Local Conservatives brand Labour "sleazy" 13/09/03

Haringey Labour has saves pounds by using council-owned buildings for party meetings. Local Conservatives say this amounts to

Following a protest from former Conservative Councillor William MacDougall, Haringey Council's Chief Executive, David Warwick, is to stop Haringey Labour from using Larkspur Close, in White Hart Lane, for party meetings free of charge.  David Warwick admitted that the practice had continued in spite of Conservative-led objections two years ago, and confirmed he would take action to stop its repetition.

William MacDougall, Deputy Chairman of Tottenham Conservatives, said: "Subsidising the Labour Party by permitting rent-free meetings on Council property is a serious abuse. Haringey Council told the Labour Party to stop usings its buildings for party meetings in 2001, but Labour chose to ignore the Council's orders. The Chief Executive's confirmation amounts to Labour sleaze. We sincerely hope this practice will stop - soon!".

ENDS

For further information please contact William MacDougall on 8374-9170.

Notes to Editors:

Full correspondence between the Conservatives' William MacDougall and Council CE David Warwick

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From: William MacDougall
Sent: 02, Jul, 2003 04:06
To: david.warwick@haringey.gov.uk
Subject: Larkspur Close

David,

You will recall that we discussed the use by the White Hart Lane Labour Party of Larkspur Close for the meetings, rent free.  If memory serves me  right, you said you would put a stop to that.  However, I have heard  rumours that the practice continues.

Could you confirm whether or not Labour is still using Council properties rent free? And if so, that you will stop it?

Thanks,
William

(Former Councillor William MacDougall)

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David Warwick has asked me to forward the following reply on his behalf
with  apologies for the delay in responding to your email sent in early July.

5 September 2003

Dear William

Larkspur Close

I apologise for the delay in getting back to you following my return from  annual leave.

I regret that following the earlier enquiry during 2001 it would seem that  meetings have continued, although the scheme manager [not being in  attendance at the meetings] is not aware of the specific nature of the  meetings.   I understand that they have been held weekly and, as previously, donations received to provide 'treats' for the residents - the most recent  being a fish and chip supper.

I had previously asked that guidelines be issued to staff to ensure that there is a consistent and transparent approach to requests for meetings. I  have reiterated this instruction to the Service Manager and expect there to be no further occasion on which you will need to raise such a concern with me.

Yours sincerely

David Warwick
Chief Executive