JIM FITZPATRICK is acting secretary of the Democracy for London campaign. He told Socialist Action what options facing councils preparing next year's budgets.
THERE three options. You either go along with the government, you set no rate, or you set a deficit budget. Obviously, we don't accept going along with the government without a challenge. That means non-compliance either not setting a rate or a deficit budget.
The Liverpool situaThey went to the cimwent munity, the unions and said: this is a Photo: STEFANO CAGONI (Renort)
budget for need, the one we should be promoting ano we oak vorsaok be supporting. That position was won. The government was forced to do a U-turn.
The problem with Londou have inne london is that have nine boroughs, have ILEA, and you have the The deficit budget strategy is a far stronger convince workers and the communily lal ll is a budgel 101 need.
But there is a danger. Because what will happen is that boroughs, the GLC and ILEA will run out of money independently. One may run out in three weeks, the last nine months.
But effectively thatisolate one borough, get solidarity action, unless the union organisa that we can turn on the tap sophisticated of strike action in every borough when the first worker is sacked.
The beauty of a no-rate budget is that each THE 7 NOVEMBER day of action in London, against rate-capping and abolition was an outstanding success Despite the TUC's local government committee failing to back the action, over 100,000 took strike action ana 30,000 demonstrated. This success provides a solid basis on which to build for the fight ahead.
The next stage in the campaign will be welding the authority in London will run out within three weeks. happens, then it means nobody is going to get paid, and the services will disappear.
The boroughs, the GLC and ILEA will all be going at the same time. This will be much more effective in terms of solidarity action and mass support.
NENT WA united front against the Tory proposals. Democracy For circulating the open letter and resolution (see below) to Labour groups. We urge all Socialist Action supporters The danger of the norate policy is that Labour authorities are demanding the right to set their own Tale, and wilat we le say ing as the trade union arm recognise their right to set WC do recognise their right to set a rate on working pepole to solve the withdrawal of RSG by central governRugby tackled have council majority of only one), is the front line of the resistance to Tory attempts to stop the big advances being made for lesbian and gay employment rights through the work of activists the growing support of local govern. HECHL ULUS Unfortunately Rugby's police decided to turn the logic of the council's ban into reality. Right at the end, they launched an unprovoked attack on the Gay Youth Movement arrested people. Their defence is now part of the activities of the campaign against the ban. Resolutions of support, donations to: SLGB •c/o Clifton Rd, Rugby, Warwickshire.