Several Belgian refugees were among defaulters in respect of Poor rates to be dealt with at the Borough Sessions on March 29th, 1916.

A letter was received in the case of an elderly couple stating that their income for the past six months was only £42, out of which they had to live, pay rent, fuel and light. Their age prevented them from obtaining work and, although they had tried very hard, they had failed to get a lower rented house. If they had the money they would pay and, as they had not, excusal would be a charitable act.

Excuse was granted on condition that the couple moved into a smaller house or lodgings.

In two other cases it was stated that the breadwinners were earning £3 and £3 16s per week respectively at munition works. One of these had a wife and three children and his parents to keep, but the other only had a wife and child. Both bore high characters and had worked hard to get homes in Luton and been successful. One of the men was stated to have been a partner in a large business in Belgium before the German invasion.

Orders were made for payment in each case.

In another case it was stated that a monthly allowance of 50 francs (£2) was made by the Belgian Government, and two daughters earned 10s a week each.

Orders for payment were made.

[The Luton News: Thursday, March 30th, 1916]