A pensioner says he is prepared to go to jail rather than pay what is predicted to be a 20% council tax increase in Devon.

Michael Wade-Brown, 73, of Sidmouth, said the joint income of his pension and that of his wife Madeleine is set to rise by about �2.50 a week.

But his council tax bill for their Band E house could rise by �3.50 a week.

The council tax takes more than 15% of the couple's income and Mr Wade-Brown said the only way he could continue to make ends meet is to go hungry or sell some belongings - something he is not prepared to do.

If they want to put me in jail, let them do so Michael Wade-Brown

Speaking to BBC Radio Devon he said: "I am simply not in a position to pay it - an extra �3.50 a week.

"I will pay what I can afford to pay, and if they want any more they can whistle for it.

"If they want to put me in jail, let them do so. That would suit me fine because I won't pay it - and I am not alone.

"People have got to the end of their tether."

Funding gap

Many local authorities have suffered severe shortfalls in their budgets and are looking to bridge the gaps, either by raising council taxes, or cutting services.

Devon County Council needs to find �32.5m to finance its spending plans of more than �500m.

Average council tax bills in the county could top �1,000 for the first time in order to bridge the funding gap.

The 20% increased predicted in Devon is among the highest in England and Wales.

Council leaders will be meeting next few week to set the budget.