Lynne Featherstone

The announcement that Homes for Haringey has received a two star ‘good’ rating has been welcomed by Haringey Liberal Democrats but they have renewed calls for the Decent Homes funding to be invested. Lib Dems believe that the Audit Commission decision on 23rd August 2007 should now clear the way for the investment of millions of pounds promised by the Government to bring all of Haringey’s homes to a ‘decent’ standard by 2010. The Labour government however has delayed funding until at least 2012/13.

Lib Dems have also called for the areas of weakness identified by the Audit Commission to be urgently addressed by Haringey Council. The Audit Commission recommended that customer services, gas servicing, rental collection and complaints procedures need improving.

Cllr Catherine Harris, Lib Dem Housing spokesperson comments:

“The two star rating is welcome but won’t help residents if the Labour Government will not loosen the purse strings and give the residents of Haringey the investment they promised. The Audit commission has said that the lack of investment in housing stock over a long period and stock condition data is inadequate. If Homes for Haringey is going to get any better at providing decent homes for everyone they will have to be given this money now.

“I call for immediate action by the Council to ensure Homes for Haringey gets moving on improving tenants’ homes across the Borough.”