Why pay more Council Tax than you need to? There are various benefits and reductions that may be available to pensioners to reduce the amount of Council Tax they have to pay.

Pensioners with savings of less than £16,000 can apply for Council Tax Benefit. However the Government have estimated that only between 62 and 68 per cent of those pensioners who are eligible are actually claiming Council Tax Benefit.

One reason why many people don't claim is that they have applied in the past and haven't qualified so they don't feel it's worthwhile applying again.

It should be noted that once a pensioner is in receipt of Council tax benefit, as long as their income doesn't increase, any rises in the level of Council Tax would be covered by the benefit. This is why it's important for pensioners to claim.

Another reason for not applying is that people feel that the form is too complicated to complete.

Liberata, who run Swindon Borough Council's Revenue and Benefits Service say that they will be very pleased to see pensioners by appointment to go through the forms with them and to make sure that other possible reductions are being applied for.

For example all people who live alone, including pensioners are entitled to a 25 per cent Single Person Discount and it's important that pensioners claim this as it reduces their Council Tax bill considerably.

In some cases, of someone with a disability occupies a property, the Council Tax can be reduced by a whole band.

If there is someone living in the property in order to provide care to the pensioner, this could result in a reduction.

Also if the pensioner has moved out of their home to receive care, then the property may be exempt from Council Tax.

Pensioners are asked to contact 08458 500962 (local rate) for information.