During a period I had of low paid work and collecting dole money our delightful government introduced the Poll Tax (community charge) in 1989.
This tax didn't go down well with the general public. There were demonstrations all over the country. I attended many marches in Manchester, Stockport, and Sheffield. Refusal to pay the poll tax was another part of the protest, I refused to pay There is a lot made of by some sectors of rioting that took place, whereas in reality the demonstrations were largely trouble free, I saw no trouble on any march.
The protests were successful, Thatcher left office 24 years ago this month and the Poll Tax was immediately abolished by her successor John Major.
The very well supported anti Poll Tax campaign forced the government to change course.
With right-wing rhetoric currently dominating our political system, and those at the bottom of the heap being blamed for their position and the ills of society, how can we again fight back and make our political leaders change course?
The anti Poll Tax campaign was a single issue cause that gained traction, it didn't change many other divisive policies. How can we confront the complexity of the problems of inequality we face?
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