Tag Archives: robert gorrie

Baby P investigation update

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Yesterday saw Ed Balls (Secretary of State for Children) at his request. He was basically offering me the opportunity of a chat given my concerns over Baby P. It was helpful to be able to have this discussion and after the meeting I wrote to Ed Balls to formally raise several issues.

This includes an issue over who will get to speak to those investigating Haringey. I have had a number of people who have contacted my office wishing to bring their concerns about Haringey Children’s Services and the associated agencies involved to the attention of the inspectors. These are people who work for the services and therefore have direct and pertinent knowledge. The information such people could provide would be invaluable in allowing the “rigorous scrutiny” that the Secretary of State demanded in his letter to the inspectors. I ask Mr Balls to indicate how they can make their concerns known to the inspectors confidentially before the end of the review. I understand the inspectors will be leaving Haringey on Friday.

At my meeting with Beverley Hughes (Minister for Children) yesterday she suggested that if I wished the inspectors to look at the political leadership issues I should raise that directly with the inspectors. My particular issue is that role of the individuals named in Section 18 and 19 of the Children’s Act 2004, which places requirements on the political leadership of councils. However, having then spoken to the inspectors, they have refused to stray beyond the remit laid out in the Secretary of States letter describing the terms of reference for the investigation.

This was a bit of a surprise as it contradicted what Beverly Hughes had said to me the day before. She seemed very genuine when we talked – so I don’t think this was intended.

So – I have asked Ed Balls if he would let it be known to the inspectors that he would like them to review those named in statute as being responsible for the services.

Last night was the first public meeting with Labour councillors since the verdict from the Baby P trial. George Meehan (Labour Leader of Haringey Labour of Haringey Council) has been entirely absent since the conviction. But last night there was nowhere to hide – and so he finally, after prompting by Robert Gorrie (leader of the Liberal Democrat group) made an apology:

In his statement, Mr Meehan said he would wait for the outcome of the review before commenting in detail on the case. But he added: “There is no failure to apologise in full by this council, we do so unreservedly.” Lib Dem councillors asked him to to offer his personal apology, to which Mr Meehan replied: “I have no problem saying I personally apologise.”

Haringey Council and Icelandic bank account

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So – the world saviour is enjoying his moment in the sun. Lord knows it’s been a pretty frozen existence for the rest of Gordon Brown’s first year or so. However, the recriminations over the financial meltdowns have kicked off big time and it was him stirring the financial pot and writing the recipes over the last ten years.

Here in sunny Haringey we feel a cold wind blowing in from Iceland – and up until now have been relatively restrained in blaming Labour for what has happened with £37 million of local reserves caught in the Icelandic net of bankruptcy. However, at last night’s full council it was revealed that Haringey Council was moving money into Icleandic accounts as late as the 29th September – way way after the warnings were there. Why on earth were the Labour councillors in charge not screaming at the finance officers to move the money once the ratings had dropped?

Quite rightly, Robert Gorrie (leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on Haringey Council) has called for an independent investigation.

This is what he said: “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 was 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 Haringey Council’s annual expenditure on services or more than 30 per cent of the Council’s own annual capital expenditure. Something will not get done as a result of this loss and the Council need to be honest with residents where and when that cut will fall.

“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.”

Too bloody right!

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.

Polling day should not be on Yom Kippur

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I cannot believe the intransigence of Haringey Council. There is a by-election to be held in Alexandra Ward (cause: Lib Dem Wayne Hoban moving to Worthing) and the Council have put polling day on Yom Kippur. This is the High Holy Day of the Jewish people. The have several alternative days they could choose within the allotted timescale laid down by law – but no – they have chosen Yom Kippur.

Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Robert Gorrie has made strong representations (many) about this being unacceptable – but Haringey Council have completely refused to change the day! Disgraceful.

We (and I am sure the other political parties) will make every effort to ensure that Jewish residents can get a postal vote and also ask that they self-identify to stop activists knocking on doors inappropriately. But – Haringey Council should be ashamed. And the next time they bang on about inclusion – well, we will know how hollow their commitments really are!

(Meanwhile: glad to say that Nigel Scott is to be the Liberal Democrat candidate – more over on Neil Williams’s blog.)

Protesting at the Council offices

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Robert Gorrie and Lynne Featherstone with protestors outside Haringey Civic CentreYesterday saw big, big demonstration outside the Haringey Civic Centre by the group of Asian women and the workers from the ‘I Can Care’ charity. Tonight there was to be a Haringey Labour Cabinet meeting to decide (or rather rubberstamp more likely) the proposal to sell the Civic Centre (supposedly for lots of dosh) and move to Woodside House.

Well – in terms of selling the Civic Centre – one might think that choosing the moment of financial downturn that this country is experiencing means the price ain’t exactly going to be the best.

But we do need loads more social housing and affordable rentals – and if they could get a good price; if they have looked at alternatives; if their business plan is spot on – then worth considering. However, the move to Woodside House, not only displaces this I Can Care charity – who work with mainly Asian women to teach them English, computer skills and movement classes – but will cost a fortune. Estimates are being thrown around at £12 million.

Question to local people: Do you think that Haringey Council should spend £12 million on a new council chamber for Members to meet in and a registry office?. Or is there something else you think on which that money could be usefully spent?

It’s a no-brainer. Councillors could meet in Bernie Grant Centre or there’s a dilapidated council chamber still at Hornsey Town Hall or any one of a number of meeting places in the borough. It would be great anyway – and symbolic – if the councillors came out of a building and held their Full Council meeting in various parts of the borough. And we would save a fortune.

In terms of meeting rooms and offices – well the Council took on River Park House a few years ago – a massive office block – so it really is just a replacement for the council chamber and a registry office.

Now – as to the way they have moved on this – disgraceful. Despite both myself and Robert Gorrie (Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Haringey Council) writing to Labour Leader George Meehan to ask about the process, the alternatives, the business plan and what they were doing about ‘I Can Care’ – no joy and no answer.

Although judging by the anger and rudeness George displayed as he sped past the demonstration on the steps of the Civic – he just wants to steamroller this through without ever consulting with anyone. You know – whatever you think about the proposals – to not engage, not to have the civility to talk to the current tenants of the building – is just typical of why people hate Haringey Council.

And – to add insult to injury – ‘I Can Care’ have another couple of years to go on their lease. They have poured over £100,000 into the little side building to make it nice for those who come there to learn, and George Meehan apparently offered £1,000 if they would leave – presumably quietly. You couldn’t make it up!

Popular classes under threat

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Lynne Featherstone and Robert Gorrie at Woodside HouseOff to Woodside House yesterday where I meet a huge class of Asian ladies doing exercise. As you can see from the photo – very colourful and very determined that Haringey’s Labour Council are not simply going to remove their vital facility without a fight!

Woodside House is the proposed target for Haringey to redevelop into a new Civic Centre for the Council (with the idea of selling off the current one). That is why Cllr Robert Gorrie, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Council group, and myself have come to see what’s what.

Thus far – the Council (Labour) have not been able to answer any questions as to why this site, what criteria, what consequences, were alternatives looked at – nothing. Nada! Hopeless as usual. And with the vital Woodside Luncheon Club under threat as well as the exercise classes – not to mention the building that has been done up to provide English lessons, computer skills etc – Haringey Labour are really asking for trouble! And I will almost certainly be happy to give it to them. No consultation. No discussion. No investigation. No nothing. Bastards!

Haringey Council: 13 years behind schedule

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I think this press release pretty much speaks for itself!

Delays in Haringey Council making important decisions effecting residents’ schools, houses and key services currently total 4,937 days – or more than 13 years – it has been revealed by the Liberal Democrats.

Haringey Council’s monthly forward plan, which lists important decisions to be made by the Labour-run council in the next four months shows that only three out of sixty-three decisions will be made on time. Local Liberal Democrats have criticised Haringey Council for failing to decide on key projects and have said that residents will bear the brunt of the failure to deliver on time.

Cllr Robert Gorrie, Haringey Liberal Democrat Leader, commented:

“Haringey Labour have for forty years failed to deliver the services needed by residents in Haringey. Their history of delivering major projects late and over budget is legendary. Now we see that they can’t even manage the process of deciding what to do. Their performance is an embarrassment to the Borough.

“Decisions that would hopefully tackle major issues in Haringey have been delayed by the Council and residents will be the ones that will lose out as a result.”

Lynne Featherstone MP added:

“Haringey Council runs a lot essential services such schools, elderly care and services for people with disabilities; so no-one wants important decisions rushed. But when time and time again Labour procrastinate and dither about making choices that will have a real impact on people’s lives, it is the quality of these services that suffers.

“No organisation can function properly with such indecision at its top and sadly local residents bare the brunt.”

Top nine delays by Haringey Council (based on difference between original date and current date the decision will be made):

  1. Tree Policy and Planting programme (302 days late)

  2. Disposal of properties in NDC area (186 days late)

  3. Bull Lane/Pasteur Gardens (186 days late)

  4. Parks Asset Management Plan (150 days late)

  5. Markfield Park listed buildings refurbishment contract (136 days late)

  6. Electrical re-wiring to Winkfield Road N22 (136 days late)

  7. Accomodation Strategy (118 days late)

  8. Sports Club charges (114 Days late)

  9. Building Schools for the future (BSF) contract for John Loughborough School (100 days late)

Spurs Foundation

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Visited Spurs Foundation yesterday with Lib Dem colleagues: councillors Robert Gorrie, David Winskill and Rachel Alison, plus David Schmitz who is our prospective parliamentary candidate for Tottenham.

We were looking at the work the foundation is doing in terms of encouraging learning, sports opportunities for children with disabilities, and generally discussing how and what needed doing in terms of integration between the west and east of Haringey.

Spurs have moved a long, long way since the days when they were totally resistant to putting back anything into the local community and over the last several years have come on in leaps and bounds with 65 projects now running in Haringey and Enfield (and a couple in Waltham Forrest).

So – nice to establish closer relationship between Spurs and the Lib Dem council group so that we can work together to ensure that Spurs doesn’t only hear Labour voices in future.

Haringey Council leaves confidential files abandoned – again

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Confidential files left insecure by Haringey CouncilThey may say that lightning never strikes twice, but when it comes to Haringey Council and stuffing up – one often wishes they could never make the same mistake twice!

It was bad enough when the news broke that Haringey Council had left files containing personal data on thousands people abandoned in a building (see my blog posting or watch the news report).

And then – after being told about it and saying they’d secured all the files – it turned out there were yet more files still left behind in the building.

After all that, Haringey Council promised that it had re-checked all council property for any other files that might have been abandoned.

Well – clearly they didn’t check very carefully because it’s now turned out that other files containing confidential information about people have been left insecure for over a year in a different building, despite the Labour-run council being repeatedly told about the problem.

It was only when Robert Gorrie (leader of the Liberal Democrats on Haringey Council) personally wrote to the council’s Chief Executive that something was done.

Dreadful, truly dreadful.

Flooding in Muswell Hill

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Going to my constituency office today, I get a call from the police telling me of a flood in Muswell Hill at the bottom of Ally Pally – so I head over on foot to see what’s up. (See the photos over on Flickr). All traffic had been stopped. Encountering a policeman I ask what is happening and he gets a car to take me up to the meeting place where Chris Donaldson from the Metropolitan Police is in charge and all of the agencies were coordinating their work. A 24 inch main had burst and a torrent of water was cascading down through Alexandra Palace Park into the backs of houses on Redston Road. The fire service were diverting and channelling the water away from residences as well as they could and sand-bagging up houses’ entrances to protect them.

The water board reckoned they would get the main turned off within a half hour – but as this was at a pumping station they had to turn off a series of mains across London before this one. The emergency services seemed extremely efficient and I then walked down through the park to see the worst affected houses.

It was terrible to see the gushing torrents coming out of peoples’ houses. The high odd numbers on Redston Road were worst hit. I went inside with Mrs Catherine Harper – one local resident – to see how bad it was. Her carpet was sodden and the patio out the back completely submerged. Other residents I met couldn’t speak highly enough of the fire service who had rushed into peoples’ houses and helped householders lift all their moveable possession upstairs or at least piled above where the water had come to.

In another house, where builders were working, they had erected barriers to protect three or four of the houses at the back by diverting the water around. Other local neighbours were coming out of their houses with broom and wellies.

My councillor Lib Dem colleagues Gail Engert, Martin Newton and Robert Gorrie were also all there to offer help. I left after about an hour and a half (with rather wet feet!), stopping at The Priory – which is sheltered accommodation for the elderly on Priory Road. I briefly met the warden and manager there who were all coping magnificently and trying to get hold of more sandbags – which were on their way. They were keeping everyone safely inside.

It was certainly quite a bad burst water main – and I guess that all of us who have been watching the dreadful floods throughout the country over recent days never dreamt that a part of Muswell Hill would experience flooding. It’s not on the scale of the rest of the country – but for those affected – it is dreadful.

Congratulations to all of the emergency services who really worked fantastically to help local people – well impressed!