CORNWALL Councillor for Launceston Central, Alex Folkes, was ordered to pay his council tax and costs, after he fell behind with his payments.

In September 2010, Cllr Folkes, who is also deputy Liberal Democrat group leader, was made the subject of a liability order. Magistrates at Bodmin ordered him to pay £793.62, including costs.

It is understood that he was sent reminders in March, April, and May 2010 before being issued with a liability order the following September.

Since the news has come to light, Cllr Folkes has spoken about the reasons on his blog, A Lanson Boy.

Under the title of 'Council Tax — mea culpa' (which is Latin for 'my mistake), Cllr Folkes said: "I did fall behind on two occasions to the extent that legal action was taken against me and I deeply regret that this was the case. My excuse, such as it is, is that since I was elected in 2009 I have lived for the most part on my councillor allowance of £12,100 per year and I put other bills before council tax.

"But it is wrong to fall behind and I apologise to the people who I represent for letting them down in this way. I can assure anyone who cares that I have paid my full council tax for the current year and won't fall behind again."