BENEFITS bosses are frantically trying to notify more than 2,000 claimants that their housing benefit may be reduced, under new government guidelines.

Wycombe District Council's sent letters to about 2,500 residents who currently claim housing benefits and who may be affected by new government rules.

Westminster is bringing in new benefit regulations from April 1.

This will effect residents who rent from a private landlord in the private sector and who have claimed for their current address on or after April 7, 2008.

A higher benefit deduction for non-dependants living with a claimant is also being brought in from April 1, subject to individual circumstances.

Council officers are urging those residents which received the letter to come forward so they can discuss and work out any changes, so it “is not a surprise” to claimants who may receive a shortfall in benefit when the regulations come in.

For more information visit www.wycombe.gov.uk or visit the council's offices in Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe.