A Tendring resident who claimed that council tax was not legally enforceable has been made to pay more than £5,300 in unpaid tax.

According to Tendring District Council (TDC), the resident persistently refused to pay, citing unfounded legal theories associated with the so-called ‘Freeman of the Land’ movement.

The individual claimed that council tax was not legally enforceable without a signed contract between both parties — a belief rooted in misleading documents and internet forums that promote the idea that individuals can opt out of statutory obligations. These arguments have been repeatedly dismissed by UK courts as having no legal basis.

At one point, the resident issued liens with no legal standing against two council officers, claiming spurious charges against the officers for £75million and £115million respectively.

TDC obtained liability orders through the magistrates’ court and pursued enforcement action and when that failed, it appliedfor charging orders against the resident’s property – following which the owner decided to pay the full amount.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, leader of the council and cabinet member for finance and governance, said: “We have published information on our website about recent attempts to use such arguments to avoid paying council tax.

“I would urge anyone considering these approaches to read it first — those who pursue them will not achieve the outcomes they expect, and may find it costs them more in the long run.”

To read more about the spurious challenges to paying council tax, visit https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/freeman-on-the-land.