The Poll Tax Flashcards
What was the poll tax a final attempt for?
It was Thatcher’s final attempt to reform local government finances.
What was the aim of the poll tax?
Its aim was to make local councils more accountable to their electors by making sure everyone contributed.
What had local taxation been based on previously?
Previously, under the old rates system, local taxation was based on property and was only paid by homeowners.
What did Thatcherites believe about taxation?
If everyone contributed it would be fairer and councils would be forced to be more efficient and responsible in their spending.
What became clear about the taxation?
It became clear that even under conservative council’s local taxation was likely to go up.
What did Ministers find difficult to justify?
Ministers found it difficult to justify why a poor pensioner should pay the same as a millionaire.
Where was the poll tax first introduced?
The poll tax was introduced in Scotland first in 1989 and was extremely unpopular from the outset.
What was the conservative’s reputation severely damaged by?
The deindustrialisation and recession of the early 1980s.
What happened despite the poll tax’s unpopularity in Scotland?
It was introduced to England and Wales the following year.
What did Thatcher’s unwillingness to alter course seem to highlight?
Her increasing aloofness and failure to connect with ordinary people.
What was set up in response to the poll tax?
Anti-poll tax unions were set up across the country urging people not to pay. In some areas, up to 30% of people were non-payers.
Describe the police, courts and councils against this opposition.
The police, courts and councils were unable to enforce payment.
What happened in March 1990?
There was an anti-poll tax demonstration in Trafalgar square in which 200,000 people attended.
What had happened by evening during the Trafalgar square protest?
By evening the demonstration had turned into a violent riot in which nearly 5,000 people were injured.
Describe the police during the Trafalgar square riot.
The police lost control and over 300 arrests were made. Many comparisons were made with the battle of Orgreave in 1984 and there was criticism for the politicalisation of the police.
