BENEFIT claims can now be turned around within 24 hours. Welwyn Hatfield Council's new swift service will be for housing and council tax benefit claims, as long as residents have the correct documentation. Councillor Alan Franey, executive member for reso

BENEFIT claims can now be turned around within 24 hours.

Welwyn Hatfield Council's new swift service will be for housing and council tax benefit claims, as long as residents have the correct documentation.

Councillor Alan Franey, executive member for resources, said: "By offering the speedy service, the council will be helping those residents in most urgent need, by providing them with their benefits really quickly."

A spokeswoman said the council previously averaged 15 days for benefit claims, with the law for processing new benefit claims being a calendar month.