Let’s be absolutely clear – the level of compliance is significantly higher than for the Household Tax. I sat beside workmates over the past few days trying to dissuade them as they registered online. Their attitude was ‘there going to get us anyway’ – however the most important aspect of it was the sheer anger and resentment that these workers felt at being compelled to pay this tax. The anger and resentment was palpable and significantly sharper than last year over the Household Tax.
The CAHWT (or CAPTA in some areas) has an opportunity to effectively tap into this mood for anger and resentment over the Property Tax and channel into an effective capaign against austerity. Furthermore – don’t forget that the next step is the introduction of water charges. This battle is far from over and the landscape in terms of public perception is changing.