Home Connections - another launch blunder means housing boss must finally go, say Lib Dems

1.41.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 1st Dec 2006

Haringey Civic Centre

Councillor Isidoros Diakides, Labour's embattled housing lead member, is once again facing calls for his immediate resignation, as yet again problems further delay the launch of the Home Connections scheme.

In order to survive a no confidence motion tabled by the Lib Dems at the last Full Council meeting, Cllr Diakides promised councillors and public alike that the new scheme would be launched on the 27th November. Lib Dem members are dismayed to hear that the project has been pushed back once again to what officers described as "an unknown time next week".

Home Connections is a new choice-based lettings scheme to be run in conjunction with several other London boroughs. The scheme will see tenants bid online for accommodation across the capital.

Cllr. Diakides has been at the centre of attention for months following the release of a damning report by the Audit Commission in May exposing major failings in the Housing Service. He narrowly survived a vote of no-confidence at the last meeting of the Full Council. Following briefings from officers, Lib Dems expressed their concerns that the launch of the new scheme could be delayed into the new year. Councillor Diakides explained that the 27th November was the expected date of the launch "bar a last minute hitch", and went on to say "bearing in mind, Madam Mayor, the train of events that I mentioned before it is remarkable that we are on course and proceeding according to plan." [1]

Councillor Catherine Harris, Lib Dem spokesperson for Housing, comments:

"This time Labour themselves will have to ask Cllr. Diakides to step down. Once again, he has not delivered on even his very recent promises - and this project was supposed to be delivered a long time ago. We cannot let this shambles continue, as it is damaging the council and letting down local residents.

"Housing must have effective leadership that can deliver results to the people that need them. Thousands live in temporary accommodation in the borough, and have been promised this scheme for months, only to see delay after delay and unfulfilled promises. We must have an effective councillor in charge of the Housing Service."

ENDS

[1] To view the webcast of the Full Council, go to http://www.haringey.ukcouncil.net/site/#pp5106 and click on 'Full Council, 13th November 2006'. Cllr. Diakides confirms the launch date of 27th November at 01:11:55.