Warwick man taken to court after claiming 'freeman of the land' to avoid paying council tax
A man from Warwick who continued to claim 'freeman of the land' status to avoid paying his council tax was taken to court last year.
Towards the start of 2025, Stratford District Council obtained a bankruptcy order against Mr P James from Banbury Road in Warwick after repeated failures to pay council tax, despite numerous reminders and legal notices.
The council said payments on the account stopped after March 31 2021.
Despite reminder notices and a court summons being issued, no payments were made.
The council said “initial correspondence was returned, but further documents were hand-delivered to ensure receipt.”
During the recovery process, the district council said it received multiple letters asserting ‘freeman of the land’ arguments, which were formally addressed.
Enforcement agents were instructed in line with legislation, but when the account was returned unpaid, the district council started the bankruptcy proceedings.
Even after a court hearing date was set, Mr P James continued to submit ‘freeman of the land’ letters and Subject Access Requests. These were included in the evidence presented to the court.
The judge ruled that there was "nothing of merit in stopping the bankruptcy order from being granted", and the order was duly made.
The bankruptcy order was granted in February 2025, and recovery is ongoing for the sum of £5,707.21.
Although the order was granted last year, Stratford District Council on made this case public in December 2025.
Councillor Liz Coles, portfolio holder for housing and customer services at Stratford District Council, said: "As a district council, we are committed to supporting residents who are experiencing financial difficulties and will always seek to agree fair payment arrangements wherever possible.
"Our support is there for those who genuinely need it.
"However, when individuals deliberately refuse or neglect to pay, we will take action to recover public funds.
"Council tax is essential for funding vital local services, and it is only fair that everyone contributes.
"Attempts to avoid payment using misleading arguments can ultimately affect our ability to deliver the services residents rely on."
For more information on Freeman of the Land status go to: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-tax/freeman-of-the-land-council-tax-legality.cfm