Residents "swept aside" as Labour dithers on problem landlords

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Jul 2008

A body set up to give residents a say on problems caused by the unlicensed conversion of houses into flats on the Harringay Ladder has been sensationally sidelined by Labour-run Haringey Council. The working group on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) was established earlier this year but met only twice before Labour-run Haringey Council decided to indefinitely postpone future meetings.

Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised Labour for "dithering" over plans to deal with problems arising from some HMO developments that many residents feel have led to anti-social behaviour and nuisance problems. Two of the area's councillors have written to the Leader of the Council and Haringey Council's Chief Executive to express their concern.

Harringay ward councillor Karen Alexander comments:

"The HMO working group was set up with a fanfare to resolve some of local people's concerns about the number unlicensed HMOs and illegal conversions that Labour have allowed to proliferate in the Harringay area. Residents called for action, but once again Haringey Labour have dithered and failed to respond.

"Haringey Council have informed us that they are now drafting a new strategy and have postponed the meetings of the working group. Yet the very point of the working group was to involve local residents in deciding a way forward. Again it looks as though decisions will be reached without consultation, sweeping aside the interests of local residents."

Cllr Carolyn Baker (Harringay) adds:

"This is a huge disappointment. Obviously it remains to be seen what kind of strategy the Council will come up with, but there is no doubt that it would have inspired more confidence had it been made with the knowledge and experience of those affected."