MORE than £71,000 has been secured in grant funding to help improve the benefits service in the Richmondshire District Council area.

The authority has also appointed a new head of benefits, Stephen McGinnes, who will be looking to build on existing good practice within the department.

The money comes from three successful bids to the Department of Work and Pensions' Performance Standards Fund, set up to enhance local authorities' benefits systems.

The first grant, of £18,500, is being match funded by the council and will support the appointment of an assessment officer and pre-assessment officer.

This brings the number of staff working in the assessment team to six and is expected to improve speed and efficiency.

A further £48,200 has been received to appoint someone to assist in staff training and management support over the next two years.

The third grant of £4,333 will be used to purchase IT equipment and will improve access to the central computer from outlying offices.