Crediton climate protester in court

She's not paying her council tax

A Crediton woman who doesn't want to pay her council tax because she disagrees with the way it's spent is appearing at Exeter Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Imogen May, 49, is charged with withholding council tax from Mid Devon District Council. She hasn't paid for two years and could be jailed.

Ms May, a single parent, is a supporter of climate protest group Extinction Rebellion. They're launching what they call an 'earth strike' campaign encouraging people to withhold three per cent of their income, business, or council tax to pressure the government to do more about climate change.

Ms May said: "If the money generated by council tax and other taxes stayed within the community that generated that money, and the community and councillors made a decision about how to spend that revenue, through citizens assembly, we would begin to create a sense of ownership and responsibility for our communities."

In court, she says she will accept liability for tax but is holding onto the money to pay when she believes they can be used entirely for community benefit. Extinction Rebellion refer to her as a conscientious objector, a reference to people who refused to defend the country in the world wars.

Ms May continues: "Yes, council tax is a valuable resource for services etc, but it is not being utilised for that purpose. Our mental health services, education, care for our children, elderly, refugee groups, women's groups, and transport systems are struggling under the weight of privatisation. Those placed in a position of leadership, without our consent have failed us as leaders. Councils have their hands tied by central government. This action is about returning responsibility to local communities.”