This week 30 years ago: Labour accused of ‘abandoning’ Islington council estates after increasing rent
Islington Gazette: January 22, 1988 - Credit: Archant
Labour rebels accused colleagues of abandoning the party’s traditional supporters on Islington’s council estates, after they pushed through a £6 a week rent increase.
The hike, the equivalent of £15 today, came as the town hall faced a cash crisis.
In scenes Cllr Caroline Russell – Islington’s current sole opposition Green member – could only dream of today, 10 Labour members rebelled at a vote.
Though it was ultimately pushed through, rebel Cllr David Barnes said: “By approving these increases we are committing electoral suicide. The leadership is cynically off-loading the budget deficit onto the backs of the tenants.”
Meanwhile, a security guard was seriously injured after being shot by smash and grab raiders.
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He was delivering cash to Lloyds Bank in Highgate Hill, Archway, when two men struck. Three shots were fired and one bullet went straight through the guard’s groin.
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