Haringey’s Labour-run Council have said that they do not know how they will spend the increased £400,000 publicity budget for the Better Haringey campaign services next year should it be approved.

The answer came in response to a written question from Lib Dem councillor for Stroud Green, Laura Edge who asked for the Council to breakdown how the money would be spent and a timetable of spending.

She was surprised to see a response stating that it was ‘not appropriate or possible to provide details of what the money will be spent on and when’.

The Lib Dems who oppose this proposal to double the current budget are concerned that money is being thrown into a pot without any serious planning as to how it will be spent.

Cllr Edge, along with Lib Dem environment spokesperson Cllr Bob Hare, is concerned that money that could be making a real difference to the local environment is being wasted on self-promotion.

Cllr Edge (Stroud Green) comments:

“It concerns me that while many parts of the borough are in need of a serious clean-up, Haringey Council is choosing to pour yet more money into spin.”

Cllr Hare (Highgate) adds:

“Doubling a budget for publicity with no clear idea of how it will be spent does raise questions about the financial planning involved in this decision. We will continue to press the Council to reconsider this proposal.”