I think this is one of the rubbish Tory-invented ideas (like Clause 28) that Labour would've done well in repealing...but what would you suggest the alternative be?
The rates were seen as unfair by the Tories because they did not penalise high-spending councils.
Then they introduced the Poll Tax, which caused riots in London, then they saddled us with the Council Tax.
Okay - let's forget who thought up the Council Tax and look at where we are now...is it fair that someone who has a high value property should pay more for local services, even if he she or they aren't actually cash rich?
Some would say that's unfair...but then, why should the millionaire in his mansion pay the same as a pensioner on income support, just because they live in the same band in the same catchment area?
I'm trying to feel sympathy for Mr Fitzmaurice, but I just don't feel any I'm afraid. What if I served my country and then decided to pick and choose which taxes to pay?
I don't think that anyone should be shamed into supporting Mr Fitzmaurice because he served his country. There are thousands who served in the forces, and continue to, but they don't break the law to make their point. They make their point at the ballot box.