Based on the overall population of Scotland, this figure works out to be 426,000 people with millions more likely to be affected in the rest of the UK.

Myles Fitt, Citizen Advice Scotland’s Financial Health spokesperson, said: “Council tax debt is the biggest debt issue the Citizens Advice network sees, and it’s concerning that so many people are missing payments because they have run out of money.

“The ending of furlough and other pandemic related financial support measures will have a significant impact on many but other emerging cost pressures are creating a perfect financial storm on household budgets this autumn, and there is real concern that more and more people will struggle to meet council tax payments as a result.

Caroline Abrahams, the Charity Director of Age UK and Co-Chair of the Care and Support Alliance, outlined what is at stake for many families ahead of the pending rise to Council Tax.