OAPs plan a 'tax strike' (From Gazette Series)

OAPs plan a 'tax strike'

TWO Dursley pensioners are taking a stand against rising council tax bills - by refusing to pay any increase.

George and Jane Way say they cannot afford any more increases. They claim their council tax, which has almost doubled in the last ten years, is now taking up an unreasonable part of their income.

"We just can't afford yet another huge increase," said Mrs Way.

"The tax is taking one-tenth of our income, which is far too large a proportion. With all our other bills going up, the tiny rise in our pension will not cover all the increases."

Hundreds of pensioners marched on London earlier this month to protest against rising council tax demands and falling incomes.

Mr and Mrs Way have now pledged to take drastic action to overcome any more increases.

"We intend to cancel our direct debit and pay by standing order," added Mr Way. "We will not pay any more than last year. At the end of the year we will have to settle the deficit from our winter fuel payment. It is like robbing Peter to give to Paul. But it least it will buy us a bit more time."

The couple said they are taking this action on behalf of fellow pensioners and those on low wages.

Mrs Way added the method of raising council tax needs to be urgently changed to take into account this ability to pay.

"The tax is unfair and does not take into account the ability to pay," she said. "How would high-earners like to pay out one tenth of their income?"

Mrs Way has written to the Prime Minister, Stroud MP David Drew, Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council to protest against the crippling rises.

But she said she is not getting any answers.

"Nobody seems to be listening to us," she said. "The response from the office of the Deputy Prime Minister was like a script from Yes Prime Minister - they might have well not bothered for all the answers it gave us.

"No one has actually said yes we understand and will try to help with the situation. We just want someone to listen and act now."

The Ways added it is time for pensioners and people on low incomes to have their voices heard.

"It is time people acted to try to resolve this situation," said Mr Way. "We want people to write with their concerns rather than just sitting at home and doing nothing. The more people that raise these concerns, the more notice the local authority will have to take of the affect these taxes are having on our ability to survive."

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said council tax is set by local authorities.

"Between £590 million and £860 million in council tax benefit is going unclaimed and we would urge people to check there eligibility," she added.