There are 78,745 domestic properties in the borough. They are broken down into the following bands: A: 12,972, B:24,887, C: 18,787, D: 11,901, E: 6,660, F: 2,398, G:1,076, H:64

Anyone on income support or job seekers allowance, or on a low income with savings of less than £16,000, will be able to claim council tax benefit.

If you are on income support or job seekers allowance you could well qualify for 100 per cent benefit, but this will be reduced if you have non-dependants living with you who could be expected to help pay your council tax bill.

Non-dependants are other adults who live with you and your family such as friends, relatives and grown up children.

People living on their own get a 25 per cent reduction in charge.

Those working, but on a low income, can also qualify for up to 100 per cent benefit, with the amount of discount depending on how much they earn.

If you live in a band C property in Swindon then your weekly council tax liability from April 2003 is £17.70 per week (£925.57 for the year).

Based on this level of council tax, a net income less than the level shown below would entitle you to council tax benefit.

Single 18-24 working £136.75

Single 25+ working £148.15

Single 60+ not working £190.60

Couple, one 18+ working £184.25

Couple 60+ not working £244.30

Couple, one 18+ working,

one dependant child over 1 year £238.50

Lone parent working 18+,

one dependant child over 1 year £222.40

This example is based on the full council tax charge on a band C property in Swindon before any other reductions have been applied. The qualifying weekly income figure will be different for a lower or higher banded property.

All the above figures are guidelines only. For more information call the Swindon Council claims line on 08458 500962.