A NEW scheme to improve the uptake of benefits by pensioners and other residents is being piloted in Droitwich Spa.

Peter Pinfield, town and Worcestershire county councillor, has welcomed the initiative, which will see councils and other agencies work together.

They will share information rather than gathering it separately, and clients will only be visited once, rather than up to three times, for the same data.

The aim is to ensure townsfolk are aware of the range of benefits available to them.

Cllr Pinfield, Labour leader and champion for older people, said: "This is a really good example of Government 'joined up' thinking.

"Getting the Department of Works and Pensions with officers from the county and district council on a single site and for older people to get all their queries answered by one call has got to be a win/win situation. The cabinet committee at County Hall has given the pilot scheme the go ahead, it will enable the delivery of a higher quality service that helps reduces the stigma attached to claiming benefits and will encourage pensioners to claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

If the six-month pilot scheme, which is also being tried in Malvern, is a success it will be adopted across Worcestershire.

Cllr Pinfield added: "It will see a reduction of duplication - as clients are currently clients may be visited three times to collect the same information. Data will be collected only once and is shared by the agencies this saving a tremendous amount of time and public money."

For advice on benefits call Wychavon District Council on 01386 565130.