Benefits help

Prompt action by council staff in Ipswich has helped almost 100 pensioners claim a total of £103,000 in benefits. The Borough Council's benefits team approached hundreds of people who were receiving Pensions Credit but who had not claimed for housing or council tax benefit. As a result, 90 people were assisted with their claim and are now receiving financial help. Councillor John Carnall, the Council's Finance portfolio-holder, said: "We are pleased to have helped so many people, all of whom are over 60. They were entitled to this money but in many cases did not know this or did not know how to claim it."