Tendring District Council (TDC) has successfully recovered more than £5,300 in unpaid Council Tax from a resident who persistently refused to pay, citing unfounded legal theories associated with the so-called ‘Freeman of the Land’ movement.
The case forms part of TDC’s wider fraud, compliance and enforcement efforts to protect public funds.
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.
Despite multiple attempts by the Council to engage with the resident and offer support, the individual continued to challenge the Council’s authority using these misguided theories.
At one point, they issued documents known as liens against two Council officers — essentially claiming spurious charges against the officers for £75million and £115million respectively. In reality, these liens had no legal standing.
Following due legal process, TDC obtained Liability Orders through the Magistrates’ Court and pursued enforcement action.
When initial efforts through enforcement agents proved unsuccessful, the Council applied for 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: “As a council, we are committed to supporting residents who are experiencing financial difficulties and will always seek to agree fair payment arrangements wherever possible. Our support is there for those who genuinely need it.
“However, when individuals deliberately refuse or neglect to pay, we will take action to recover public funds.
“Council Tax is essential for funding vital local services, and it is only fair that everyone contributes. Attempts to avoid payment using misleading arguments undermine our efforts to prevent fraud and protect taxpayers’ money, and can ultimately affect our ability to deliver the services residents rely on.
“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.”
Residents experiencing financial difficulty are urged to seek help early to avoid additional costs or enforcement action.
To read more about the spurious challenges to paying council tax, go to https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/freeman-on-the-land.
