The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that social services has seen an improvement in its star rating from zero to one star following an inspectors’ assessment. However, Social Services Spokesman Cllr Ron Aitken has warned Haringey Council not to become complacent, as there is a long way to go before services reach a level that reflects the investment that the Council has poured in since the publication of the Laming enquiry earlier this year.

Cllr Aitken is concerned by how ‘delighted’ Executive members have been with the news and that improvements must be kept in perspective, given the official “uncertain” rating. Cllr Aitken acknowledges that there has been an improvement and that this reflects the hard work and dedication of the grass roots staff. However, he is worried about the sustainability of these improvements due to a huge budget overspend and a large amount of new inexperienced staff being taken on.

Ron Aitken comments:

“I am pleased with the improvements that have occurred over the past twelve months. However for Executive members to be ‘delighted’ with this rating demonstrates from what a low base they have started to build. The fact that the Council is celebrating the improvement in prospects for children’s services from ‘poor’ in 2002 to ‘uncertain’ in 2003 is premature.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson, Cllr Lynne Featherstone adds:

“It is right that the Council has acknowledged the hard work of the staff but Haringey must now be looking to ensure that these improvements continue. I am very concerned that because of a heavily overspent budget this year and an influx of inexperienced staff, continuing improvement will rest largely on the political leadership of a very weak administration.”