Haringey Council was still investing new money in Icelandic banks as recently as 29th September 2008.

This emerged last night as Labour leader Cllr George Meehan tried to defend the investment of Haringey’s taxpayers’ funds totalling £37m in three failed Icelandic banks. Liberal Democrat councillor Robert Gorrie has demanded a full independent investigation into deposits in Glitner (£2 million), Heritable (£19.8 million) and Landsbanki (£15.2 million), saying he found it extraordinary that the cash was invested so recently when other councils had pulled out a year ago because of market concerns about the Icelandic institutions.

A full explanation is also needed as to why £35 million was invested in the same institution following statements by Cllr Meehan that, “he had asked the same question”, but was unable to answer it.

Cllr Gorrie said that excuses that Haringey Council was following advice from economic experts and the Government would not wash. He pointed out that the majority of local authorities were not exposed to this crisis and Haringey’s exposure per taxpayer was one of the highest in the country.

Liberal Democrats have vowed leave no stone unturned in their questions to Haringey Council to get to the bottom of Haringey’s unprecedented exposure to the banking crisis.

Cllr Robert Gorrie, Liberal Democrat Leader and Resources Spokesperson, commented:

“What is clear is that Haringey Council has been caught up in a financial storm that has uncovered real failings in the council’s economic leadership.

“Haringey Council were typically slow to reassure residents and are still drip feeding the bare minimum of information out to the public. Repeated suggestions that losing £37 million will not impact future spending plans are simply ludicrous. This loss is almost 10 per cent of the Council’s annual expenditure on services or more than 30 per cent of the Haringey Council’s own annual Capital Expenditure. Something will not get done as a result of this loss and Haringey Council needs to be honest with residents where and when that cut will fall.

“I find it inexcusable that it deposited money in these banks just over two weeks ago when most knew that doubt was circling the Icelandic banks.

“We must now have a full and independent investigation to get to the bottom of the decisions made to invest in these banks so the responsible parties can be properly held to account. Every pound needs to be accounted for and all residents’ worries need to be put to rest.”

Democracy was brought to life for the pupils of Stroud Green Primary School on Monday morning with a special assembly by one of the ward’s councillors Ed Butcher to mark Local Democracy Week.

Cllr Butcher, who is also one of the school’s governors, explained the role of a councillor and the Council in providing local services.The assembly finished off with an election of special candidates played by cuddly toys.

The children voted by an overwhelming majority for Raminda the Duck following her populist promises for a two day school week and the replacement of school dinners with a free sweetshop.

Councillor Ed Butcher commented:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to help explain what democracy is and why it is relevant to the kids.

“I hope they enjoyed the assembly as much as I did.There are few duties in being as councillor that are as exciting as making young people feel as passionate about politics as I do. “

Head Teacher Denise Sewell added:

“Citizenship is a very important part of the curriculum for our school.Bringing local representatives in as well as our active school council are all part of helping our young people how they can take part in civic life and hopefully inspiring them to one day get more involved.”

Liberal Democrats secured cross-party support for their stand against the expansion of Heathrow airport last night.

Liberal Democrats however have urged Labour councillors to do more than simply back the council motion, but actually to lobby the Labour ministers who will be making this decision.

Labour councillors agreed to break ranks with their national party and join other Liberal Democrat councils, such as Islington and Camden, in the 2M Campaign against the expansion of Heathrow airport.

Councillor Butcher, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson commented:

“Enough is enough. We cannot stand back and ignore the damage to the environment that will be caused by Heathrow’s expansion. We will never move to a carbon free economy if we allow airports to grow and grow.I am pleased that Labour councillors supported our motion, but now they have to do the hard bit and persuade their ministers to actually see sense.

“Local residents living under Heathrow’s flight path will bear the brunt of more flights and more pollution.As a local council we have to send a clear message that we don’t want a bigger airport.”

Councillor Martin Newton, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, added:

“We must call a halt to any expansion of Heathrow – either through additional runways or by allowing more frequent landings on existing runways. 100,000 domestic and short haul flights could be slashed if high speed rail was introduced. As seen from examples across Europe, passengers would switch en masse from air to rail if journey times were improved through introduction of high-speed rail.

“High-speed rail may be expensive – but the planet can’t afford us not to provide an alternative to unnecessary air travel.”

Haringey Liberal Democrats are today celebrating their fifth successive landslide by-election win since 2004 with last night’s election of the hardworking campaigner Nigel Scott as Alexandra’s newest councillor.

In the hard-fought by-election, Nigel scored an emphatic victory taking 50 percent of the popular vote, almost twice as many as second-placed Labour.

The Conservatives finished third, and remain without a single seat on Haringey Council.

Commenting, Nigel Scott said:

“I am honoured to be elected to serve the people of Alexandra ward. I would like to thank everyone who voted and made democracy happen yesterday.

“It has been a genuine pleasure meeting so many residents over the campaign. However, on the doorstep one message was clear: local people feel that all too often they get overlooked by Haringey Council when it comes to investment and services.I will fight to make sure local residents get their fair share.”

Councillor Robert Gorrie, Leader of Haringey Liberal Democrats added:

“Nigel is a fantastic addition to our team. His decisive win is another clear step towards achieving our target of winning the council in just over 18 months.

“Labour will very worried that, even after throwing the kitchen sink at the campaign, this is the best they could muster.”

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Lynne Featherstone also commented:

“I am delighted to have Nigel on the team. It is fantastic to have the Liberal Democrat commitment to working all year round rewarded by the voters.I look forward to working with him on behalf of Alexandra ward’s residents.”

Thousands of residents are being let down by Haringey Council’s feeble attempt to help Haringey’s creative industries says local Liberal Democrats. Monday night saw the launch of a belated draft Cultural Strategy at Haringey Council’s ‘watchdog’ committee.

Liberal Democrats have expressed their disappointment at the plans and have challenged Haringey Council to buck up its ideas.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Culture, Cllr David Winskill, criticised the draft for:

·Being too late – the Council’s previous Cultural Strategy ‘ran out’ in March 2008
·Not enough ambition – Liberal Democrats feel that the arts and culture sector should be seen as an integral component in the regeneration and prosperity of Haringey and a stimulus to employment opportunities.
·Failing to involve local cultural providers and artists.
·Not bullish enough about the cultural gems in the borough.

Cllr Winskill commented:

“We are one of the few London Boroughs that have no up-to-date strategy. This reflects Haringey Labour’s lack of appreciation of the contribution this important sector can make to the well being and economy of the Borough.”

Cllr Winskill urged officers to use the consultation process as an opportunity to establish a permanent Arts Council for Haringey to focus ideas and opportunities as well as informing and feeding into the preparation of the Strategy.

Cllr Winskill added:

“Haringey is one of the cultural hotspots of London and deserves recognition as such. This document needs more oomph and heart: it should champion the arts. We will work to make sure that it gets much more priority.”

Cllr Rachel Allison, Liberal Democrat Regeneration spokesperson, added:

“The arts in Haringey have been neglected for too long. What cultural activity there is, is largely despite Haringey Council’s help, not because of it. Officers are trying their best but have poor resources and no champion at Cabinet level to argue the case for the arts.”

Lynne Featherstone MP is joining forces with Breast Cancer Campaign for its award winning fundraising event, wear it pink, on Friday 31 October 2008.

This year’s theme is ‘dare to wear’ and Lynne is urging residents, young and old to get their craziest pink outfits on. The Liberal Democrat MP is pictured wearing a pink lab coat to represent the importance of breast cancer research.

Taking part in wear it pink couldn’t be easier. Whether you are in an office, at school, or simply popping to the shops, on 31 October donate £2 and wear an item of pink, the more daring the better! Your donation will allow Breast Cancer Campaign to continue funding innovative world class research across the UK.

Lynne Featherstone MP says,

“Every year over 45,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. Like many others, I know people who have lost friends and family members to breast cancer. I would like to encourage everyone in Hornsey and Wood Green and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 31, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research.”

To help Breast Cancer Campaign reach this year’s target of £3.5 million, take part in the UK’s original and best pink day call freephone 0800 107 3104.

Commenting on the potential loss of Haringey Council savings in a bankrupt Icelandic bank, Councillor Robert Gorrie, Haringey Liberal Democrat leader said:

“Local residents need to know exactly how much of their Council Tax money is in jeopardy and what the potential effect this will have on the Borough’s finances.

“We need urgent reassurances that frontline services will not be affected and that Haringey Council’s other deposits are safe.

“Once the dust has settled and our funds secure, there will be urgent question of how the council got into this mess.”

Lynne Featherstone MP added:

“I am absolutely determined that the Haringey taxpayers will not be left to pick the tab for these losses.I have already made urgent representations to the Chancellor to demand the Government guarantee is extended to councils’ deposits.”

All council tenants in Haringey will now receive a letter to inform them of dangerous window safety catches following calls for action by Liberal Democrats. Homes for Haringey are writing this week to 14,000 residents advising them to check their windows for faults.

The action by Haringey Council comes after Liberal Democrats sent a letter and met with the Chief Executive of Homes for Haringey Paul Bridge last week to voice their concerns after the death of a child falling out of a window on the Broadwater Farm estate.

Cllr Laura Edge, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, commented:

“I am glad that Homes for Haringey has, following Liberal Democrat calls for action, decided to write to all council tenants to notify them of this matter. The safety of tenants must be paramount and I urge Haringey Council to be as proactive as possible to ensure a repeat of this awful tragedy does not happen again.”