Badge - No rent or rates increases
Object
Badge
Production date
1984-1985
Object number
2024.186
Physical Description
Circular badge, white background with black text around the edge and red in the centre.
Object history
In July 1984 Hackney councillors passed a resolution not to make spending cuts ordered by central government, or to increase rates or rents to compensate for lost grant money. This was part of a wider campaign by the rate-capped local authorities with the aim of forcing the government to stop attempting to reduce council spending. Hackney Council argued that it had lost £30 million in grant cuts since 1979, and that by using rate capping the Thatcher government was making additional cuts to its budget by nearly one third.
In March 1985 the council presented its “No Cuts” budget, aiming to keep the existing levels of jobs and services at the council without rate or rent increases. After nearly 10 hours of very heated debate across 21 and 22 May 1985, Hackney councillors agreed to adopt a budget and set an increased rate at the maximum within government limits. It was believed that to continue the ‘no rate setting’ or ‘no cuts’ campaign would cause the council to become bankrupt and put services and jobs at risk. Both Council Leader Hilda Kean and Deputy Leader Andrew Puddephatt resigned following the setting of the rate.
In March 1985 the council presented its “No Cuts” budget, aiming to keep the existing levels of jobs and services at the council without rate or rent increases. After nearly 10 hours of very heated debate across 21 and 22 May 1985, Hackney councillors agreed to adopt a budget and set an increased rate at the maximum within government limits. It was believed that to continue the ‘no rate setting’ or ‘no cuts’ campaign would cause the council to become bankrupt and put services and jobs at risk. Both Council Leader Hilda Kean and Deputy Leader Andrew Puddephatt resigned following the setting of the rate.
Associated Event
Associated Person
Peter Kahn (Owner)
Material
Metal
Plastics
Dimension
Diameter: 38mm
On display?
No
Inscription
NO RENT OR RATES INCREASES
NO CUTS
NO CUTS