Other+issues+-+2010+elections+-+Labour+response+to+Qs


 * HFRA Note: The Labour Party chose not to answer the YES / NO / DON'T KNOW boxes, but to submit their own text relating to the questions.

Residents’ Questionnaire for candidates**


 * If elected on May 6****th** **2010, the Labour Candidates will:**


 * 1. Improve the borough’s street scene - by taking all possible steps to…**


 * a. oppose and remove advertising hoardings** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Protecting our streets scenes is important and t he Council have introduced a system where named street enforcement officers in each ward patrol daily checking for any potentially illegal hoardings/fly posting and report back to the council to begin action. Where an illegal hoarding if found, officers take a photo of the site and investigate ownership/who is benefiting from the advertising being there. The Council will contact the beneficiary/owner of the building in writing asking them to provide consent or remove the poster/small hoarding (usually between 48hrs and 7 day) If the beneficiary/owner refuses to provide consent or remove the poster/small hoarding then the Council then may begin prosecution and recoup any costs incurred.

**b. remove large lamp-post banners** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Lamp-post banners can be used to advertise cultural events and promote local trades. They can be a cost-effective way of providing information and giving local groups and businesses the opportunity to advertise economically.


 * c. ensure estate agents remove unlawful signage** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We are absolutely committed to tackling unlawful signage, and have taken an active role in this. We would ask all residents to please report any signs which they believe to be unlawful. This can help the Council to communicate with estate agents and enforce the removal of unlawful signs.

**d. work towards drastically reduce fly-tipping** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Official statistics say that Haringey is the best Council in London for combating fly tipping. Labour has introduced street wardens for every area in the Borough, so that local people have a named officer that they can report problems to. Our streets are cleaner than ever before but we are ambitious to do more .

Our manifesto has outlined some key initiatives to improve cleanliness of Haringey streets


 * Retain the Street Enforcement Officers network which has been rolled out across the borough, in order to tackle fly tipping, litter, graffiti and rubbish dumping


 * Push for the strongest possible penalties for those who do not respect our environment by issuing on-the-spot fines for littering, dog mess and dumping, and seeking prosecution in the courts for the worst offenders.

e. promote widespread additional street greenery & trees ** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_
 * Building on our successful Safer Neighbourhood Police teams and Community
 * Volunteers we will establish Neighbourhood Environmental Action Teams (NEATs) in every part of the borough, working with residents and businesses to tackle environmental problems together.

Haringey Labour has surpassed its commitment in 2006 to plant over 1000 trees in the borough. Over the last four years the Council has increased the tree population by over 10%. Haringey Labour is making the same commitment again pledging to plant a further 1,000 trees over the next four years. The Council have also funded a number of Making The Difference Grants in this area, working with local residents and community groups to improve their areas. Examples include; tree planting on ladder roads, funding for a community garden and plant beds in Noel Park and funding to regenerate an area on Lancaster Road, Stroud Green. If re-elected Labour is committed to introducing three nature reserves in the borough and work with local residents to encourage active involvement in our green spaces.

**f. introduce a 20mph ‘default’ speed limit for all residential streets** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

The Council has worked with local residents to implement 20mph limits and zones across Haringey. Recently the Council funded £200,000 to implement traffic calming measures on Wightman Road and the ladder roads. A 20mph default speed limit has been investigated by the Council and would require lengthy consultation with local residents, and a strategy for enforcement would need to be investigated. As a party we support measures which improve road safety but believe that residents should be fully involved in decision making as a 20 mph speed limit on every residential road may not be appropriate


 * g. work to reduce traffic whilst promoting sustainable travel options** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We want to improve rail and bus services to offer a high quality alternative to using cars to work towards our ambitious carbon reduction strategy, and reduce congestion. Labour Councillors have already worked with the local residents to implement 20mph limit roads across Haringey and have been recently selected by Transport for London as a biking borough to encourage cycling in Haringey. In addition the Labour Council has introduced a successful car club scheme and installed electric charging points across Haringey.

Our manifesto outlines a number of initiatives which Haringey Labour will implement in the next term including: and prioritise east-west links across the borough which are poorly served at the moment
 * Establish a Sustainable Transport Commission to lead the debate on transport, fairer parking controls and investment into streets and transport.
 * Improving participation in area assemblies so we can work together to tackle local priorities
 * Work with traders to encourage residents to shop locally to alleviate traffic and also expand the our successful car club
 * Defend the freedom pass from cuts and fight for improved bus services from east to west across Haringey.
 * Fight for better bus services in Haringey, continued investment in the tube

**2. Ensure development and regeneration is what residents want and is for our benefit** **- by taking all possible steps to…** a. oppose over-development ** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We want our green spaces to be the best in London- We have already been awarded 14 green flags for our parks (more than any other in North London) because we believe all residents should be able to enjoy great local parks; giving residents places to play, exercise and relax. Our record on regeneration is strong; new developments such as Hale Village, Heartlands and New River village are providing new homes, jobs and a school for local residents. We are committed to planting 1000 extra trees and protecting our green space, establishing local nature reserves and encouraging resident participation in protecting our green spaces. There is a housing need in the borough, and we are pledging to increase council housing and affordable housing, particularly in the West of the borough. b. oppose inappropriate development ** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Labour has a track record of fighting inappropriate development in our borough. When Network Rail proposed building a Depot in a regeneration zone in Hornsey, we worked with the Labour Government to secure an Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order to block the move. This is only the second time an Article 4 Notice has been served. This means this development cannot be undertaken without full consultation from local residents. Network Rail have tried to appeal this decision by the Secretary of State, but we are committed to ensuring the views of local people are heard.

**c. protect all buildings & sites of historic or social interest** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

The Council is also working with developers to ensure Tottenham Town Hall and Hornsey Town Hall is brought back for community use. Working with Spurs and English Heritage the Council restored a Grade 2 listed building back in Tottenham preserving its future. If elected for another term in office, Haringey Labour will oversee the completion of these projects and will:


 * Aim to attract external funding from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop Bruce Castle to provide a focal point for visitors interested in heritage and culture.


 * Bring Lordship Recreation Ground back to its former glory, making it one of the best and most attractive parks north of the Thames

**d. protect and respect the positive character of local areas** YES NO_

Working with English Heritage the Council are investing £400k restoring Myddleton Road, including old shop fronts, street lighting and paving in the area. Haringey Labour are committed to completing this project and working with local residents to achieve the change the change they want to see for their area.

**e. ensure the LDF rules out high-densities and residential tower blocks as inappropriate for Haringey** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We will seek new, affordable homes in all parts of the borough and particularly in the west of Haringey where people are least able to afford to buy their homes. We will seek to bring forward the building of new council homes and oversee the completion of the Decent Homes programme; bring nearly 13,000 properties up to a Decent standard. We will push housing associations to ensure that they manage their homes in the borough to a high standard and provide as many opportunities as possible for Haringey residents to access affordable housing.

**f. promote the maximum % of housing for those who most need it, ie social housing, in all new developments** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

All developments over ten units have to provide for the provision for social housing. Working with developers we are keen to increase the amount of social housing in Haringey.

**g. protect, enhance and expand all ‘informal’ green spaces** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We want to work together with local residents to protect, enhance and expand green spaces and get local people involved in the area that they live in. Haringey Council has already supported tree planting and improving informal green spaces through Making the Difference Grants and we are ambitious to do more. Our pledges include:


 * We will encourage the active involvement of all residents in looking after their parks and open space and achieve 15 Green Pennants for community managed spaces.
 * We will continue to support the excellent work of our Friends of Parks groups.
 * We will establish three new local nature reserves by 2014.

**h. support community-led regeneration & proposals for contested sites** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_ As per our statutory requirements we are working to maximise community led regeneration of the borough.


 * i. support the Wards Corner ** **Community Coalition’s renewal plans** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Labour have overseen the regeneration of South Tottenham, supported by £50m of New Deal for Communities funding from the Government which will provide a legacy of economic and social regeneration for the area.


 * 3. Protect, improve and expand Haringey’s open spaces - by taking all possible steps to… **

**a. fight for the resources needed to improve facilities & conditions** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Under Labour Leadership, the borough already has successfully achieved 14 Green Flag parks, the most Green Flags in North London.

Haringey Labour have committed to the following pledges to improving and expanding green space:


 * We will bring Lordship Recreation Ground back to its former glory, making it one of the best and most attractive parks north of the Thames


 * We will achieve 15 Green Pennants for community managed spaces.


 * We will upgrade 15 play facilities across the Borough.


 * We will continue to support the excellent work of our Friends of Parks groups.


 * We will realise our plans for Muswell Hill Playing Fields to create a new park for the Fortis Green area.


 * Aim to attract external funding from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop Bruce Castle to provide a focal point for visitors interested in heritage and culture.

**b. ensure dedicated staffing on-site in all substantial green spaces** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Labour run Haringey Council has funded four PC’s and a sergeant to patrol all of the borough’s parks to oversee safety and increase visibility. In addition, The Council employs number of designated park officers is responsible for overseeing the running of our parks.

**c. expand the number of allotment sites and community gardens** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

In Labour’s manifesto we have outlined our commitment to invest in allotments and seek new places for growing food in new developments.


 * d. expand the number of nature conservation areas** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We have pledged to introduce three new local conservation areas by 2014.

**e. ensure the LDF adopts GLA & nationally-recognised minimum standards for open space provision (Officers) - //eg. that ‘deficiency’ is defined as more than 400m from a local park (>2ha)//** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey’s Council’s draft Local Development was agreed by Cabinet on 23rd March and is due to go to public consultation on May 10th 2010. The current draft is compliant with GLA and nationally recognised limits which define deficiency as more than 400m walking distance for open space. This is in line with other council policy, including Haringey’s Supplementary Planning Guidance which can be found on the Council’s website.


 * f. support local ‘Friends of Park’ groups** YES_ NO_

Haringey Labour has worked with a number of Friends of Park’ groups to improve green space. Through Making the Difference Grants Haringey Labour supported Friends of Downhills Park to create a new wildlife pond. We will continue to support the excellent work of our Friends of Parks groups.


 * 4. Protect and improve local community facilities (eg health, education, leisure, playcentres, play areas, local POs & shops, meeting spaces etc) throughout Haringey - by taking all possible steps to…**


 * a. protect existing local facilities** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We will continue to fight to against cuts to frontline services and local facilities. The Labour team has already launched the campaign to fight any reduction to services at the Whittington. Unlike opposition parties, we are committed to safeguarding frontline services.

**b. improve existing local facilities** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Labour will continue fight to improve facilities for local people. With over £50m investment into South Tottenham, and the regeneration of Myddleton Road and Hornsey already underway, we are ambitious to do more.

Our Manifesto details the following commitments to improve local facilities:


 * We will invest £8.5 million in creating additional primary school places for our
 * children.
 * We will complete the £212 million Building Schools for the Future programme –
 * ensuring that all secondary schools in the borough have modern buildings and facilities.
 * We will bring Lordship Recreation Ground back to its former glory, making it one of the best and most attractive parks north of the Thames
 * We will upgrade 15 play facilities across the Borough.
 * We will work with businesses in our town centres to make sure they are attractive places for people to shop in and spend their leisure time.
 * We will achieve 15 Green Pennants for community managed spaces.

**c. expand the range of facilities in local neighbourhoods** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_


 * We will open a new community secondary school in Wood Green, Heartlands High, in autumn 2010. The school will be an exemplar of the best educational and environmental standards.
 * We will realise our plans for Muswell Hill Playing Fields to create a new park for the Fortis Green area.
 * We will establish three new local nature reserves by 2014.

**d. introduce a Community Toilet scheme across Haringey** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

The Community Toilet Scheme has already been introduced under Labour leadership. As of March 2010 the Council has been working with six businesses on Tottenham High Road with the intention of expanding this scheme. If re-elected this scheme would be rolled out across Haringey.


 * 5. Protect and improve public services - by taking all possible steps to… **

**a. oppose any cuts to front line public services or facilities** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

This year, Haringey Labour’s budget put an extra £7.8million into frontline services to make sure the Council is delivering high quality services for local residents. We will are committed to defending frontline services – which is one of key manifesto pledges. We are the only Party whose Leader hasn’t called for immediate cuts to services.


 * b. oppose any steps towards outsourcing and privatisation** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We believe in delivering the best value for the taxpayer, whilst delivering high standards and ensuring that vulnerable groups and families receive the care and services they need.

**c. support the development and empowerment of user groups - //eg. parents & youth groups in schools, carers groups, GP patients groups etc//** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW _

We have written the Constitution for the Mental Health Partnership Board, Older Peoples Partnership Board, the Carers Partnership Board and the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board to empower and encourage established reference groups, made up of users and carers to help with the delivery of the transforming social care agenda. The transformation boards also now include service users. Working with the Labour Government, Haringey Labour is supporting local people to have greater control over the services they receive. We have pledged to continue to help people to help themselves and encourage our residents who have disabilities to take control of their own budgets, with our support.


 * 6. Protect the borough’s Council housing - by taking all possible steps to…

a. ensure all Council homes remain in public ownership** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

All Haringey housing stock is maintained by an Arms Length Management Organisation, and as such is still owned by Haringey Council.

**b. ensure all sheltered communities remain together at their current sites (if the residents so wish) - //including those in Campbell Ct, Larkspur Close, Protheroe House & Stokely Ct//** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW _

We strive to keep sheltered housing communities together as far as possible, however some of our stock is currently being assessed as part of an Older People’s Housing Strategy which is due for completion in September. This doesn’t mean that there are any plans to move or close any of our homes, but we want to ensure that residents in sheltered accommodation have access the best facilities. By 2014 we have committed to providing extra care housing, so that our older residents can continue to live in dignity with independence.


 * 7. Ensure long-term environmental sustainability, and an exemplary contribution by Haringey to the efforts to prevent dangerous climate change** - by taking all possible steps to…


 * a. ensure the borough carbon reduction targets (currently 40% by 2020) reflect the science and are reached or exceeded** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Council was the first authority to sign up to the 40% reduction by 2020. Labour has already exceeded the target of 10% reduction in carbon emission by 2010 and this is just the beginning. A number of projects are already underway to help us achieve this target including a low carbon zone in Muswell Hill, expanding the already successful car club and installing electric charging points for electric vehicles across the borough. Labour run Haringey Council is also collaborating with the Energy Saving Trust to formulate a carbon reduction strategy to help us achieve these ambitious targets. Our manifesto pledges to make substantial progress towards meeting the target by 2014 and we will establish a dedicated Carbon Management Service to maximise our efforts.

Haringey Labour have committed to investing in allotments and seeking additional places for growing food in new developments. We will support the development of food cooperatives in the borough and help residents into sustainable food schemes.
 * b. promote maximum possible local food production** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_


 * c. promote maximum possible local sustainable energy production** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Council successfully secured support from the London Development Agency to promote low carbon, decentralised energy in the Borough. As outlined in our manifesto, we will establish an energy services company (ESCo) for Haringey by 2012 with greener, more efficient combined heat and power energy systems for our communities, starting with our regeneration areas in Tottenham Hale and Haringey Heartlands

**d. ensure the local economy and workplaces adapt to sustainable, low carbon methods, products and services** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

In the Labour manifesto we have outlined ambitious plans to develop Marsh Lane, N17 as a centre for environmental businesses, creating 300 ‘green jobs’ by 2014. The Muswell Hill Low Carbon Zone project is also working collaboratively with businesses, schools and residents to reduce carbon emissions in the area.

for all domestic/public/commercial buildings YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_ We will establish a new re-use service under our new waste contract so that we are reducing landfill. We have pledged to deliver a new recycling and waste collection contract which will ensure a universal door-to door waste collection and recycling service for all residents, whether they live in houses, flats or flats above shops. Haringey Labour wants to be on the forefront of environmental practice.
 * e. develop a comprehensive re-use and recycling scheme**

**f. develop a comprehensive mass insulation scheme** for all domestic/public/commercial buildings YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Tackling Fuel Poverty is a priority for Haringey Labour Group, which is why we launched an Affordable Warmth Strategy for the borough in 2009. We have outlined our commitment in the manifesto to help homeowners to install energy saving measures which will not only tackle carbon emissions but cut energy bills. Last year Labour run Haringey Council invested over £470,000 in assistance for energy efficiency improvement and Warm Front Scheme Haringey Labour have already provided over 3700 improvements to properties making us the top performing borough for referrals in London. Haringey has supported over 380 households through the Warmth and Comfort Scheme as well as investing £250,000 in the West Green and Bruce Grove and is working with British Gas to deliver £3.5m of investment tackle Fuel Poverty. As part of the Muswell Hill Low Carbon Zone initiative Haringey Labour will continue to work with business to reduce carbon emission in the private sector. Under Labour Leadership the Council has undertaken a number of projects to reduce carbon emissions in public buildings. These include installing lighting controls at Muswell Hill Library, installing swimming pool covers at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre and Park Road Swimming Pool and installing of energy efficiency lighting in Haringey leisure centres. Plans are already in place for 2010 which include draught proofing schools, installing heat controls in schools and leisure centres and boiler replacements in a number of buildings across Haringey.


 * g. support the Sustainable Haringey network** YES_ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We are committed to working together with Haringey’s many residents’ associations, charities, community groups and voluntary organisations to solve problems together. The Council has already supported Muswell Hill Sustainability Group to set up En10energy, a community social energy enterprise whose remit is to deliver renewable energy technology.


 * 8. Improve the amount of resources and funding available (from all local and national sources) to achieve the above goals - by taking all possible steps to… **

**a. lobby central government to increase local funding** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

In the tough economic climate ahead, Labour will be making sure every pound of tax payers money is working harder for local people. A key pledge is to continue our fight for fair funding for Haringey children; addressing the funding anomaly which means that central Government provide £1,000 less to teach each child than neighbouring inner London boroughs.


 * b. access other sources of funding** YES NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Labour will continue to fight for additional funding from all sources to improve services to local people.


 * 9. Support and work with the borough’s residents associations and the Federation - by… **

**a. respecting their independence** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

We are committed to working together with Haringey’s many residents’ associations, charities, community groups and voluntary organisations to solve problems together.


 * b. ensuring they are fully and routinely informed, consulted, engaged and empowered over all proposals affecting their area** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

Haringey Labour believes that the Council should not only be interested in building the physical fabric of our community, but the social fabric too. We want to give local people a much greater say over the changes in our community. We want to encourage and empower people to take part and have a hand in improving our neighbourhoods. We want to work with local people and community groups so that the services the Council provide are what people want and what the area needs; giving everyone a sense of ownership in building our future .

**c. ensuring that all Council departments treat them as partners** YES _ NO_ DON’T KNOW_

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Date 22nd May 2010 [HFRA Note - wrong date]  //Please return by post or email by 22nd April to: HFRA, 42 Falmer Rd, N15 5BA 0208 211 0916// //info@haringeyresidents.org//