MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council is one of the fastest local authorities in the UK at processing new housing benefit claims, data shows.

Between July and September last year, new claimants waited an average of 17 days before their application was completed.

The figure, drawn from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics, is below the British average of 22 days, which includes weekends.

During the same period in 2016 applicants had less time to wait, with an average delay of 16 days.

Claimants looking for help who had changed their living circumstances saw their applications take on average four days to complete.

Richard Davies, head of revenues and benefits at the council, described the figures as “pleasing” as Monmouthshire had previously been among the worst performing authorities.

“In 2010 it was taking 55 days to process new housing benefit claims,” he added.

“Following a successful shared service arrangement hosted by Torfaen the service has been transformed with significantly improved performance and a consistently low backlog of work.”

Charities have warned that delays in processing benefits can have a serious impact on the applicants’ lives.

Waiting times can be worrying for applicants, and the housing charity Shelter says they can be threatened with eviction and face homelessness.

“Processing delays and admin errors mean landlords are increasingly reluctant to let to anyone on housing benefit,” said Polly Neate, the charity’s chief executive.

“On top of that payments are too low and completely out of synch with the cost of private rents. This has left too many struggling renters battling against the tide to keep a roof over their head.

“It’s simply not right that so many people are teetering on the brink of homelessness.

The government must ensure housing benefit is fit for purpose, and in the long-term build homes that people on lower incomes can genuinely afford to rent.”

According to the figures, Monmouthshire County Council dealt with 271 new cases over the three months.

In total there are 4,666 housing benefits claimants in Monmouthshire.

Residents are eligible for housing benefit if they rent, are on a low income or other benefits, and if their savings are below £16,000.

The amount you receive differs depending on whether you rent from the council, or privately, your salary and whether you have any spare rooms.

But the figures in Monmouthshire were obtained at a time when the county has yet to be touched by the Universal Credit rollout by the UK Government.

The new system, which replaces benefits such as housing benefits, child tax credit and jobseeker’s allowance, is expected to go live in the county from June 27.

A UK Government spokesman said it constantly monitored local authorities’ performance, and that it would intervene if its performances dipped below acceptable standards.