RESIDENTS of North Yorkshire are being encouraged to find out if they are paying too much council tax.

Richmondshire District Council is hoping to reduce the number of people missing out on help they are entitled to.

A benefits calculator has been added to the council's website so people can check their council tax and housing benefit eligibility online.

Councillor Wendy Morton has been appointed "benefits champion" and will work to raise awareness of the benefits with residents.

Head of benefits Steve McGinnes said: "Nationally, it is estimated that up to 30 per cent of those entitled are not claiming council tax benefit.

"There is no reason to believe these figures are not replicated in Richmondshire, and it is particularly pensioners who are the most likely group to be missing out.

"It takes only a few minutes to enter your details into the secure online calculator which will then work out if you are entitled to benefit and give an estimate of how much you could receive."

Coun Morton said: "It is important we work together to help ensure residents throughout the district receive the benefits they are entitled to.

"The online calculator is a way of raising awareness of benefit entitlement and it enables residents to make a quick calculation for themselves, privately."

To access the benefits calculator log on to www. richmondshire.gov.uk

For help on how to use the calculator, or for advice on entitlement to council tax and housing benefit, call (01748) 829100.