DISTRICT judges have called for improvements to Preston Borough Council's housing benefit system.

In a meeting with senior council officers during Arrears Week, the judges expressed concern about housing benefit claims, the confusion faced by many tenants and the help needed.

Council officers were asked to consider having welfare or benefits advice officers in court during tenant arrears cases.

The judges also suggested that the council also have a specialist court officer to present all cases and offered to let the officer sit with them in court as an observer.

The council agreed that this could be applied in new areas of law, such as introductory tenancies -- which the council is required to implement.

Peter Deacon, director of housing and direct services, said: "The meeting was very useful and we are pleased that some concrete improvements have been identified.

"It is important that we work with the judges on this issues to improve current court procedures concerning rent arrears."

He added: "The outcomes of this meeting enable us to take more positive steps forward in tackling rent arrears."