Haringey has been named as one of 32 London Boroughs who have seen a decrease in businesses since Ken Livingstone became Mayor in 2000. Figures published from research using Parliamentary answers and Office of National Statistics figures show that Haringey has seen a 20% drop in businesses registering for VAT.

The figures, which were measured between 2000-2002, found Haringey in London’s bottom 10, having seen a decrease 5% bigger than the London average of 15%.

Since Ken Livingstone became Mayor in 2000, 32 of 33 London boroughs have seen a decrease in businesses, the exception being Sutton.

Lib Dem Lynne Featherstone says the figures show the lack of faith investors have in a London lead by Mayor Ken Livingstone. She is deeply concerned at the figures, which highlight the damage that has been caused to Haringey’s local economy.

Ms Featherstone is hoping that Londoners have learnt their lessons from four years ago and will look towards a Mayor who will address the real issues facing the capital:

“These figures show that Labour is bad for businesses in the capital, and that Haringey has suffered more than most. Although London is a wealthy city with high business costs, there are areas of acute unemployment as well. London needs a mayor who will focus on the economic challenges facing us.”