Put a Nail in Tory Coffin!

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LOCAL government has been the most successful forcing ground for Tory efforts to reduce public spending over the past three years. Where there have been great difficulties in reducing state aid to industries like British Leyland, and no SMORT.

LIFE HOUSES ARE owned by local authorities and earmarked to provide shelter for the poor in this and succeeding generations.

In the past it has not always proved easy to organise a fightback against these policies. Local Labour Councils in particular have often "defended" the services by simply increasing the burdens in other ways, especially by pushing up rates.

Heseltine's latest legislation means that this is no longer an option in the future.

In the May 6 elections Labour candidates for local authorities are standing throughout the country on platforms which oppose future cuts in services. This will mean that filfilling manifesto commitments will involve a confrontation with the government. This can only be carried through successfully with mass support.

The election campaign itself has no doubt helped to galvanise this. In the area where. I am standing, the support of new groups of working class women for a fighting Labour campaign has been particularly striking.

Threats

This support will need to be consolidated and developed in the next period. Supporters of Socialist Organiser will no doubt be working to secure Labour victories throughout the country on May 6. This will by no means be the end of the story however.

After this it will be necessary:

*To make sure that manifesto commitments like the Clinton, Labou candidi lilirise Ward, Isli gton, ; at the issues at take one here in Islington for 3 one-year rent freeze are noi abandoned in the face of threats from governments. district auditors and other such elements.

*To develop democratic accountability not only within the Labour Party itself but also in the administration of housing, social services, and other council provisions so that those who benefit from public spending can be mobilised to defend and extend it.

*To make sure that the left wing groups in local Labour Parties are well organised to secure adherence to these policies.

In this way, Labour victories on May 6 can be a nail in the coffin of the Tory government and a step towards the socialist mobilisation of the working class.

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