Pensioner in council tax protest

Mr Campbell said he was prepared to go to jail

A pensioner has refused to pay his council tax in protest against what he claimed was incompetence in Aberdeen.

Retired insurance underwriter Alexander Campbell, 78, was angry to learn the council sold property for millions of pounds under its true market value.

Mr Campbell, who is largely housebound at his home in the Bridge of Don area, said he was prepared to face the consequences of his actions.

Mr Campbell told BBC Scotland: "If they want to send me to jail, fine."

Pursue payment

It emerged this week that Aberdeen City Council was criticised in a report into the sale of some of its most valuable property assets.

The council has already faced criticism for seeking �27m of budget cuts, and the Accounts Commission is due to conduct a public hearing into its affairs in May.

Mr Campbell said: "I am incensed with the way the council is run by incompetents and that's what they are.

"That's why I have cancelled my direct debit mandate."

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said non-payers would be pursued through all means, as residents had a duty to pay despite their views on services.

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