An elderly woman in England is refusing to pay taxes until the city (Derby) gets the prostitutes and drug dealers out of her neighborhood.  In thinking about it I wondered what your legal standing would be if you refused to pay taxes if you could prove that the government did not deliver on the basics.  I’m not talking entitlements here; I’m talking about basic health, safety and infrastructure.

For instance what if I could prove that my water service was inadequate and had been for a year, even after I complained?  Or that the police did not provide enough services to my neighborhood as compared to comparably sized neighborhoods across town?  Or that the roads and sewers were not maintained properly leading to polluted waterways, flooded roads, roads that caused severe damage to vehicles, etc.?

Can the government be held responsible for not providing basic services?  Can we refuse payment until said services are delivered?  Or, if after paying can we petition (i.e. sue) to get a refund?

Just wondering.