Croydon Council has warned delays in processing council tax and benefits claims are likely during November and December because of upgrades to its computer system.

The town hall said the £2.8million upgrade, funded by the Department for Works and Pensions, is being made to improve the clarity and efficiency of the claims service.

But in order to make the improvements, the council's processing system - which pays new claims and amends existing ones - will be down for several weeks.

The council said while the improvement works are carried out, it will continue to pay all existing housing and council tax benefit customers.

It will also work with landlords to ascertain outstanding claims, reply to all letters and collect council tax payments and information from new and existing customers.

Councillor Enley Taylor, cabinet member for community cohesion and customer and organisational services, said: "The end result will be faster, more user-friendly service and that can only be a good for business at the end of the day."

For more information call 020 8726 7000 or email croyhben@croydon.gov.uk or croyctax@croydon.gov.uk.