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John Page · 08-02-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

AN outraged father says he would rather be put in prison than pay "unjust" council tax rises.

Steve Peers owes £17.48 to Welwyn Hatfield Council after he decided to stop paying above the rate of inflation on his monthly payments from March last year.

He has just received a final notice from the council.

The father-of-two said: "It's an abomination and a back door tax, which is unjustifiable and unjust.

"I expect to contribute, but I don't expect to be taxed out of existence. My 14-month-old daughters are suffering."

The self-employed security consultant said: "I'm not doing this because I'm poor, retired or disadvantaged.

"It's because I'm part of a growing majority - the honest hardworking, non-scrounging, responsible majority - who are getting well and truly sick of it."

Since he bought his house on Woodhall Lane, WGC, in 1996, he has seen the tax rise by 107 per cent - from £49.87 a month to £103.58.

This is five times the rate of inflation every year, he said.

He also felt the standard of amenities had not risen to warrant such a price hike.

"I'm not militant or political, but it feels like victimisation and dictatorship as there is no negotiation and no end in sight."

The council could send round bailiffs for the amount, which could cost £100 of taxpayers' money.

"The consequences of my decision are serious and may ultimately involve me going to prison, which is not a thought I relish.

"But I am determined not to be held to ransom in this way."

He has sent letters to Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps, county councillor Malcolm Cowan, the council's three main party representatives and over 100 acquaintances.

A council spokeswoman said: "Mr Peers owes money in accordance with the law.

"He is obliged to pay that due amount."

What is UKIP doing to track and publicise dissatisfaction with Council Tax across the country?