Crowborough Resident Refuses Council Tax Over Nearby Asylum Site

Giles Ellis appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court after refusing to pay council tax to Wealden District Council since January. He stated that his home near Crowborough Army Camp no longer has value and cannot be sold. Ellis told the court he is a law-abiding citizen who has paid his dues throughout his life.

He also reported that another local resident lost a house sale last October after buyers withdrew following the announcement that the camp would house up to 600 asylum seekers.

Magistrates granted the liability order after hearing evidence that required procedures had been properly followed. A Wealden District Council spokesman said council tax is a statutory charge under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and that personal views are not valid defences.

The spokesman added that when payments remain unpaid, the Magistrates’ Court may grant a liability order where legal requirements are met.

Other residents have also withheld payments.

Karen Jones said she is withholding tax because the public was not consulted about the camp. She stated that residents feel they have no voice and receive no answers. Crowborough has hosted the temporary asylum accommodation site since early last year.

The site currently houses around 350 migrants as part of government efforts to process claims. The Home Office said the population in asylum hotels has fallen by nearly 20 per cent in the last year and by 45 per cent since the peak under the previous government.