Prospective Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty Nigel Adams says the use of court orders and bailiffs to collect unpaid instalments has risen by 70 per cent nationally since 1997, with 3,092 visits in Selby district last year.

Council tax has increased by 135 per cent in that time and, official figures show a record 18,762 North Yorkshire households are now in severe council tax difficulties and facing liability orders, which allow councils to seize money from wages or benefits or instigate bailiffs.

Mr Adams added: "Thanks to Gordon Brown doubling council tax bills, a record number of families in Selby district and across the country are struggling to make ends meet.

"More people now face the threat of menacing bailiffs knocking at their door. This is a crisis of Labour's own making."

Mr Adams says his party will work to freeze council tax bills across England, as has happened in Scotland, and provide additional central funding to keep bills down for the next two years – moves Labour have ruled out.

He added: "The fact Labour ministers have blocked a council tax freeze for England shows how out-of-touch Gordon Brown is with the plight of hard-working families and pensioners.

"Only a Conservative government will work with Selby District Council to help fund a council tax freeze and bring real help to low and middle-income families. Only Conservatives can deliver the change our country needs."

Selby MP John Grogan said: "If you make promises you've got to say how they're going to be funded.

"One day the Conservatives are talking about the need for massive spending cuts, and the next they're talking about additional spending and grants for councils.

"The British public wants to know sooner rather than later – which is it?"

Selby District Council leader Coun Mark Crane this month pledged inflation-beating tax rises, aiming to keep any increase under the government's target measure of 2.9 per cent at the council's next full meeting on Tuesday.

An SDC spokeswoman said: "If anyone is struggling to pay their council tax, we would urge them to contact us immediately so we can help.

"We're aware many people have been struggling to pay their bills following the recession, and once we're aware there's a problem, we can work closely with them to help find a solution. For example, some householders may not be aware they could be entitled to claim council tax benefit.

"Bailiffs are only used by the council as a last resort, when all other options have failed. If anyone has any issues paying their council tax, they should visit our Access Selby office, call us on 01757 292162 or visit the council website www.selby.gov.uk for further information."