SWINDON pensioners are being told to make sure they are not paying more council tax than they need too.

Michael Wills, MP for North Swindon, is backing a new awareness campaign to stop pensioners missing out on an average of £426 towards their council tax bills.

He said: "Up to four out of ten pensioners fail to apply for council tax benefit and three quarters of a billion pounds goes unclaimed by pensioners each year.

"Some pensioners are missing out on a 100 per cent rebate. On top they may be due arrears back to last January, bringing a possible extra cash windfall.

"I am determined that every pensioner in Swindon gets all they are entitled to. My message to pensioners is don't pay more than you need to. If you are entitled to council tax benefit I want you to get every penny owed."

Mr Wills said some pensioners may wrongly believe that they might not qualify for a council tax rebate, perhaps because they live in a big house or own their home.

"Claiming is easier than ever," he added. "We've made the claim form shorter and new rules mean once you've successfully applied for council tax benefit you don't have to re-apply every year.

"If you are in doubt whether you are eligible for council tax benefit, check by contacting your local council to see if you are entitled. You can ring the council on 01793 463000 or contact me on 01793 481016."