A TAUNTON man who is off work sick claims he is slipping into debt because the benefits system at the district council has "ground to a halt".

Richard McConachie is unable to pay his rent because the computers handling payments have been shut down.

Taunton Deane Council says a new system is being installed and should be up and running soon.

Mr McConachie, 39, who lives in Wintersfield with his wife, Michelle, and nine-month-old son Jack, said: "They said they couldn't take new claims because they're in the process of changing to a new system.

"The computers have been closed down for three weeks and we're having to live off £344 a month statutory sick pay.

"I'm getting further into arrears and my landlady isn't happy."

Car hire firm manager Mr McConachie added: "I'm not one of those people who plays the system - I've always worked and this is the first time I've claimed benefits.

"But nobody seems bothered - they told me to come back when the computers were working again."

A Taunton Deane Council spokeswoman said its revenues and benefits services were installing a new system to "deliver a more responsive service" by speeding up the claims process.

She said the change would aid partnership working, cut risks and generate long-term savings.

She added: "To ensure all existing data and records are successfully transferred over to the new system, the council needs to close down the current system for a few weeks.

"During closedown, all steps are being taken to minimise disruption and customers will still receive their housing benefit and still be able to pay their council tax.

"If anyone makes a new claim during the closedown period and they are in severe hardship, we have the facility to make an emergency payment.

"There will inevitably be some delay to processing benefit claims and dealing with correspondence once the new system is live as staff get used to using the new system."