Local people are the ones that have suffered most.
A report by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate on the council's administration of Housing Benefits is awaited. Fundamental changes are needed to the way in which the council is governed and its services delivered. Not only is best value not being achieved now, but it is unlikely to be achieved in the foreseeable future unless these changes are made quickly. There are positive signs of progress in education, social services and in neighbourhood renewal. And the Government welcomes the new political and senior officer leadership in Hackney, and its commitment to put the council's finances in order and protect key services.