A council tax dodger who claims to be exempt from paying has failed in a bid to stop enforcement action against him. 

Ian Harris has accused North Norfolk District Council of “fraud” and acting unlawfully in pursuing more than £2,000.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard he had failed to make payments since March, while living at a home at Mill Road in Cromer.

The 58-year-old, who represented himself in court, said he does “not consent to comply with the council which is a private business”. 

North Norfolk District Council was granted an order allowing enforcement action over council tax arrearsNorth Norfolk District Council was granted an order allowing enforcement action over council tax arrears (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Norfolk man’s dramatic stand-off over unpaid council tax

‘Freeman on the Land’ theories online have seen people argue that they are only bound by the laws they have ‘consented’ to, and that if they do not ‘consent’ to council tax then they are not liable to pay it.

The council has applied for a liability order to recover the debt through enforcement action, which could include sending in bailiffs to seize items or securing the debt against his property. 

Teresa Saunders, council revenue team leader, said missed payments had seen reminder notices sent to Harris on April 22 and June 24, before a final notice on July 22 and a court summons on August 6.

He claimed in court that the council had already acted unlawfully in placing restrictions against his property on the Land Registry for non-payment.

He stormed out of court shouting “this is fraud - I’ll see you in the high court” when magistrates approved enforcement action. They said they were satisfied the council had followed correct procedures.

Ian Harris had claimed he did not consent to the council authority so did not have to pay for its servicesIan Harris had claimed he did not consent to the council authority so did not have to pay for its services (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

People using ‘Freeman on the Land’ arguments have previously been jailed for non-payment of council tax, which can lead to sentences of up to three months. 

On its website North Norfolk District Council states: “Being a ‘Freeman of the Land’ does not mean people can choose which laws they adhere to and which to ignore.”

Magistrates also approved a further 347 liability orders against North Norfolk council tax non-payers in cases heard in absence.

They also granted 18 business rate liability orders and two for non-domestic rates.