Outrage descends into farce over data records

11.35.38am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Feb 2008

Outrage descended into farce yesterday, as yet more confidential files were found in a vacated council building occupied by squatters - despite the Labour Council announcing that it had rescued the files and made them secure.

The issue arose when local Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone was at the Crouch End site with a BBC TV crew to conduct an interview on the issue. Squatters occupying the building produced yet more files from inside. The Lib Dems, who reported the matter to the Council, believe the files are now back in the possession of the Council - but are demanding to know could this have happened.

MP Lynne Featherstone comments:

"It is almost impossible to believe that having been aware of this problem since Friday, that the Council appears to have taken no effective steps to clear this building of confidential information.

"As ever with Haringey Council, it is clear their concerns were mainly to protect their own backs by issuing misleading claims that the information was secured, even though it seems they hadn't even checked the building. Protecting the private records of local people was a secondary concern. It is scandalous."

Lib Dem Leader and Highgate councillor Neil Williams, who successfully secured an apology and an independent investigation from the Labour leader of the Council in an emergency debate at last night's Full Council Meeting, adds:

"It is disgraceful that four days letter, we are still in the dark about whether the Council has secured these records. Haringey must indemnify anyone against potential breaches of their privacy, and we will be watching to ensure that a truly independent inquiry takes place. It beggars belief how incompetence on such a grotesque scale can happen."