'Nomad' takes council to court

Mr Bennett says he is not liable for the Cumbrian bill

A man who claims he is being unfairly hounded for council tax is taking his fight to the High Court.

George Bennett, 45, has been presented with council tax bills by Copeland Borough Council, but is claiming he lives "a nomadic lifestyle" and is not liable.

Mr Bennett says his main home is at Swithens Way, near Sandy, in Bedfordshire, despite also having a house in Distington which he rents out.

Now he has been presented with a bill for council tax by Copeland Borough Council for £1,765 but is refusing to pay.

Valuation tribunal

Mr Bennett says the house in Distington has mostly been tenanted since he bought it seven years ago, and so has not been available for him to live in.

A valuation tribunal ruled that because his tenants do not live in the Distington property under formal agreements, then he still has to pay tax.

A High Court hearing is expected early in the New Year.

Copeland Council has said it cannot comment on the case for legal reasons.