Catalogue Number
NMLH.1999.28
Object Name
Banner
Title
'Withington Against The Poll Tax'
Place
Withington, Whalley Range, Manchester, Lancashire, London, England, UK
People
Conservative Party, Margaret Thatcher
Events
Poll Tax, Poll Tax Riots
Date
1990
Creator(s)
Description
Withington Against the Poll Tax banner, 1990
This banner was made by Ruth Abrahams and was carried on 31 March 1990 at a demonstration attended by 70,000 people in Trafalgar Square, London. The Community Charge, commonly referred to as the 'Poll Tax', was introduced in 1990 and was one of the most unpopular policies of Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government. The Poll Tax replaced the existing Local Council Rates, which were only paid by the property owner, and charged each adult individually.
The Poll Tax took no account of the income of individuals and many sections of society including some Conservative politicians thought this was unfair. The tax was accused of moving expenses onto the poor whilst saving the rich money. Many people refused to pay the tax including 70% of the people of Manchester in August 1990. The tax was later abandoned and was thought to have contributed to Thatcher's downfall. She resigned and was replaced as Prime Minister by John Major in November 1990.
