Labour forced to support Liberal Democrat view on proposed £12m Civic Centre expenditure

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Haringey’s Labour Council has been forced to postpone its £12 million plan to move the borough’s Civic Centre.

On Friday last week Haringey Council announced that due to the economic crisis enveloping the Council it would be postponing the move to Woodside House. Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decision but continue to call for the plan to be scrapped rather than just delayed.

In July Liberal Democrats formally challenged the Labour Cabinet plan to move the Civic Centre for various reasons including the financial and property market downturns. Again in August the Liberal Democrats challenged the proposals at a special scrutiny meeting, but Labour confirmed their plans to spend the £12m. Now after spending more than £250,000 on external consultants Labour have decided to agree with the Liberal Democrat concerns and postpone the project.

Last week it emerged that Haringey Council had invested £37million in failed Icelandic banks.

Cllr Robert Gorrie, Liberal Democrat leader, commented:

“This was always a £12m project that would be under-used, expensive and a waste of taxpayers’ money. It is a shame that it has taken an economic crisis that was already clearly visible in July for Labour to realise its folly.

“What is needed now is for Haringey Council to recognise that this project needs to be scrapped rather than put on hold.

“It is welcome that Labour has come to its senses but this is a small number next to the £37 million at risk in the Icelandic banks. Hopefully it is not the start of a long list of spending cuts.”

Lynne Featherstone MP, added:

“This will come as a huge relief to the organisations that were being evicted from Woodside House. It is disappointing that it takes a global financial crisis for Labour to listen to what we have been telling them for some time – now is not the time to sell off property and embark on major building projects.”

Israel and Palestine

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Guest speaker yesterday at Daphna Wizo – a branch of the hugely important Wizo – the modern Jewish women’s organisation that supports Israel. Hosted by Stephanie and Simon Kester in Highpoint (a block of flats in Highgate) – where I grew up! It was hugely well attended – I suspect more for the lovely buffet luncheon than coming to hear me – but it was a real pleasure and honour to be invited.

After greetings and luncheon I was there to speak about the Liberal Democrat policy on Israel and Palestine. For those who know me of old – they will know I stick firm to the belief that the only way is forward, taking sides is pointless and counter-productive, and blaming each side for sins and wrongs gets us nowhere. My experience is that both pro-Palestinians and pro-Israelis can get cross with me!

That having been said – I am very pleased to go into even the most pro-Israel or pro-Palesinian gathering and make the case for moving forward – not looking backwards. As part of the solution – my belief (and Liberal Democrat policy) is that we need to add the Arab League to the Quartet table (i.e. make it a Quintet)- as we believe that any solution has to be strategically safeguarded and facilitated by a regional and super-power body – leaving Israel and Palestine to negotiate between them as to who moves on what on the key issues of settlements, Jerusalem, right of return and all the very, very difficult issues involved in the Middle East.

Too long to go into here – but it is a reasoned way forward that puts the players together to take it forward.

Not sure that everyone totally agreed with me. There were clearly a few who thought that inviting the Arab League to the table was not the way to move forward and clearly some concern about whether the politics in America were going to change. Given Obama and McCain have both pledged allegiance to Israel – I doubt whether America is likely to change. Of course, the Liberal Democrat proposals take the lead away from America – as we see it as part of the problem rather than the solution. It needs neutral leadership and representatives of the two nations at the table along with funders like the EU.

If no one ever changes their position on the Israeli or the Palestinian side – particularly no negotiation before recognition – then nothing will change. That is why the Liberal Democrat proposals give a framework which allows both sides to move without losing face on that stand-off which has long stood in the way of peace in the Middle East.

As I was leaving, one of the women came up to me and said – thank you for such a well-balanced approach and ‘I’m totally with you’. So – clearly audience weren’t all sceptical!

Haringey's Icelandic money

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So it seems that Haringey Council has invested £37 million in Icelandic banks – and the Chancellor (in his statement earlier this week) made it pretty clear that councils – who he called ‘informed corporate investors’ – could go swing.

I immediately contacted Alistair Darling to ask that he not let Haringey residents suffer as a result.

I am concerned that no information as to details of what is included in the investments is being allowed to me or Robert Gorrie (Liberal Democrat Council Group leader). All the Chief Exec will say that the problem is ‘manageable’ and that the Local Government Association is acting for all involved councils.

Haringey Council is not alone. A hundred councils, police authorities and charities are in similar positions – although Haringey’s exposure is the largest in London.

The Prime Minister appears to have gone to war with Iceland – freezing its assets here by using a law from the 2001 terrorist act. Iceland is not best pleased.

Nigel Scott wins

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Great that Nigel Scott romped home in the Alexandra ward by-election with around 50% of the vote – fantastic! I’ve known him for many years and he’ll be a great councillor.

It was an interesting by-election in that both Labour and Tories really threw everything they had at it in a way they haven’t done for a while.

I guess for the Tories they were trying to see if there was any resurrection possible – they don’t have any councillors anywhere in Haringey – and their answer was no. And Labour were probably both desperate not to come third and can see the writing on the wall for the local council elections in 2010 when the view is that the Lib Dems will take it over after 40 years of Labour rule. Afraid the writing is still on the wall!

Lynne Featherstone MP dares to wear it pink

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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.

Liberal Democrats attack half-hearted cultural strategy

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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.”

Liberal Democrats celebrate landslide by-election win

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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.”

Comment on Haringey Council's funds in Icelandic Bank

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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.”

Finance and ballet

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Monday was first day back at Parliament – and outside of the Chancellor’s statement on the economic mess – not much else happening.

Darling’s ‘statement’ did nothing to calm nerves as far as I could see. He didn’t move to secure all savings. He didn’t move to encourage interest rates to drop and he didn’t move to re-capitalise the banks. So – no wonder the next morning the stock market plummeted. All he could muster was – we will do whatever it takes. Well Alistair – better to be pro-active than re-active. Has he not seen what damage dither causes? As the 60% of savings in this country held by 2% of the population begins to seek safer havens – Ireland, Greece, Denmark, Germany and Spain is on the way – talking about the need for a cohesive policy for Europe is bit horse and stable door.

Given there was no vote last night – I actually managed to go to something I was invited to – the launch of the new season at the Royal Opera House: four ‘tasters’ from the coming season danced and sang for us – up close and personal. First were a couple dancing from a newly choreographed ballet – absolutely stunning; followed by a virtuoso violinist; followed by the two principals of the Royal Ballet doing the pas de deux from the Swan Lake and concluding with a magnificent tenor singing two arias. Right in front of my nose. It was magic.

Tony Hall – the Chief Executive, then spoke to us briefly about the work the Royal Opera House is doing to bring people in who have never been there before and who might believe that the barriers that prevent them are immovable. But with their clever partnership with the Sun newspaper, their new training, their lower prices – they are doing a good job at changing the mindset – that opera and ballet are not for the likes of us!

They are – and they are uplifting and wonderful. How lucky am I?

Homes for Haringey agrees to Liberal Democrat request

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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.”