Online forms help to cut council costs

Oldham Council has launched new online forms that allow residents to apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction through the council website.

Oldhamers can also report changes of address or other circumstances.

Officials say the new system provides a simpler, secure process that will provide a quicker, more efficient and cost-effective service.

Paper-based claims will continue until tomorrow, with online claims becoming the only method of application from Monday.

If residents don’t have internet access, there are free computers in all local libraries. There will also be free online courses across the borough at libraries and Lifelong Learning centres

Councillor Arooj Shah, deputy cabinet member for policy and communications, said: “Residents have told us they want a quicker process. The electronic form is designed for more accurate completion and applicants will receive an answer quickly.

“In this first week we have already received 190 new claims and 178 changes of circumstances.

Visit www.oldham.gov.uk for details.