Campaigning and Widening Our Scope – Late 1980s and 1990s there was additional controversy with the introduction of the Poll Tax (officially known as the Community Charge), replaced in 1993 by the Council Tax. This created extra turbulence and uncertainty in financial support for local authorities. Meanwhile IVAC was nurturing the growth of new parts of the voluntary and community sector, reaching out more to Black and ethnic minority communities and the emerging Andy Gregg community organisations supporting refugees through the creation of new forums set up in 1990. In 1989 Andy Gregg took over as Director of IVAC. Under the leadership of Andy and chair In 1991 IVAC demonstrated the confidence Oscar Abrams (a founding member of ICSS in and vibrancy of the local voluntary sector 1971), IVAC joined defiant protests against cuts with an exhibition of the work of Islington’s to voluntary sector support from both national voluntary sector being held to mark 20 years and local government. At a time of economic of IVAC. The council nominated IVAC to hardship these cuts doubly affected those administer environmental improvement grants most in need of support, and harmed attempts to small groups. IVAC received funding for to bring together diverse local communities. both an Employment Development Officer and an Environmental Development Officer. From 1990 onwards unemployment started This reflected a growing awareness of the to decline from a historic peak. However, environment following the 1990 UN Earth this did not immediately convert into a more Summit. generous local public spending regime. Indeed, 22 Celebrating 50 Years of Service