Shifnal pensioner in jail pledge over 548pc council tax rise

A disabled pensioner today vowed she would go to prison before paying her council tax - after a Shropshire town council upped her bill by 548 per cent.

Rita Barton, 61, claimed her contribution to Shifnal Town Council would rise from £80.60 in 2010/11 to £441.40 this year.

The town council said the rise was misleading because residents were granted an "unrealistically low precept" last year after cash was left over from an abandoned project.

But Mrs Barton, from Orchard Road in Shifnal, said: "It's disgusting, I simply won't be able to afford it and I won't pay.

"I have liked living here since 1996, but I am serious that I am quite willing to go to prison over this issue.

"I don't mind going inside for six months - at least everything there would be paid for."

Mrs Barton, who suffers from degeneration of the spine and osteoporosis, added: "I was flabbergasted when that letter fell through the door, as it means we'll be paying £5 a month more.

"All other authorities, including Shropshire Council, fire and police, have kept their charges exactly the same so what does Shifnal Town Council want this money for?"

Shifnal Town Council clerk Fiona Thomas said last year's low bill was a "one-off" as cash was left over from 2009/10, when councillors budgeted for major repairs at Shifnal's crumbling former Magistrates' Court building. The work was eventually not carried out.

Mrs Thomas said: "The reality of the figures needs to be looked at in order to gain a true and informed understanding of the situation.

"Shifnal Town Council has a responsibility to precept realistically and effectively for its areas of responsibility and for the services it delivers to the community. Having undertaken a review of operations and future requirements, the council is endeavouring to promote sustainability and responsiveness within the area of service delivery."

She added the town council was taking on increasing responsibilities this year, including refurbishing town toilets and managing volunteers, street trading, CCTV, cemeteries, Christmas lights, three car parks and two allotments sites.

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