Eviction row threatens higher tax

Council tax could increase by a huge amount in Basildon as a result of the council's fight to evict travellers.

It is estimated the cost of clearing the Crays Hill site could be up to £1.6m and this would mean tax increases for all residents of about 13%.

The council is asking the Government for funds to avoid a tax increase.

Travellers who set up permanent homes and the council enforcing planning laws have been engaged in legal battles over the site for several years.

More than 100 sites

Now the council has won out, it faces costs including the bill for clearing the site.

Tony Ball, deputy leader of Basildon District Council, said: "This is not an easy decision and I have no pleasure in making it.

"Basildon already has over 100 sites to look after as we are the leading provider of sites in the country.

"We believe that to maintain the integrity of our planning laws we have had to carry out this action.

"Now we must decide who pays for it if the Government fails to give us more money."