Lynne Featherstone

Lib Dem councillors have welcomed the news that Haringey Council has improved its annually assessed Corporate Performance Assessment Rating from “weak” to “fair”. But the Council’s official opposition say that much more work needs to be done in order to provide a service that is anywhere near the level that residents deserve.

The results, published by the Audit Commission, follow an inspection earlier this year. Although there are some improvements to services, Lib Dems say that when compared with a council like neighbouring Lib-Dem run Islington the rate of improvement is poor.

Lib Dem-run Islington has seen its CPA rating leap from “poor” (one star) in 2002 to “good” (four star) in 2004, while Labour-run Haringey has only moved from “weak” to “fair” in the same period of time. Haringey Lib Dems think that it is not through lack of effort of council staff but through poor and complacent leadership by the weak and divided Labour Executive.

Of great concern is the position of Social Services. Despite huge overspends, the results show no overall improvements, with the service remaining on one star. Equally, while the council’s £5 million PR campaign on its environment services has made little impact on the CPA with the Council scoring ‘weak’ (two star) on this service.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Neil Williams says that Haringey’s score merely confirm the concerns of Lib Dems and residents alike.

Cllr Neil Williams comments:

“Haringey Council staff deserve thanks for any improvements they have delivered. However, the rate of improvement compared to a similar borough such as Lib Dem Islington make sit clear that Haringey is still under-performing, and could clearly learn a thing or two from the Lib Dem council next door.”