public support.
One exception however leader WaN of Birmingham's Labour-controlled city council. He warned his colleagues that 'defiance of the law is not to the advantage of working class'.
But Knowles and his group do to fight the Tory attacks? Birmingham is case in point. Whilst not faced with rate-capping, spending target of £387.1 million government admits Birmingham needs to spend.
The group itself • versocil million, incurring huge penalties lt it does How will this extra money be raised?
Left wing activists Birmingham District Labour Party have argued the government will unal have to bridge Lne gap After all, cuts in government grants have created the problem.
additional burden isn't to be passed on in higher rents and rates then a mass campaign 1s needed to get that money back. This could form part of the national struggle by the ratecapped authorities.
Not for Cllr Knowles. His alternative is becoming increasingly While promising propaganaa campaign to persuade the government to ILS cash limits penalties, will if necessary increase the rates.
Leaving aside penalties, this could involve increases of 35-50 per cent.
Rut the ettorts of Clli Knowles his supporters to bass their posals as 'socialist' have met with increasing opposition. Labour activists know that, the rhetoric, substantial rate increases are a tax on the mall thousands of workers whose living st andards are already under attack.
Birmingham's Labour group has now decided to delay setting a rate. But in the coming months a decision will have to be made.
it - - as seems likely — Cllr Knowles campaign produces no concessions • Jenkin, the choices will be stark Labour ac tivists in Birmingham have ensure group supports the national camaign.
Socialist Action 15 February 1985
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'BREAK THE poor not the law' That was Neil Kinnock's advice to left wing councillors at last week's local government conference. It got little