Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The rules change today and should benefit local people.

Some families in Wiltshire could benefit financially from changes in the way Housing and Council Tax Benefits are worked out.

Rule changes take effect from today and will affect families with children and people of pensionable age. This means that more people will be entitled to benefits and those that already receive them may see an increase.

Child benefit will no longer be counted as income when working out how much Housing and Council Tax Benefit a person gets. The change will also benefit those aged 60 and over. Up to £10,000 of savings or capital will be ignored when assessing income for housing and council tax benefits purposes.

People who already get Housing or Council Tax Benefit don't need to do anything as they will automatically have their claims re-adjusted by the council's revenue and benefits team. Customers affected by the change will be notified by the end of November.

Ian Brown, Wiltshire Council's head of Revenues and Benefits, said: "If you're a pensioner or receive child benefits and you get help with your rent or council tax you may now be able to get extra help. We are advising customers to do nothing - we are reviewing benefits and will let people know if they are going to be better off as a result of these changes."

This is an important change meaning people may be able to get more money to help pay their rent and council tax bills and families who have previously not qualified for Housing or Council Tax Benefit may now be entitled. A chart showing various family groups and incomes has been produced to help people work out if they may be able to get some help. This is available on the council's website and at council offices and parish notice boards.

Residents who think they may now be eligible for these benefits can contact the council's benefit team for advice and a calculation on the following numbers or e-mail:

West Wiltshire - 01225 770341 or email revsandbenswest@wiltshire.gov.uk