Sending jobs to Coventry as the county recovers from a recession is madness, according to a local resident.

On Monday the council tax billing operation transferred from Shepton Mallet to the West Midlands' city.

While a spokeswoman for Mendip District Council stressed there were no job losses resulting from the move, one resident who had to use the system on Monday described it as a backward step.

The resident, who has asked not to be named, said he received a late-payment letter from Mendip on Saturday, February 6, and was amazed when it stated they had to receive payment from him by February 3.

"First thing on Monday morning I rang them to make the payment, while also pointing out that as I'm not a time-traveller I would not be able to pay by their deadline," he said.

"But they then informed me I had to phone a new number, an 0845 number.

"That was when they told me that they had switched the operation from Somerset to Coventry.

"I couldn't believe it. At a time when we are still coming out of a recession, they are moving jobs elsewhere.

"They told me the decision had been made corporately and was based on making efficiencies. However this is not a private company we are talking about, but an organisation that has a duty of care to citizens in the county.

I do not think it is in the best interests of citizens in Somerset to be employing people elsewhere."

The resident added that he also had some concerns with the new 0845 telephone number, as calls to the former 01749 number were free, but he has to pay for the low-call rate.

"While I understand a lot of firms are switching to these telephone numbers in fact for many people, including me, who have geographically-based telephone packages, this does not help," he said.

A spokeswoman for Mendip District Council confirmed the new arrangements had been put into place for Monday morning.

From Monday customers ringing Mendip District Council are prompted to call 0845 300 3352 directly with any queries relating to council tax and housing benefit.

"A recorded message on the general Mendip phone system will relay the new number to residents.

"In an effort to improve service we have introduced a dedicated revenues and benefits line, among other benefits it ensures shorter waiting times and specialised staff available to take calls at a reduced cost to the organisation," said the spokeswoman.