Labour leaves Haringey deep in the red

3.32.56pm GMT Fri 7th Apr 2006

Haringey Labour have totally failed to take control of Haringey Council's finances, according to the Liberal Democrat Opposition. Figures released by Haringey Council show that the total uncollected Council Tax arrears owed to the London Borough of Haringey has risen by £7.9 million in the last three years to just under £25 million.

In comparison, neighbouring borough Islington has seen their total arrears drop from £23.9 million in 2003/04 to £20 million in 2004/05 under a Liberal Democrat council.

Councillor Neil Williams, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition, comments:

"While the high total amount owed is obviously very worrying, what is even more concerning is the speed at which the deficit is rising - between 2002/03 and 2003/04 the figure rose 26%, and between 2003/04 and 2004/05, it rose a further 16%. The Council has indicated that it may be some months before figures for 2005/06 are available.

"This kind of fiscal freefall is totally irresponsible, and is indicative of how Haringey Labour have spectacularly failed to manage the Council's financial affairs. What with these figures and the shocking overspend of £10.6 million on the Council's Tech Refresh project, the people of Haringey must be extremely worried about the ability of Haringey Labour to manage their borough."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

2002/03: Council Tax Arrears: £16.972 million

2003/04: Council Tax Arrears: £21.368 million

2004/05: Council Tax Arrears: £24.859 million