FAMILIES and pensioners are getting a raw deal over council tax, it is claimed.

The accusation came from prospective Tory candidate Nigel Adams after figures showed bills were rising higher than inflation.

In Darwen, where Mr Adams will contest the general election, council tax will be £1,274 for the forthcoming year on Band D bills.

Mr Adams said new research had shown that since 1997, council tax bills had soared by £439 -- a rise of 53 per cent.

In total, the typical household in Darwen has paid £1,790 more council tax under the present Government.

He added: "I fear that bills will rise even higher in a Labour third term, due to more fiddled funding, new council tax bands and a rigged council tax revaluation.

"Labour have turned council tax into the ultimate stealth tax, engineered by Mr Blair to rise by above inflation every year, but with local councillors taking the blame when bills hit the doorstep.

"Hard-working families and pensioners who have saved for security in retirement deserve better.

"Conservatives will introduce a permanent 50 per cent discount on council tax for 65s and over, block Labour's plans for new bands and a rigged revaluation, and review Labour's changes to the funding settlement."