Failure to pay the council tax has lost a Lincs man his home

The Wyberton resident, whose identity has not been revealed, will now have his home auctioned to pay the debt.

He owes Boston Borough Council about �3,000 and had not paid a council tax bill for three years.

Officials say they were left with no alternative to the extreme action after sending more than 30 letters to him, all of which were ignored.

'Exceptional case'

As the house is worth considerably more than the money owed, the balance remaining will be returned to the debtor.

The council said this was an "extreme" case and was the first time they had taken such action.

Roger Davis of Boston Borough Council said: "This is a wholly exceptional case... but we have a duty to those who pay promptly and regularly to make sure others don't evade their responsibilities.

"He has had ample opportunity to explain matters to the council and various courts, including the magistrate's court."

He said if people were having genuine difficulties in paying bills they should contact the council so arrangements can be made.