Unwanted and unfair
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The poll tax, or community charge, was introduced as part of the Local Government Finance Act in April 1990. The legislation aimed to ensure that everyone paid something, regardless of their income. However, as it was charged against people rather than property, as the old rates had been, it led to anomalies; one wealthy person living in a mansion would pay only a fraction charged to five unemployed people living in a council house.
Anti poll tax campaigners argue that defaulters have fewer rights than criminals because they are not entitled to Legal Aid, there is no remission of sentence for defaulters, and there is no right of appeal. A study to be published tomorrow shows that 2,089 people have been jailed for non-payment since April 1990. Protests against the poll tax culminated with the Trafalgar Square riot in March 1990. It was replaced by a Council Tax in April 1993. Frank Dobson, the shadow environment secretary, said Labour believed those who can pay should make their contribution to the cost of services. However, he added: "We do not feel prison or any kind of punishment is appropriate for people who are simply too poor to pay."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments