The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (Tusc), formed by Bob Crow and others in 2009, will have seven candidates to campaign against cuts.

David Maples, Tusc agent, said: “Local authorities [should be able] to use their powers to check on private landlords – at the moment private landlords are free to do as they like.

“We are looking for a real wage that people can live off – £10 an hour. The council could make a stand by doing that.

“Lastly, we would use the council reserves to reinstate services which have been cut.”