A fully automated online benefit claim form has been introduced by Lambeth Council.

The local authority is the first London council to introduce the system – which is intended to give Lambeth’s vulnerable residents faster access to benefits.

The service, available through Lambeth’s website, also aims to make claiming benefits easier and greener.

The tool allows residents to check if they are entitled to benefit. If so, they can fill in an online form and submit it directly to Lambeth’s assessment database.

Claimants can still complete the paper form, but the new system is expected to give people faster access to benefits.

Visit lambeth.gov.uk/benefitsonline.