STILL WORK TO BE DONE ON HARINGEY LIBRARIES, SAYS NEW INSPECTORS' REPORT

3.11.03

The local Government watchdog, the Audit Commission, has branded Haringey Council's plans to improve libraries in the borough as "unambitious" and despite awarding a 'two-star' rating has questioned the scope for further improvement. The comments were made in the Commission's library service re-inspection published last week.

The report follows the presentation of the Libraries Service Position Statement last week at the Council's Executive meeting which highlighted the failure of the Council to attain 14 of the 28 Public Library Standards (PLS).

Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Ross Laird, although pleased with some of the improvements that have been made to the service, shares the Commission's concerns that issues regarding Haringey's library services are not being clearly and openly discussed - nor does Labour-run Haringey have a long term strategy for improvements.

"Despite some improvements, the Audit Commission highlights concerns that the Lib Dems have brought many times to the attention of the Council. Although they have adopted some of the Lib Dem policies such as piloting Sunday opening, a Lib Dem manifesto pledge, they have failed to listen to our concerns with regard to long term plans.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson, Cllr Lynne Featherstone, adds:

"I hope that this report will serve as a wake up call to Labour Haringey. The best way to provide the best service for the people of Haringey is to consult them fully. Until they do that ideas of being the 'best service in London' will remain a pipe dream."

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