COUNCILLORS hit out after being barred from voting on a Tory proposal to freeze council tax for pensioners.
They reacted after being told they could not vote if they received state pension or lived with pensioners.
The advice by council chief executive Rob Vincent led to 20 councillors having to leave the debating chamber.
Tory councillor Dorothy Lindley protested: "This ruling does not allow us to represent the people who elected us."
Labour councillor Molly Walton said: "It's barmy - an act of discrimination."
Those forced to take no part in the debate on the Tory proposal included mayor Clr Mary Harkin and deputy mayor Clr Margaret Fearnley.
In their absence Tory, councillor Andrew Palfreeman was elected as temporary chairman of the proceedings.
John Emms, solicitor to the council, said councillors should not vote on any issue seen as specifically benefiting them.
