Maldon District Council has warned residents could end up in court because of 'mistaken belief' circulating online about challenging Council Tax.

A number of residents recently appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court, claiming they could refuse to pay their Council Tax as a result of the 'Freeman on the Land' movement.

Supporters of the movement, which is currently circulating online, say people are only bound by the contracts and laws which they have consented to. Therefore, they can refuse to pay Council Tax.

In a statement, Maldon District Council said: "This is completely untrue."

"No-one has a choice as to whether they are liable to pay Council Tax and being a 'freeman' does not exempt anyone."

"No-one has a choice as to whether they are liable to pay Council Tax and being a 'freeman' does not exempt anyone." Maldon District Council

Liability for Council Tax is set out by the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which sets out local authorities' right to demand Council Tax to fund services. Residents' liability for Council Tax is therefore not dependent on any consent or contractual relationship with the Council.

The Magistrate dismissed every claim heard at the court on 26 July and each of the defendants was issued with a Council Liability Order.

A Liability Order gives the Council the right to recover that Council tax debt through several means, including:

• Deductions from earnings or benefits
• Obtaining a charging order against a property
• Passing the account to an Enforcement Agent, and in extreme cases
• Commencing bankruptcy proceedings

Councillor Penny Channer, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "The mistaken belief that residents can refuse to pay Council Tax has landed people from our District in court. As a result, they have been issued Liability Orders.

"This can mean very serious consequences if the Council Tax debt is not repaid and can even lead to possessions being seized or bankruptcy.

"I urge everyone not to be taken in by this false information and to pay their Council Tax on time like the vast majority of our residents."

Those experiencing genuine difficulties with paying Council Tax are advised to contact the Council as soon as possible.

A Council spokesperson said: "Our dedicated team will always try to help anyone experiencing financial hardship."

For more information on these issues, visit Maldon District Council's website.