Apr 2007

Council Tax Benefit offers help to anyone on a low income towards paying their bill. Many people, particularly pensioners who own their home, are unaware that they have the right to this help.

Benefits Minister James Plaskitt said: "Many people could see their council tax bill reduced or even paid in full just by filling in a form.

"We want to ensure that as far as possible people get the money they are entitled to - it is a right not a privilege."

Across the UK, it is estimated that £1.8bn of Council Tax Benefits goes unclaimed each year.

Figures for 2004-05 show that take up among pensioners is just 53 -58 per cent. People claiming Pension Credit can also access Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit at the same time via The Pension Service.

Information about Council Tax Benefit on DWP website

Related Link:

Council Tax Benefit.