Labour-run Haringey Council has revealed that it is planning to double its publicity budget for its ‘Better Haringey’ scheme to a massive £400,000.

The Lib Dem opposition have expressed their concern at the doubling of this publicity budget, which effectively reduces the amount of money available for frontline services.

Cllr Bob Hare, Lib Dem Environment Spokesperson comments:

“Some of this money is necessary, for example publicity to encourage recycling and providing the leaflets with instructions is very useful. But there is so much work still to do on environmental issues in Haringey. Publicity for the Council is not the best use of £400,000. Local residents would much rather see the money spent directly on areas like recycling, street sweeping, rubbish collection, graffiti and sport and other activities for kids, to name just a few.”

Cllr Neil Williams, Lib Dem Leader and Highgate Councillor comments:

“At £200,000 the current budget for Labour’s Better Haringey publicity is already a very significant. To suddenly double this to £400,000 is not acceptable. At this rate, there is a real risk that residents will see more posters than improvements.”