Anger at Damning Social Services Inspection Verdict

12.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 30th Nov 2007

The Liberal Democrats have condemned Labour's continuing failure to protect vulnerable elderly and disabled people - as the Government's inspectors issued a damning verdict on Haringey's social services. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has for the second year in a row found that Haringey is amongst the worst performing Council's in the country and awarded the Labour-run authority 1 star - the lowest rating awarded this year and contrary to Labour promises that the service would improve.

The inspectors criticised the Council's slow procedures for helping older people, and its lack of support for residents who care for elderly and disabled family members. Nearby Councils such as Islington and Camden were found to be excellent - and achieved the highest 3 star rating, but Haringey failed to increase its star rating - despite the Labour Cabinet's promises this was a top priority.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Lib Dem Adult Social Services spokesperson, comments:

"Under Labour, Haringey has become one of the worst places in England to get ill or old, with care services rated amongst the worst in the country. There is just no excuse: over the borough boundary in both Islington and Camden the inspectors found that support for elderly people was excellent. If these Lib Dem-run Councils can give elderly people the respect and support they deserve why can't Haringey?

"Labour have consistently told the public that the service is on track, improvements have been made and that they expect that reports will recognise this. Unfortunately for the residents of Haringey the Labour administration has not delivered the service that they deserve but instead let the down the people that need help and support the most."

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, adds:

"It is the most vulnerable people in our community who are being let down. They really don't need empty promises, but just decent services to make their lives that little bit easier. Labour claim to be the party of social justice, but I don't see much of what is fair or right in the poor standard of services on offer to our elderly and disabled."

Notes:

CSCI report http://www.csci.org.uk/pdf/star_ratings_2007.pdf

Follow link to Cllr Bob Harris' comments at Full Council on 26 th Nov 2007 (Time 55.10) http://www.haringey.ukcouncil.net/site/#pp9253

Comments from Labour Councillor Bob Harris in letter to newspapers http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/news_and_events/setting_the_record_straight/cscireport.htm

Cllr Richard Wilson will be meeting the Director for Adult, Culture and Community services next week and will raise this issue as a priority.