WORRIED pensioners in Pendle have contacted council staff after receiving full council tax bills - even though many are in line for discounts.

A delay in processing applications for discounts has meant some people, mainly elderly, have received full bills while their requests were being dealt with.

Part of the delay is down to a new computer system installed earlier this year that deals with claims in a slightly different way to the previous system.

But council staff promised new bills with the proper reduced amount would be sent out as soon as possible and advised people in line for a discount to carry on with their normal payments.

Of the annual applications for cuts in council tax demands, 1,000 have been dealt with and another 500 are to be processed shortly. But council revenues finance manager Derek Thomas, said that in between 200 and 300 cases the applications had been processed but not before full bills were sent out.

"We got the majority of bills out on time," he explained. "This week we've had problems with the benefits systems to people who have reductions in their bills. Their applications are reviewed around this time each year and some haven't been processed and we have re-billed people for the full amount.

"It's quite a normal problem, although the numbers seem to be bigger this year. It particularly effects pensioners because we're updating our records based on the new state and private pensions that tend to go up in April.

"When their benefit claim is processed they will find their new bill is back around the figure they paid last year.

"We apologise for any confusion. Our advice to people is, as long as they have provided us with the relevant information, to carry on paying the usual amount until they get re-billed and if they have any concerns to get in touch."

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