ANN Keen, Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth called for local pensioners to claim the council tax benefit that is rightfully due to them this week, but the Conservatives argued that the complicated' systems by which pensioners have to claim benefits should be made simpler.

Mrs Keen joined the government in urging pensioners to claim council tax benefit which could save them an average of £426 a year.

Less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get, and some are even missing out on a full refund.

A national campaign which started on Monday will encourage people to find out if they qualify for the benefit.

Ann Keen MP said: "It is important that pensioners in the borough of Hounslow claim what is theirs."

She explained: "We have made the process of claiming council tax benefit easier by cutting the length of the claim form by one third; combining it with the housing benefit claim form, so people don't have to give the same information twice; and sending out claim forms with Pension Credit details."

On behalf of the Government, the Council Tax Benefit Minister, Chris Pond added: "Pensioners have worked hard all their lives and contributed to the prosperity of this country.

"My message is - don't be too proud to claim. You're entitled to Council Tax Benefit and I want you to get every penny owed.

"Up to 1.7 million pensioners are missing out on a much-needed cash boost. The government has introduced many initiatives such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences and I want everyone to benefit from the full package."

The current restriction on council tax benefit for people living in Band F, G or H properties will end next month. This will help large families on benefit who need to rent properties in these bands and some pensioner households.

Cllr Peter Thompson, leader member for the Conservatives, agreed that pensioners should take up their right to claim benefits: "I would strongly encourage all those struggling under the soaring rises in council tax to claim the help they are entitled to."

However, he added: "It is important to note that Labour have presided over a fall in the take-up of Council Tax Benefit in each of the last four years.

"The percentage of pensioners claiming the Council Tax Benefit for which they are entitled has fallen by 10 per cent from 1998.

"The latest figures show only 65 per cent of pensioners are claiming Council Tax Benefit. It is another example of a complicated means-test which needs to be made simpler."