Poll Tax Protests Flashcards
When was it introduced in Scotland?
On April 1st 1989 and a year later in England and Wales
Who introduced the Poll Tax?
The Conservative government
Who had to pay?
Everyone had to pay the same amount regardless of their income, this meant that over 70% of the populations had to pay more tax
What were the methods of protest against the tax?
- marches and demonstrations
- leaflets, petitions and posters
- clothing
- not registering
- refusing to pay
- not collecting or administering the tax
Who protested?
The Labour Party, trade unions and many people thought the tax was unfair
What did the ‘All-Britain Federation’ do?
They organised demonstrations. Some led to violence between the police and protestors especially in London on 31st March 1990
Why was the government struggling under the protests?
They were a new type of protest which they did not know how to deal with
Why did the government lose support?
Heavy-handed police officers made it look like they had lost control and they were the ones at fault
What did Margaret Thatcher refer to the protestors as?
‘Rent-a-Mob’ but only a few protestors were violent. Most had public opinion on their side
Why couldn’t the government really respond?
They couldn’t arrest the 18million protestors
What were the consequences?
Margaret Thatcher was forced to resign and the tax ended
What was the poll tax more commonly known as?
The community charge
