Poll Tax 1990

How did people protest?

Non-payment of the tax (A large percentage of the country protested this way). Marches (Usually ending outside the local council offices) Political debate (writing to MP's, metting with MP's etc) Lobbying, making leaflets, badgesm stickers and posters etc.

Who won?

The people won! Thatcher resigned on the 22nd November 1990. The Poll Tax was completely abolished in 1993 and

What was the Poll Tax?

Every employed adult was charged the same amount tax, it was up to the local council to decide the charge. Pensioners payed 25% of the charge, students and the unemployed payed 20%.

Case Study: London Riots.

March 31st 1990. 200,000 protesters arrived in London for a peaceful march. The destination was Trafalga Square were speeches would be made, however there was not enough space, so some protesters went towards Downing Streed (Not the agreed route) and fights began when the police tried to move them on. The violence spread with 113 injuries (of which 45 police), 400 arrests, an estimated damage of £400,000 and claims that peaceful bystanders were caught in the violence.

Why was it introduced?

The previous tax was criticised as it was outdated and didn't work with your houses actual income (it worked with the size of your house). Thatcher wanted the people who used the local services more to pay for them, rather than the people whom rarely used them.

Why wasn't it liked by the public?

The tax system was regressive: the poor payed more than the rich <<eg. Thatcher herself would pay £2,300 less tax per year, where as a normal family in Suffolk would pay £640 more tax per year>>