Benefit claims pour in as recession bites

The toughening economic conditions are taking their toll on family finances. This has caused a 'significant increase' in the number of inquiries and claims for housing and council tax benefit being received by Arun District Council.

A council spokeswoman said: "Since April last year, over 700 new claims have been made. In the same time period, we have received an additional 3,500 pieces of correspondence relating to claims."

Splitting the total number of new claims in half provides the figure for the district's western half around Bognor. Using that 360 figure and dividing it by five working days produces some seven claims a week.

The pressure of work means new claimants face a wait of 31 days for their claims to be considered.

Felpham Parish Council chairman Cllr Paul English said he had direct experience of the workload the council's benefits staff were under.

He told the council's latest meeting he had been dealing with three cases of people seeking benefits from the council in one day. He warned the situation was likely to get worse.

"Three people in different parts of Felpham I was speaking to today had lost their jobs. They are in their 50s and renting from private landlords.

"They think the six week cycle will be a disadvantage. I have been in contact with these people today so they know what the law is concerning landlords," he explained.

"It's going to become more prevalent. Parish councillors may be asked about this. There's going to be a lot of it, there's no doubt.

"You need to know what to do and what direction to point people in."

The council spokeswoman said customers in extreme financial difficulty and who could produce evidence their home was at risk could see the benefit application fast-tracked if possible.

Housing benefit can help people with a low income pay their rent to a housing association or district council. Those in private rented accommodation could be entitled to receive local housing allowance instead.

Council tax benefit is available to those on low incomes to reduce their payments towards the tax. It can also be claimed by people who receive income support or income-based job seeker's allowance, without non-dependent adults living with them, who usually pay no council tax.

Claims for the benefits can be made through the Department for Work and Pensions along with other claims or by the council's claims hotline on 01903 737699.