CHANGES have been put in place this week with regards to how people can get advice or submit information relating to their benefits.

As part of Cornwall Council's cost cutting measures, there will no longer be a face to face benefit enquiry service at Callington's One Stop Shop and instead people are being asked to visit the relevant website or call a central number for questions about their claims.

The council is also no longer asking for original documents to support claims, which used to be be copied and sent by One Stop Shop staff, but instead are asking claimants to scan and email documents or post them themselves.

Town clerk at Callington Town Council Helen Dowdall said: 'There are changes to the way that people can submit information in relation to their housing benefits.

'This change in procedure has already been piloted at other sites in Cornwall and proved a success. Letters have been sent out to those affected by these changes.

'For us in Callington, Cornwall Council have given us a black post box which is currently located by the desk in reception to act as a collection point for such information.'

The changes came into force on Monday (March 2). People who used their One Stop Shop to ask a question about the claim should now visit http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits">www.cornwall.gov.uk/benefits or call the assessment team on 0300 1234 121 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm).

People who need to provide documents to support their claim should scan and email them to [email protected]">[email protected] or supply a photocopy of the documents to: Cornwall Council, Revenues and Benefits, PO BOX 676, Threemilestone, Truro, TR4 9LD. Changes in benefits or circumstances can be reported to the council via the website above, the email above or by calling the assessment team.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: 'Following a review of how the council provides benefits advice, there will no longer be face to face benefits assessment staff in One Stop Shops. Assessment staff were previously available at specific times at One Stop Shops, however, analysis has shown that over 80 percent of face to face customer contact with benefits staff was to hand in documents.

As there is no longer a legal requirement for original documents from those applying for benefits, customers will be asked to post copies to a central address or be directed to a secure post box on site.

'Staff have been trained to identify exceptions, such as extreme vulnerability, and will also signpost to other organisations to ensure those who need additional help receive it.

'This approach will support the wider council requirement of saving £2-million over the next four years through encouraging customers to access services via the council's website or contact centre.'