Britain in the early 90s

Poll tax

The poll tax, a colloquial name for The Community Charge, was a name for a system of taxation implemented by Margaret Thatcher in 1990. It was introduced to replace an existing system of domestic rates that was in place to fund council services. It was a change in the source of funding, from the rates system where homeowners were charged depending on the value of their property to a rigid charge paid by most adults, within no influence by income or home value. Many argued this was unjust, for example those who were wealthy and retired were paying the same amount as single parent households, with no consideration for their circumstances or how much a person will use services such as pensioner bus pass, free school meals, etc. Some people who were struggling were eligible for up to 80% off, however many argued this to be hypocritical. Why make everyone pay the same rate when you are aware many can’t afford the same as the more fortunate?

The conservative government argued that the tax was more of a moral and principal standpoint, as everyone should be equally using and funding for council services. The Conservative government wanted to end socialist ideas and wanted councils to be mor aware and cautious in their spending. High spending councils would have a higher community charge, which would often be more deprived areas that worked to create more opportunities. To some extent it felt like a punishment for using council services, whereas those in wealthier areas had a lower fee to pay as their services weren’t as needed.

The Poll Tax straight away faced a lot of backlashes, many refused to pay it as they considered it completely unfair and many unions were formed to protest against the tax. Its estimated around 1 million people went to lengths to avoid paying the tax and 6000 protest movements took place.

By the end of 1990, Margaret Thatcher was forced to resign, the poll tax backlash being a key reason as to why. John Major who took over after her resignation removed the poll tax which was replaced by council tax.

Homelessness in the 1990s

In the 1990s Britain faced a homelessness crisis, especially in major cities such as London

Olivia McKechnie