A GREAT-grandfather-of-three from a Ryedale market town claims he has been treated like a "naughty schoolboy" by his district authority in a wrangle over a council tax rebate.

Eric and Betty Richardson, 76, of Ingsgarth, Pickering, paid the full council tax rate for their modest bungalow until May 2002, when they discovered they were entitled to council tax benefit based on their income and capital.

Mr Richardson, a former ironmongers' manager, contacted Ryedale District Council and a council tax discount was arranged, but a dispute arose when the council decided not to pay back the money Mr Richardson had overpaid for around five years.

"I just feel - I won't say like I've been robbed, but I just feel like I've been a naughty schoolboy for not doing what I should've and now I'm not going to get my money back," said Mr Richardson, who has been retired for 11 years and has three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

"They say it's my fault, because if I'd read the information they sent me I'd have realised I could have claimed council tax benefit. Some old age pensioners like myself don't grasp things like they used to do.

"They sorted the benefit out, but when I asked if I could get any back money, they sent me some forms to fill in and told me there wasn't much chance."

Mr Richardson said he believed that the council could afford to refund his cash.

The Richardsons, who have lived in Ryedale all their lives, believe they are entitled to a council tax rebate of about £2,500 in total, but fear even if they win their case they will only win the equivalent of a year's refund - around £500 - on what they have overpaid.

The Appeals Service, an independent arbitrator appointed by the council, will hear their case on May 9 at Scarborough and decide whether they should receive a rebate.

"We have reviewed the decision and the next stage is to wait for a decision from the Appeals Service Tribunal," said Sue Redfern, revenues manager and assistant chief executive of Ryedale District Council. "If they win the appeal, they will be repaid for the full period that they have claimed."

Updated: 12:02 Wednesday, April 14, 2004