The Lib Dems are again issuing warnings to Labour over the performance of the Housing Service as reports come in of delays in delivering the new housing allocation scheme called ‘Home Connections’ and confusion over the handling of the mass update of the housing register. Lib Dem councillors are concerned that the service may not be ready for an Audit Commission inspection of the Housing Service in April which will determine whether or not the borough receives £228 million in central government funding, money that is sorely needed to improve Haringey Council’s housing stock.

It was revealed at a public meeting last week that the launch of Haringey Council’s new housing scheme ‘Home Connections’, originally due to be launched in October, is now to be delayed until an unknown time in the new year. Home Connections is being promoted as a major initiative by Haringey Council’s Housing Service. The new system – by which home seekers are to bid for properties by phone, text messages or over the internet – was due to come online this October, but setbacks have led officers to admit that they are not sure when the new system will be ready to be launched.

Labour are also struggling to solve problems with the re-registration process designed to update the Council’s Housing Register, which has not been updated since 2001. Of 24,000 people contacted, only 12,000 have responded. Conflicting information has been sent to residents – one letter informed them that if they didn’t respond, they would be struck off the register, while another explained that they would simply have their application for housing frozen in the queue. Many who are already council tenants have been written to unnecessarily, and it is not clear how Labour intend to resolve the problems.

Lib Dem councillors are demanding answers, saying that their fears over Labour’s management of housing are being borne out.

Councillor Catherine Harris, Lib Dem Spokespersons for Housing, comments:

“As the Audit Commission report looms in April and £228 million of investment destined for the Decent Homes improvements lies in the balance, we are deeply shocked to hear that improvements are being delayed. Most worrying of all is the lack of any detailed estimates as to when the new scheme will now come online.

“Labour continues to display a lack of ability to successfully manage the work necessary. The Council’s staff are working extremely hard to deliver what the borough needs. If there is anything that the Scrutiny Review has shown, it is that staff are committed to implementing change and improving their service for the people of Haringey.

“What is lacking is the vision and drive that should be coming from the top level. We have said before that we believe that, unfortunately, Councillor Diakides is not the right person to oversee this vital process. He must stand aside and let someone else take over before it is too late.”