A retired couple from Barnet, North London, are facing jail after refusing to pay the Olympic surcharge added to their council tax bill.
While not against the games, Tom and Rita Glenister maintain that it’s unfair that they should pay out for the cost of the 2012 games when they might not even be around to see them.
For the past two years the Glenisters have withheld £33.35 ($59) of their £2320 ($4130) council tax bill in protest. This is the amount they calculated would be passed on to the Greater London Authority as a precept for the games. The GLA is planning to raise its £1billion contribution through this London council tax supplement.
"We have the money to pay this tax, but it is a point of principle" Mr Glenister said in an interview.
"Our Prime Minister has consistently told us the London Olympics will benefit the whole country but the only people paying directly for these Games are London council taxpayers. "
"We are two old age pensioners who might not even be here in 2012. It's wrong for us to fund these hugely expensive stadiums and arenas that we might never visit."
The couple have been summoned to Hendon magistrates court on 16th September when their case will be tried. Should they be convicted they will each face up to 3 months behind bars.
While Barnet council have confirmed that the couple will be appearing in court, they have refrained from providing any further information on this case. They have however, said that they take non-payment of council tax very seriously.
Barnet council leader Mike Freer commented: "None of us can choose which part of Council Tax we can pay or not pay. Should residents with no surviving parents be able to withhold the adult social services element, and what about single residents or those without children - should they be able to withhold the education element?"
