Mr Andrew Stephenson, prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Pendle, released figures which showed 4,600 council tax second reminders were sent last year – a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2006/7.

He urged those facing problems paying their council tax to get in touch with the council and said: "Across Pendle, hard-working families are struggling with soaring living costs, a slowing economy, falling house prices and rising taxes.

"When we go to the supermarket, fill the car up, or pay our electricity bills, we know that life is getting more expensive. On top of this, council tax has risen by 10% over the past two years."

Mr Stephenson said the council issued 17,309 reminders in 2007/8 (18,103 in 2006/7), 4,600 second reminders (3,704 in 2006/7) and 1,552 final reminders (1,415 in 2006/7).

Coun. David Whipp said: "There are a lot of people who are eligible for council tax benefits but who do not apply. Across the country, millions of pounds goes unclaimed every year. I would urge anyone who is having difficulties in paying bills to make inquiries to see if any benefits are available to them.

"But it is a little bit rich that the Tories are complaining about a tax they introduced."

Anyone with inquiries should contact Liberata Treasury and Customer Services at Number One, Market Street, Nelson.