In March 1921, faced with a massive increase in the rate, the Council refused to cut the level of relief to the poor and withheld £270,000 in contributions required by the London County Council (LCC) until the wealthy West End boroughs took a fairer share. The council ignored a court order to pay, and in September the majority, led by George Lansbury were sent to prison. Faced with a threatened rent strike and enormous popular support for the councillors, the LCC and the Government eventually gave way and the High Court released them in October.
This photograph shows a group of the councillors with their solicitor, W.H.Thompson, after their release from Brixton Prison. The five women councillors were sent to Holloway Prison.
| Title |
Poplar Rate Strike, 1921 |
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| Maker |
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| Production Date |
1921 |
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| Format |
Photograph |
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| Copyright |
Thompsons
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| Holding Institution |
TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University |
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| Related Objects |
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