REDDITCH Council's revenues and benefits department is moving to a new computer system and customers are being advised that the council will be unable to make any updates during the changeover.

The move to the new system starts on Friday and is expected to be completed by Wednesday, October 25.

Services affected by the changeover are benefits, council tax and business rates.

Jan Fitzgerald, head of revenues and benefits, said: "We're aware during the changeover period we'll only be able to offer a limited service and there will be a time after the new system goes live when we'll be clearing any backlog of information.

"Anyone who writes to benefits during the changeover will be contacted to acknowledge receipt of their letter and told what is happening and how it affects them."

During this time customers will still be able to report changes in circumstances, such as moving house, and changes in income which might affect their benefit entitlement.

They can also make new benefit claims.

The council will also continue to contact customers for any information it needs.

Council tenants' rent accounts will continue to be credited on a weekly basis throughout the closedown period with the amount of benefit to which they were entitled on October 6.

Private tenants and landlords will also continue to receive cheques, again based on entitlement as of October 6.

Customers are advised not to cash any cheques they know they are not entitled to - for example if they've returned to work.

Customers can continue to make payments but enquiries relating to outstanding account balances will only be correct as of October 6.