LONE parents in Darwen are being urged to claim the higher rate of child benefit before the Government abolishes it on June 1.

Lancashire County Council's welfare rights service said lone parents can claim an extra £5.65 a week more in child benefit than couples. But from June 1 no new claims for the higher rate will be allowed except for some people who receive Income Support.

However, if you have already claimed by June 1 and you are entitled to it, you will be able to keep it.

The chairman of Lancashire's welfare rights and anti-poverty sub-committee and deputy leader of the council, County Councillor Frank McKenna, said: "Although the Government has reluctantly decided to carry through the last Conservative Government's plans to abolish the higher rate of child benefit for lone parents, it will only apply to new claims from June 1.

"We estimate that there are about 25,000 lone parent families in Lancashire not claiming the higher rate of child benefit. We want them to act now before it is too late. Claims must reach the DSS by June 1." The council warns, however, that for a lone parent receiving Income Support of less than £5.75 a week it may not be in their interests to claim and should seek advice.

For more details and an application form write to the Welfare Rights Service, FREEPOST, Preston, PR1 8BR, or telephone (01772) 263345.

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