People in Street and Glastonbury are being warned to brace for disruption as Somerset Council shuts down its old Mendip council tax and benefits system at the end of the month.

The switch is part of a major upgrade meant to deliver a slicker online portal and easier ways to pay. But it comes with a catch – the existing system will be offline for at least three weeks.

That means no new claims or changes can be processed, though housing benefit payments and direct debits will still go through as normal. Online forms may also be hit, with residents told to "keep checking the council website" for updates.

Cllr Liz Leyshon, deputy leader of the council, admitted there will be inconvenience but said the changes will "make it easier for people to manage their accounts, make payments, and access support online".

Once the new system is live, bills will come with barcodes that can be scanned at Post Offices and PayPoint outlets. The council is also promising a new customer portal to let residents check their accounts directly.

In the meantime, residents are urged to be wary of scams. Somerset Council stressed it will never ask for bank details by phone, email or text.