A Norfolk council has been accused of having "money for bunting and fairy cakes" but not supporting its residents.
Opposition councillors have called for West Norfolk Council (WNC) to increase the amount of support they were willing to give people with their council tax bills.
The Conservative-led administration currently offers an 84pc discount on council tax when people are in need, but opposition groups called for that to be increased to 100pc to help during the cost of living crisis.
A similar full discount is offered by other councils around the UK, including Norwich City Council.
The meeting heard that the cost to the WNC would be under £20,000.
At a council meeting on Thursday, Sandra Squire, deputy leader of the Independent group, said she was “ashamed” the authority could not find money to help residents when it has set up funding for “bunting and fairy cakes for the coronation”.
She added: “But really, bunting and fairy cakes or helping our residents which do you want to choose?
“Is this a case of ‘let them eat cake?’ You know how that went don’t you?”
Recently the council said it would offer grants from a £13,500 fund for activities or events to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in May.
Graham Middleton, the cabinet member for business, said the opposition’s comments were “worded in a clever way to dupe those listening” and argued the 100pc reduction should have been agreed at an earlier stage.
Samantha Sandell, cabinet member for people and communities, said their 84pc support has helped “many many people,” was in line with other councils, and the full reduction would cut the amount of money that goes to Norfolk County Council.
Stuart Dark, the leader of the council, disagreed with suggestions that they do not care about residents, arguing the authority is already helping those in need.
He said: “We have been giving money to foodbanks, we have supported 400 Ukrainian refugees, we have a number of schemes we have been delivering on. We are doing what we can.”
The full council tax reduction was rejected, 23 votes for to 25 votes against.
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