Confidential Files Left In Squat Shows Grotesque Council Incompetence, Says Lib Dem Leader

9.44.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Feb 2008

Haringey Opposition Lib Dem Leader Neil Williams is calling for an urgent independent investigation into a shocking and disastrous breach of security involving the personal details of thousands of Haringey residents.

Reports in the Sun newspaper and on the internet today show how Haringey left the personal details of thousands of local residents in an abandoned building in Crouch End, North London, that has been occupied by squatters.

Cllr Williams comments:

"This is an absolutely appalling blunder and shows incompetence on a scale that is truly grotesque.

"We must have an independent investigation so that lessons are learned. Sadly experience shows us that this Council rarely investigates its own mistakes properly, so you can bet there will be an attempt at a whitewash by Haringey Labour.

"But the most important question of all is what steps are Haringey taking to inform those whose confidentially has been so disgracefully breached? Given that the police appear to have confirmed that criminals would have all they need for identity fraud, this must be done straight away."

Cllr Williams is tabling an emergency motion to today's full council demanding a full explanation, investigation and apology.