A report from the Audit Commission has said that Haringey Council’s scrutiny process is “weak” and that “the majority of items considered have little chance of resulting in changes to policy”.

The bleak outlook follows an examination of whether the role of scrutiny was working effectively within the Labour-run authority. The report concludes that there are significant problems including a failure to properly resource inquiries, a lack of planning, too much time spent on receiving non-relevant information, and no follow-up when reports are completed.

Local Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called for changes to the scrutiny system on the Council, and have welcomed the Audit Commissions report. At last nights meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny committee, Lib Dem members pressed for an urgent meeting to discuss the Audit Commissions finding and the Council’s response.

Commenting, Leader of the LibDem group Councillor Neil Williams said:

“This report is damning of Haringey. Scrutiny committees are the watchdogs of the Council, they attempt to ensure that money is being spent efficiently and plans are being implemented effectively. They have a vital role in helping to run local services. I welcome the Audit Commissions findings and will now be pressing the Council to make changes to the process.”

Councillor Stephen Gilbert, who proposed an urgent meeting to discuss the report added:

“This report reinforces what we have been saying for sometime, that Haringey does not run scrutiny properly. If that’s not bad enough, they have tried to sweep it under the carpet. I’m pleased we will be having a special meeting to discuss the issues it raises – serious questions need to be asked.”