A NATIONAL protest against tax avoidance by multi-millionaires and big business came to the streets of Durham.

UK Uncut staged demonstrations across the country at stores owned by companies accused of avoiding paying tax on their British profits, thus increasing the tax burden on ordinary people.

The group’s Durham members gathered outside the Dorothy Perkins store in Silver Street last Sunday (jan31) and handed out leaflets to shoppers and passers-by.

Dorothy Perkins is part of the Arcadia Group retail empire, which is run by Sir Philip Green who is said to be one of the country’s leading tax-avoiding businessmen.

Durham UK Uncut spokesman Guy Hutchinson said a small group of protestors or all ages staged a peaceful protest outside the shop.

He said the date was significant because it was the deadline for people not rich enough to afford accountants and tax lawyers to complete self-assessment forms.

"We had a good response from the general public. A lot of people came up and said "well done, we really agree with you’’.’’ Mr Hutchinson said people of different ages, backgrounds and party political persuasion were becoming concerned that rich companies and businessmen were avoiding their fair share of tax, leaving ordinary people to pick up the bill.

He said that the group had no argument with Dorothy Perkins staff and had given them chocolates.

UK Uncut was formed late last year after revelations that Vodaphone had avoided paying tax on £6bn.

Details of it and its Durham group can be viewed at www.ukuncut.org.uk