LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has backed a new awareness campaign that stops pensioners missing out on an average £426 towards their council tax bills.

He said: "Up to four out of ten pensioners fail to apply for Council Tax Benefit and three quarters of a billion pounds goes unclaimed by pensioners each year.

"Some pensioners are missing out on a 100 per cent rebate. On top they may be due arrears back to last January, bringing a possible extra cash windfall. Pensioners are missing out on an average of £426. I am determined that every pensioner in Leigh gets all they are entitled to.

"If you are in doubt whether you are eligible for council tax benefit, check by contacting your local council to see if you are entitled on 01942 828696. My message to pensioners is - don't pay more than you need to. If you are entitled to Council Tax Benefit I want you to get every penny owed.

"Some pensioners may wrongly believe, for any number of reasons, that they might not qualify for a council tax rebate, for example, because they live in a big house or own their home."