Pensioners protest against Blair in London

[T_i_B]

This demo starts at midday today. This is definetly one for UK DUers IMHO. I'll also post the organizer's website. Make of this what you will.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3405343.stm

Thousands of pensioners are expected to take part in a rally against rising council tax bills on Saturday.
Organisers are hoping as many as 5,000 will walk from Trafalgar Square to 10 Downing Street to present a petition.

The demonstration has been organised by the campaign group Is It Fair, which claims, on average, the cost of council tax has risen by up to 70% since 1997.

Among those supporting the demo is the Royal British Legion, which says the tax is unfair.

The Legion says the council tax system needs to be replaced with a fairer alternative, which looks after the elderly and those on low earnings.

http://www.isitfair.co.uk/

The IsItFair campaign is NATIONWIDE, NON-PARTY POLITICAL and FOR EVERYONE (not only pensioners) who wants the existing system of Council Tax abolished.

If you have been outraged by the relentless, year on year, inflation-busting increases in Council Tax, then this is YOUR CAMPAIGN. Please support it in whatever way you can.

The average rise for 2003/2004 was 12.9 per cent and was a direct result of central Government action. It is set to continue. Government is using the council tax system as a stealth tax. Grants have been redistributed away from many areas. At the same time, Government has dictated that spending in these same areas is significantly increased. On average, the cost of council tax has increased by up to 70% since 1997. The forecasts for next year's rises are already being reported at 10%. Central Government blames the local county councils for all the extortionate rises. Do not believe this. Check with your own county council and you will discover the truth.

Our aims are to make people aware of the need for action and to have the existing property-value-based council tax replaced by a system that takes account of the ability to pay. People power will achieve this.