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Anyone who qualifies for pension credit may also be entitled to other financial support, including housing benefit, a reduction in council tax, help with heating costs and the warm home discount scheme.

Buckinghamshire Council's Robert Carington has said he "acknowledges the personal views" in this case but added that the payment of council tax "like any other tax, is not a personal choice".

Lyons said the county has "one of the most generous council tax support schemes in the country".

The scheme would be open to families living in the borough who pay council tax to Barnsley Council, even if pupils attend schools outside the town.

The amount of overdue council tax owed by families in Wales has increased by 139% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Welsh government figures.