WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has again urged residents who feel they struggle with their council tax bills to find out if they qualify for financial help following the news that nearly £2 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year.

The Local Government Association (LGA) revealed last week that across the country, the public misses out on £1.8 billion of assistance because they do not go through the process of applying for it. The LGA wants changes to the system to allow more people to claim reductions in council tax and for more measures to encourage people to apply.

Worcestershire's county councillors have long agreed that as much as possible should be done to encourage those on low or fixed incomes to seek assistance with their charges for local public services. In 2003, it was estimated that Worcestershire residents could be missing out on as much as £2.5 million in benefits each year.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for finance, said: "The LGA has once again picked up on this theme that large numbers of people do not apply for the help they are entitled to.

"This is either through pride or lack of awareness. In today's terms, that 2003 figure of £2.5 million is probably closer to £3 million now at least.

"It's always the council's aim to keep council tax increases to realistic levels, but we appreciate that some people can find the cost a struggle. And if that's genuinely the case, it's quite likely they qualify for assistance.

"Our partners at the district councils can help and advise anyone who asks what they are entitled to, if at all.

"We'd encourage as many people on fixed or low incomes to get in touch with their council and put in a claim."

Residents can find out more by calling Redditch Council on 534123.