WEST Devon Borough Council is encouraging pensioners and people on low incomes to claim help in paying their council tax bills. Financial help is available through council tax benefit where any entitlement is taken directly off the council tax bill. Help and guidance on the process of claiming is available from the council by calling a dedicated helpline — 01822 618888.  Advice on whether you are eligible to claim is given too. The council is aware of the impact council tax increases may have, especially on people on fixed or low incomes.  Cllr Margaret Garton, chairman of the council's strategies and resources committee, said that many people who are eligible for help do not make a claim and are missing out on money which is rightfully theirs. 'The important message is that in order to receive it, pensioners and those on low incomes must apply. West Devon Borough Council will only be too happy to help,' said Cllr Garton.