A KEWSTOKE resident is refusing to pay council tax charges in protest of his continually-rising bill.

A KEWSTOKE resident is refusing to pay council tax charges in protest of his continually-rising bill.

For nearly three years William Wright, of Hawke Road, has been paying his tax in 12 monthly instalments rather than the required 10 to purposely annoy North Somerset Council.

He has been summoned to appear at North Somerset Courthouse three times for refusing to pay in the required way and each time he has been charged £55.

He said: "I changed the way I pay because the council cannot refuse payments of amounts they don't agree with.

"I have been paying the full amount every year but just not how they want it.

"I have lived in Weston for nearly nine years and every year they put the council tax up so much more than inflation and I cannot see what improvements they are making.

"This town has expanded so much and existing residents are subsidising the services being provided as a result of new housing."

The 68-year-old said he wants to know what the £55 is spent on every time he receives a summons letter through the door.

He added: "When I did go to court I was sideline into a small room where I ended up speaking to someone from Liberata anyway, not even a magistrate."

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "As Mr Wright decided to change the way he paid his tax it meant his account went into arrears.

"He was therefore summoned at the end of each financial year for this happening.

"The £55 he was charged as a result of each summons is the court costs that are set and agreed with North Somerset Courthouse.

"As from April last year residents can apply to pay their tax in 12 instalments under exceptional hardship. Mr Wright did not do this.