Council Tax would not have to rise in Haringey this year if Labour-run Haringey Council had not failed to deliver savings say Haringey’s Liberal Democrats.

Haringey Council promised to deliver £4.5 million savings but have failed to do so. Instead, residents have had to bare the brunt of increases in the cost of services totalling £10 million.

Lib Dems criticised Haringey Council’s budget at the Full Council meeting on 4th February 2008 by highlighting Haringey Labour’s financial mismanagement, which will result in residents paying higher taxes and paying more for services.

“For all Labour’s talk of cuts and savings, the burden Haringey Council puts on residents continues to increase, as do the costs of its services,” says Robert Gorrie, Lib Dem Finance Spokesperson.

“Labour’s financial mismanagement has cost Haringey’s taxpayers dear, and will continue to do so.

“£4.5 million of savings that were forecast only last year have not been delivered for next year. That failure cost Haringey Council more than the extra money they will get from increasing Council Tax next year.

“If those savings had been delivered Labour could have chosen not to put up Council Tax.”