Pensioner Tony Constable insists he will not pay up

Tony Constable, 71, from Colchester, said the latest tax rise is "an increase too far".

Mr Constable views the latest rise as so unreasonable, he has written to Colchester Borough Council saying he simply will not pay it, and that he is prepared to face any consequences.

"The council's bills have always been up by more than 7% - this year is the straw which tipped the balance for me."

The usually law-abiding citizen has done his sums and says he is prepared to pay the equivalent rise in council tax as his pension increase - but no more.

'I shall not pay'

That means he's offered the council a 3% rise - not the 16.5% increase the council is asking for.

The council says if services such as recycling and rubbish collection are to be improved, these hikes are necessary.

It also blames central government policy for the rise.

"It is a perfectly legitimate policy for the government to have but it's having a hell of an effect on this sort of area," said Colchester councillor Colin Sykes.

The effect it's having on Mr Constable is to make him even more determined.

"If I sit in an empty house, I still shan't pay that tax.

"They can take every stick that I own, I shall not pay that tax increase."