Poll Tax Riots

The Poll Tax Riots occurred in London in 1990 as a protest against the Community Charge, known as the poll tax, which required every adult to pay a fixed amount regardless of income. Many saw it as unfair and felt it placed too much burden on the poor. The protests turned violent when demonstrators clashed with police, with windows broken and vehicles damaged. The riots reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the tax system and the government’s approach, ultimately leading to the abolition of the poll tax and a shift toward more equitable local taxation systems.