AUDIT COMMISSION RELEASES FRESH CRITICISM OF CUSTOMER CARE IN LOCAL LABOUR COUNCIL

30.5.03

The Audit Commission, the Government's 'watchdog' for local councils, has criticised Haringey's customer satisfaction, waiting times, and consultation methods. The move comes in the Commission's latest report on Haringey's e-government, customer care, complaints management and communications inspection.

The report gives Haringey a one star rating overall and although they highlight areas that have shown improvement, Lib Dem leader, Cllr Ross Laird points out that the same failings have been mentioned before, and the report is another critical verdict on the Labour run council. Mr Laird says he is particularly concerned about the low level of customer satisfaction felt by local residents towards the council.

Cllr Ross Laird comments:

"Haringey Council is still failing to deliver. The report backs up complaints from local residents, and while there is evidence of improvement in some quarters, other services such as benefit inquiries, remain woefully poor."

Cllr Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill) adds:

"Haringey is still failing badly in areas such as consultation with local residents - something for which they have been criticised time and again. Haringey must do better, but never really seems to turn the corner."

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