The latest opinion poll in London shows that:
• 83 percent of Londoners believe that the main reason for abolition is political, not improvement of London's administation;
• 71 per cent believe that abolition of the GLC will lead to worse services for Londoners;
• 68 per cent believe that abolition will mean less democratic government.
The Tories will take no notice of these points. But the movement should take notice.
The fact is that there is a mass opposition to the COYCEUNCELS proposals on abolition ratecapping.
That is why the Tories refused to contest the rethey elections in May 1985.
The labour movement must provide the lead which can mobilise this opposition.
There is good reason tor doing so:
* Abolition of the GLC alone will mean 6000 jobs lost immediately, 14,000 to follow;
* A five per cent cut in local government expenditure would mean 160,000 jobs lost in England alone, including 60,000 teaching jobs; * If the GLC abolished, borough rates in London will rise; * This is not to stop 'profligate' local councils. In fact, local government spending as proportion of Gross Domestic Product has been falling Inland 6 months £8; 12 months £15.
Overseas (12 months only)
Europe £17; Air Mail £ 24 (Double these rates for multi-reader institutions)
Name Address Please send me as special offer Enterprises, PO Box 50, London N1. riated By Laneridge Ltd. (TU), London E2. since 1975 (from 34 per cent of GDP then, to 25 per cent now).
The aim of the government's attacks are clear. It is to make a huge cut services, therefore in jobs, to destroy the Labour Party's strength in local governICHl The labour movement can defeat this allack the rate-capped councils, the GLO the metropolitan • counties stand together, will be incapable of imposing the legislation.
Liverpool showed how it can be done. The local Send to: Socialist Action Subs, 328 Upper St, London'N/ 2XP.
government unions, the abour Parties, Labour groups must stand a united front committed to defying the law.
The local community can be mobilised by rerusing to massive rate rises with local needs, to defend lobs and services conference gave the party, and the leadership mandate to fight the Tory proposals -the law if need be. Now is the time to organise to wage this fight.
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Thatcher and Friends by John Ross For Over our Dead Bodies -Women Against the Bomb Introductory offer for new readers: Eight issues for just £2! GLC NALGO STOP CUTS Photo: ANGELA PHILLIPS (FL)
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