Haringey's Social Services amongst worst in country

11.43.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 1st Dec 2006

The annual report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection shows that Haringey's Social Services are amongst the worst in the country, being given just one star out of three in the report, published today. Just 6% of Councils across the country had a worse rating than last year - Haringey was one of them, having achieved two stars in the previous annual report.

Just 33 councils across the country were given a one-star rating, putting Haringey in the bottom 22% of councils nationwide. The report also says that Haringey's capacity to improve services is "uncertain", a rating awarded to just 12% of Councils nationwide. The conclusion of the report explains that "there are significant areas of concern in social care performance."

Lib Dem councillors are extremely worried, pointing out that due to budgetary restrictions, services are likely to get even worse in the coming year.

The report explains that "More work is required to support adults with learning disabilities, and those with mental health problems, with community-based services", and also singles out carers' services as an area that needs serious improvement.

Councillor Richard Wilson, Lib Dem spokesperson for Health and Social Services, comments: "The report is damning. We are hugely concerned that, as the report explains, Labour's ability to improve is 'Uncertain' - more so surely due to the fact that they are likely to cut the budget for next year's social services provision.

"The people of Haringey deserve much better than they are getting. The people who use the service are those who are most at risk - those who require mental health care, the elderly, and the vulnerable. We must ensure that we are giving them the quality of care that they deserve, and it is clear from the report that Labour are not delivering that.

"The Lib Dems will work hard to ensure that Labour are scrutinised over their performance in this area - it is clear that, left to their own devices, Labour do not have the ability to raise performance."

ENDS

Notes to editors

The report can be found at http://www.csci.org.uk/care_professionals/councils/star_ratings.aspx