The Liberal Democrats have condemned Labour’s continuing failure to protect vulnerable elderly and disabled people – as the Government’s inspectors issued a damning verdict on Haringey’s social services.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has for the second year in a row found that Haringey is amongst the worst performing councils in the country and awarded the Labour-run authority 1 star – the lowest rating awarded this year and contrary to Labour promises that the service would improve.

The inspectors criticised Haringey Council’s slow procedures for helping older people, and its lack of support for residents who care for elderly and disabled family members. Nearby councils such as Islington and Camden were found to be excellent – and achieved the highest 3 star rating, but Haringey failed to increase its star rating.

Cllr Richard Wilson, Lib Dem Adult Social Services spokesperson, comments:

“Under Labour, Haringey has become one of the worst places in England to get ill or old, with care services rated amongst the worst in the country. There is just no excuse: over the borough boundary in both Islington and Camden the inspectors found that support for elderly people was excellent. If these councils with Liberal Democrat leaders can give elderly people the respect and support they deserve why can’t Haringey?

“Haringey Labour has consistently told the public that the service is on track, improvements have been made and that they expect that reports will recognise this. Unfortunately for the residents of Haringey the Labour administration has not delivered the service that they deserve but instead let the down the people that need help and support the most.”

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, adds:

“It is the most vulnerable people in our community who are being let down. They really don’t need empty promises, but just decent services to make their lives that little bit easier. Labour claim to be the party of social justice, but I don’t see much of what is fair or right in the poor standard of services on offer to our elderly and disabled.”