Officials at Rochdale MBC believe they may have processed the fastest-ever benefit claim, as part of a new system designed to slash the time it takes to assess entitlements.

Since a new fast-tracking system for housing and council tax benefit payments was introduced last month, the average time it takes to process a new claim has fallen from 31 days to just 48 hours. One claim was even assessed and put into payment within 39 minutes of the claimant visiting their local customer service centre.

Cllr Greg Couzens, cabinet member for finance, said the initiative was designed to prevent claimants getting into rent arrears, because that carried additional costs to the council.

‘We're committed to ensuring that those people who are eligible for benefits get what they are entitled to, and get it quickly,' Cllr Couzens said.