Lib Dem Leader Lynne Featherstone has expressed disappointment at the borough’s continuing poor record of dealing with complaints from the public. Ms Featherstone says the latest figures from Haringey Council show that rapid improvements are still needed.

According to new data, only 42.4% of the 898 complaints received from the public were dealt with last year within the target timescale. Figures get worse the further the complaint progresses. Only 33% of complaints passed on for a formal investigation were dealt with on time. As far as the troubled Social Services department is concerned, only 27.1% of complaints were dealt with in time at the first stage.

For complaints involving the independent watchdog, the local government ombudsman, there is a ruling against the Labour-run council on average once every nine days.There were 31 cases for local settlement plus two cases of maladministration in the last year, for a total 33 – up from just 25 in 1999/2000.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“These disappointing figures show that Haringey is still not on top of its complaints handling procedures. The delays in dealing with complaints in Social Services are particularly worrying, as this is where some of the most serious complaints which need swift action occur.”

“We will be looking to see real evidence of progress in the coming months.”