The community group Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty today threatened “more direct action in solidarity with citizens who cannot afford the Council Tax”, in the wake of the SNP Government dropping their pledge to abolish the Tax in this parliament.
“The SNP are the same as all politicians. Promises, but no action. They are putting the interests of the rich and big business before ordinary people. We will now be stepping up our direct action in solidarity with people who cannot afford this unjust tax,” said spokeswoman Lorna McLeod.
Days before the SNP announcement on the Council Tax, the Scotsman reported that three of the SNP’s big business backers, Tom Farmer of Kwik Fit, Stagecoach boss Brian Souter and hotel owner Donald Macdonald, were seeking an urgent meeting with Alex Salmond.
Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty have carried out several actions at City of Edinburgh Council meetings and Councillor’s surgeries. At the latest Council meeting last Thursday 5th February police physically evicted ECAP protestors who were trying to enter the public gallery following a “Resist the Unjust Council Tax” demo. The police intelligence gathering unit was deployed, and mounted police were present.
In addition to such direct action ECAP’s affiliate Edinburgh Claimants runs open advice and solidarity sessions at the ACE centre off Leith Walk, where people are given advice on how not to pay the Council Tax, or to minimise their payments. Advice is also given on avoiding debts to banks and big business, and on benefits and housing. ECAP posters have been distributed round the city, offering advice on how to deal with sheriff officers and debt collectors. “Don’t talk to them” and “Shut the door in their face” urges one poster.
SOLIDARITY
ECAP’s solidarity phone tree can summon support to back up individuals in conflict with the authorities, whether over debt, benefits, housing or other problems. “It’s more vital than ever that people support each other against the council, debt collectors and all authorities. We urge people to get in touch and join our solidarity phone tree.” said Lorna McLeod
“As the profit-based system goes into crisis, ordinary people are being hammered, and the failure to abolish this unfair tax could be the last straw for many,” she continued. “Non-payment of the Poll Tax did for Maggie Thatcher, could Alec Salmond suffer the same fate?”
NOTES * Photos of the ECAP demo at the Council on 5 February are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/scrlt_pimpernel/with/3271925356/ and a full report can be found at www.edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk and www.scotland.indymedia.org
* Video footage of some earlier ECAP actions is at http://www.anarchotv.net/ (go to ARCHIVE then ECAP)
* ECAP can be contacted at ecap@lists.riseup.net or on 0752 1171148 Web site www.edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk
* Edinburgh Claimants’ advice sessions are on Tuesdays 1-4pm at ACE, 17 West Montgomery Place EH7 5HA
* Big SNP donors to tell Salmond: We need more action www.scotsman.com 6 Feb 2009
