Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Dem Deputy Leader Wayne Hoban has expressed disappointment that Haringey Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee rejected a call for a full meeting of Haringey Council to consider funding issues relating to the proposed Bernie Grant Centre for the arts in Tottenham.

Cllr Hoban had brought the issue to Haringey Council’s top watchdog committee to explore issues in relation to the recognised high financial risks of the project, a meeting at which the press and public were excluded. Lib Dem councillors have in the past criticised Haringey Council for their approach to funding the project, which has seen Haringey Council agreeingto increasing amounts of subsidy for the project.

Cllr Wayne Hoban comments:

“I am disappointed that the Labour members of the committee voted not to refer this issue. Most seemed more concerned at having to take the time out to attend this important debate. This is not about the benefits of regeneration to the area, which I have, and will continue to, fully support, but rather whether the current business plan and development vehicle is either realistic or financially sound.

“It is clear there is a great deal of anxiety about both funding issues and the development vehicle in this project and these must be fully explored. We will continue to monitor the situation vigorously and bring decisions back to the Scrutiny Committee if they continue to raise concerns about the financial risk to Haringey Council and Haringey residents.”