If you are not already receiving help with your rent or Council Tax then from the 13th February 2006 there's good news - you won't have to fill in a form!

Yes, that's right, no form filling. Just phone (01803) 861234 and ask for the Benefit Helpline. We will make an appointment for a home visitor to come out to see you at a convenient time. When you phone up we will also explain what sort of information we will need from you and what sort of documents the visitor will need to see; for example a rent book, or a utility bill or passport which proves your identity.

The information you provide will be entered straight into the Council's computer by the home visitor and they will tell you how much help you are entitled to there and then!.