A LOCAL authority is celebrating being one of the quickest in the country at processing housing and council tax benefit claims.

While some councils take more than four months to turn around new applications, Richmondshire District Council takes an average of just 14 days.

The figures, released by the Department of Work and Pensions, cover the 12 months up to March this year.

Councillor Wendy Morton, the council's member champion for benefits, said: "Research shows that many people may be missing out on help with their rent or council tax because they believe the process of claiming is so difficult and time-consuming.

"We aim to change that perception by providing an excellent, problem-free service."

Steve McGinnes, the council's head of benefits, added: "If the customer provides all the information we need to process the claim in the first instance, we can often respond within a couple of days.

"Our performance figures show that making a claim in Richmondshire will not be a prolonged, traumatic experience."

Richmondshire residents wanting more information on housing and council tax benefits can call (01748) 829100.