Haringey Council has once again been told to improve its miserable record of settling its own bills, after figures released by the council show that the Labour run authority pays only 72% of its bills within 30 days, despite cutting its own target to 80%. The average for London boroughs is 77%.

The Lib Dems say that the figures have hardly moved over the past two years, from 70 to 72% despite promises of action from Labour. The figures are also bad for local businesses, which must wait for payment as the Labour run council fails to settle its debts on time.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

“Haringey is quick enough to ask for money from local residents when it sends out the Council Tax bills. The council’s poor record at settling its own debts is not much help to local businesses, and it also reveals the inefficiencies in the Labour council bureaucracy.

“Every year, improvements are promised, but the figures show little sign of improving. At this rate, it will take years for Haringey to reach the Government’s target.”