A PENSIONER who is prepared to risk jail in protest at continuing council tax hikes is due in court today.

Barbara Lockwood, 74, of Norwich, will appear before the city's magistrates' court for a committal hearing after withholding £403 in payments to Broadland District Council in Norfolk.

Mrs Lockwood, a founder member of the campaign group Folk Against Council Tax, said she had packed her bag in anticipation of being handed a prison sentence.

"I have no intention of paying and I am prepared to go to prison," she said.

"I am on my own and I have no intention of them taking my every last penny when my home needs updating in many ways.

"I do not have the money and as far as I am concerned this Government and local councils have got to do something about this."