Tottenham Conservatives to refer Haringey Council to District Auditor for bribery 17/08/04

Ethnic minority groups are being paid £20 a time to attend talks on the future of council housing - sparking accusations they are being "bribed" to take part.

As part of a drive to decide what to do with its housing stock, Haringey Council wants to get opinions from people who would not normally speak up (known as "hard to reach" groups). To encourage them to take part, they are being offered a £20 payment to attend focus groups.

Justin Hinchcliffe, Deputy Chairman of Tottenham Conservatives, said:

"Paying ethnic groups to attend meetings amounts to bribery. It's a slap in the face for all those residents, regardless of their colour and ethnic origin, who do take an interest in what is happening and do not seek payment. Local Conservatives will refer this matter to the District Auditor for investigation. The Loony Left is back at the helm in Labour-run Haringey."

The council has hired market research company MRUK to canvass opinions, and will even lay on interpreters to translate.

ENDS.