The leader of a Norfolk council spoke of his delight last week after his authority was ranked as being the fastest in England for processing benefit claims.
The leader of a Norfolk council spoke of his delight last week after his authority was ranked as being the fastest in England for processing benefit claims.
New figures from the Audit Commission found that South Norfolk Council took on average ten days to deal with new housing and council tax benefit applications - quicker than the other 238 councils in England.
The district council also came equal second for turning around change of circumstances requests in a fraction over three days.
The Audit Commission figures, which were based on statistics for 2007/08, come as South Norfolk Council received an 80pc increase in benefit claims in December.
Despite the extra demand, council leader John Fuller, said the benefits team was now processing claims within an average of just six days.
'I am very pleased to say that South Norfolk has given the best service out of over 200 councils. At a time when benefit services across the country are under pressure from an avalanche of fresh claims as a result of the recession, this council is continuing to improve services to residents who are most in need,' he said.
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