Equalising the Rates, Resisting the Cuts

– a discussion and comparison of and commentary on tactics then and now – 1921 and 2021

One hundred years ago, the Labour council of the east London Borough of Poplar went to prison rather than inflict cuts or rate rises on its impoverished population. Poplar Council won.

Since then, Labour councils have very rarely followed its example. Councils face a terrible funding crisis, but too often make cuts and collaborate with developers against local communities rather than resisting. So how can we fight against cuts today?

Our speakers represent a range of experience at the sharp end of local government under-funded and the fight for decent jobs and services.

The meeting is chaired by Janine Booth, author of Guilty and Proud of It: Poplar’s Rebel Councillors and Guardians 1919-25. Speakers include John McDonnell MP, SEND campaigner Amanda Elliot, Labour Councillor Josh Lovell and a local government trade unionist.

This roundtable discussion is part of a series of events celebrating the centenary of the Poplar rates rebellion.

Register on Eventbrite.