A PIONEERING IT bus has helped people receive £1m in welfare rights and £1.6m off their debts.

The 'Benefits Express' enables Halton's elderly, disabled and housebound residents to claim benefits - from their own front room!

"If all the information we require is available to process the claim, the claim process can be made in the person's home," explained Benefits Express manager Dave Marshall.

"Claiming benefits is complicated and confusing. This process makes it one-to-one and drastically reduces the turnaround time."

Cabinet minister Jim Murphy jumped on board the unique bus at Widnes Asda. He said: "The Government is committed to improving IT provision in order to deliver efficient and effective public services.

"This excellent scheme both saves time and reduces frustration for both claimants and front line staff. We hope it can be successfully introduced in other areas in the future."

Halton paved the way four years ago with this purpose- built project four years ago.

Computers are connected to council networks by mobile phone lines.

Processing claims have been cut to less than a fortnight and paperwork has been greatly reduced.

"The beauty of this is that because all the equipment is totally mobile, officers can go into people's homes and get straight onto our corporate services.

"People lead such hectic lives, we've been able to help people of all ages, not just the disabled and housebound."

Various other agencies such as Age Concern, Shelter and Works and Pensions have teamed up to offer advice on the bus.