Liberal Democrats on Haringey Council are questioning the reasons for a shock restructuring of the Social Services Department and the abrupt departure of the Assistant Director for Children’s Services.

The troubled department, which was criticised over its failings in the Victoria Climbie case, has been under fire from Lib Dem Social Services Spokesperson, Cllr Ron Aitken, over a number of issues.

Cllr Ron Aitken comments:

“I have been told by reliable sources that Haringey’s Social Services Department is now £7 million overspent on its children’s services budget. We have also questioned Haringey Council over its policy on a number of other issues such as CRB (Criminal Reference Bureau) checks on employees, SSRI antidepressants prescribed to children in care, and the closure of an inquiry into an alleged paedophile ring in the 1980s. This surprise restructuring will only add to present concerns.

“The Department was awarded One Star by Government inspectors last year. It appears that the price of getting from Zero Stars to One Star is a massive an unplanned financial hangover for Haringey.”