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Pensioner stands his ground over council tax debts
A SWINEFLEET pensioner will still withhold his council tax, despite a Hull businessman paying off his debt.
Walter Staniforth (71) had owed the East Riding of Yorkshire Council nearly 500 for withholding 28p in the pound of his tax, which he believes goes to the council staff's pension fund.
As a result a Liability Order was granted against him by Goole Magistrates Court a week last Wednesday, which would have given ERYC the power to instruct bailiffs, deduct money from his benefits or earnings, start insolvency proceedings, seek a charge over the property or seek committal to prison.
But Walter, of Sweyne Garth, told the Courier that he received a letter on Monday informing him that a man in Hull had paid off both of his outstanding bills.
He said: "Somebody heard about my situation in the news and paid it off in full for me.
"It seems funny that there are 2.5 million people in debt to the council tax but they have picked me.
"He rang me and just said I don't like to see pensioners treated like that and would be happy to pay my bill.
"I just said it was upto him but I am grateful because it gives me a bit of respite and is a weight off my mind."
But he added: "It hasn't killed it off and I will carry on withholding my bill."
He also revealed that he plans to start withholding the sum monthly instead of once at the end of the year, which he says has gone up to 31p in the pound.
"I am just hoping to get support from some of the 2.5 million who can't pay their council tax like me.
"I would sooner have people demonstrating against this because it is an unfair tax."
An ERYC spokesman confirmed that 'the arrear has been paid off so there has been no need for any action to be taken'.
The Courier was also contacted by Goole resident Robert Brook who had hoped to organise a collection for him, as well as suggest a petition as a way of showing Walter support.
He said: "If it is confirmed that 28p in every one pound of our council tax bill is for the council pension fund, it's absolutely outrageous."
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Weather for Goole
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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