Councillor Isidoros Diakides, Haringey Labour’s embattled lead member for Housing, is once again facing calls for his resignation, as problems further delay the launch of the Home Connections scheme.

In order to survive a no confidence motion tabled by the Liberal Democrats at the last Full Haringey Council meeting, Cllr Diakides promised councillors and public alike that the new scheme would be launched on the 27th November. Liberal Democrat councillors however are dismayed to now learn that the project has been pushed back once again.

Home Connections is a new choice-based lettings scheme to be run in conjunction with several other London boroughs. The scheme will see tenants bid online for accommodation across the capital.

Councillor Diakides has been at the centre of attention for months following the release of a damning report by the Audit Commission in May exposing major failings in the Housing Service. He narrowly survived a vote of no-confidence at the last meeting of the Full Council. Following briefings from officers, Lib Dems expressed their concerns that the launch of the new scheme could be delayed into the New Year. Councillor Diakides explained that the 27th November was the expected date of the launch “bar a last minute hitch”, and went on to say “bearing in mind, Madam Mayor, the train of events that I mentioned before it is remarkable that we are on course and proceeding according to plan.”

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

“This time Labour themselves will have to ask Cllr. Diakides to step down. Once again, he has not delivered on even his very recent promises – and this project was supposed to be delivered a long time ago. We cannot let this shambles continue, as it is damaging the council and letting down local residents.

“Housing must have effective leadership that can deliver results to the people that need them. Thousands live in temporary accommodation in the borough, and have been promised this scheme for months, only to see delay after delay and unfulfilled promises. We must have an effective councillor in charge of the Housing Service.”