The council’s tougher line follows criticism from the Department for Work and Pensions, for whom the council administers housing and council tax benefit.

Figures published earlier this year showed it took an average of 74 days to process a new claim in Dundee, compared to the national average of 38 days.

That was during a period of problems caused by a switch to a new computer system for dealing with benefit cases, which resulted in a huge backlog. Although later figures showed an improved performance, the council has decided to take further action.

The council had previously given claimants as much time as possible to provide the documentation needed to support their benefit applications.

Now the council will be strictly adhering to the 28-day timescale laid down in benefit regulations.

In practice, it will mean that when the council issues a request for information in support of a benefit claim, the claimant will be given 14 days to provide the information or contact the council.

If no contact is made, a reminder letter will be issued giving a further 14 days in which to reply. If there is no reply the benefit claim will be rejected.

A council spokesman explained that if, after the 28 days, the customer still wants to claim benefit they will have to fill out a new application form.

Should the customer then be entitled to benefit, it will be awarded from the Monday following the date of receipt of the second benefit application.

The spokesman added, “It is in the claimant’s best interests to contact the council within the timescale set by central government regulation.”