Film Number |
12968 |
Title |
COMMUNITY CHARGE [POLL TAX] |
Producer |
WFA Media & Cultural Centre |
Date |
1989 |
Gauge |
VHS |
Colour |
colour |
Sound |
sound |
Running Time |
7 mins 47 secs |
Description |
The Community Charge, commonly known as the Poll Tax, was introduced on 1st April 1989 in Scotland and 1990 in England and Wales. Replacing the domestic rates system of funding for local authorities, it was a tax levied on people, not property. It soon became widely hated for its unfairness, with many people vanishing from the electoral register to try and avoid payment. Following a huge protest and riot in London, the tax was withdrawn, being replaced by Council Tax, linked once more to property. The Poll Tax debacle remains infamous to this day and arguably brought down the then-Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher in 1991. In this short film, Kath Robinson, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, and others look at the unwelcome effects the incoming Community Charge will have on the welfare and quality of life of the city’s residents. |
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Key
This title can be seen by visiting the NWFA Viewing Pods at Archives+, Manchester Central Library.
This title is available to watch online using the BFI Player (external site). Click on the BFI Player icon (if present) to see the film.
Film & Video Catalogue: Item Detail