Britain in the 1990s

March 1990 had seen the Poll Tax Riots, a series of riots in British towns and cities during protests against the Community Charge which had been introduced by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In total, the riots had resulted in 339 arrests and 13 non-fatal injuries. The violent protests had initiated from peaceful protests, starting at around 4PM on the 31stMarch 1990.

Homelessness, including rough sleepers, were at an all time high. In 1979, it was recorded that over 57,200 were homeless in Britain alone. However, stats had shown that over 150,000 were accepted homeless in 1990.