A TRURO area councillor had to be taken to court after failing to pay his council tax, it has been revealed.

Councillor Chris Pascoe is one of four Liberal Democrat members of Cornwall Council who have been forced to come clean over non-payment of council tax bills.

Failure to pay the tax that they help to set has left politicians red-faced and campaign groups furious.

Scott Mann, deputy leader of the Conservative group, said it did not inspire financial confidence in the Lib Dems, who want to control a billion pound budget, if they couldn't run their personal finances.

"It's for the public to decide whether it's a big issue," he said. "The taxpayer has to have confidence in the people making decisions at County Hall."

Mr Pascoe, who represents Threemilestone and Gloweth, said problems regarding the payment of council tax began after the death of his father in July, 2010.

He said: "I've been in turmoil ever since. It came as a shock financially and obviously emotionally.

"That was the reason for getting behind with the payment of council tax. At the time it was chaotic.

"I knew I was behind but was making payments to keep up. I didn't know about the court order until recently."

Mr Pascoe, who is a self-employed electrician, said he has now paid all outstanding bills.

He said: "You struggle as much as the next person with financial problems."

The councillor said the issue does not affect his capacity to represent his constituents but may have a bearing on his decision of whether or not to stand for re-election in 2013.

Cornwall Council said 17 councillors paid late but the authority would not comment on individual cases, arguing it was a personal matter. The Government's Information Commissioner is considering an appeal against the refusal to identify the members.

Mr Pascoe is believed to be the last of four Liberal Democrat councillors who have faced court proceedings as a result of non-payment.

Launceston South's councillor Sasha Gillard-Loft and Liskeard North's councillor Jan Powell admitted this week they had not made the payments at certain points over the past two years.

Councillor Alex Folkes, Liberal Democrat member for Launceston and deputy group leader, also previously admitted being taken to court for failing to pay his council tax.

Miss Gillard-Loft said she had not gone public previously because she lived with a friend who owned the house, paying the bill was his responsibility and she felt his finances were a private matter.

Mrs Powell's husband Tony, a Liskeard town councillor and former leader of Caradon District Council, said he paid their council tax and had no knowledge of any liability order until December 27, 2011, when he was contacted by Cornwall Council's solicitor.

TaxPayers' Alliance campaign manager Robert Oxley said: "Councillors have to set an example and pay their council tax. Those not doing so are adding further costs to already hard-pressed taxpayers."

Councillors facing legal action by their own authority were not credible representatives, he said.

"If politicians are struggling then maybe it will illustrate to them the problems faced by many who have seen bills double in the past decade."