The state-of-the-art software will handle council tax benefit and housing benefit claims, as well as the billing, collection, recovery and payment of council tax.

There are currently 1,560 private tenants and 2,403 council tenants claiming housing benefit, whilst 1,697 people claim council tax benefit and 38,000 households pay council tax.

They can all look forward to reaping the benefits of the more efficient system, but Council bosses are asking for patience in the weeks leading up its introduction in November 2004.

Corporate Director Steve Greenslade said: "This system is tried and tested. It will reduce processing times, improve accuracy and cut out errors and is the latest step in the Council's bid to become an excellent authority.  But like any major changeover, there may be some teething problems.  Staff from the Council Tax and Benefits Service have spent the last 12 months working hard to transfer data from the old to the new system.

"This should ensure the transition runs as smoothly as is possible but it would be naïve if we were not prepared for any potential problems.

"We have therefore, put contingency plans in place to minimise upheaval, and we have set procedures to issue immediate benefit cheques in emergency situations."

Starting from Wednesday 24 November 2004, there will be a four-week period between the phasing out of the old system and the introduction of the new system, but the Council Tax and Benefits Service will continue to process claims and deal with enquiries.
  
Steve Greenslade added: "We might not be able to respond to people as quickly as we would like to during those four weeks, but would ask that everybody is patient and keeps the bigger picture in mind and remember that the new system will enable us to improve our customer care, as well as the quality of life of people in the county."