Haringey Council Faces Backlash Over Homelessness Hub in Tottenham Library
Haringey Council has come under fire for approving a new homelessness support service at Marcus Garvey Library in Tottenham, with critics raising serious safeguarding concerns. The council defends the move as a necessary response to the housing crisis, but community groups argue it puts children at risk and reduces valuable library space.
Council Approves Hub Amid Growing Homelessness
On February 9, Sarah Williams, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and planning, formally signed off on the creation of the Homelessness Prevention Hub. The project, with a projected cost of £338,000, is set to open this summer in the customer services area of Marcus Garvey Library, with a back office at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre, part of the same complex.
The council states it is obligated to establish this facility under government guidelines, which require local authorities to provide face-to-face interviews for homelessness assessments. Currently, Haringey cannot meet this requirement with its existing services.
Safeguarding Concerns Raised by Community Group
The Friends of Marcus Garvey Library community group has strongly criticized the decision, warning that the hub will endanger children and permanently diminish already limited library space. In a public letter to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Dr. Jasmine Taylor, the group's chair, highlighted unresolved issues from a meeting with council officers.
"The council has overlooked the serious safeguarding issues which would result from this mixed use of the space because of the many children and young people using the library," Dr. Taylor said. She emphasized her past work with homeless individuals, noting that not all face mental health or drug problems, but stressed the inappropriateness of locating the hub opposite a quiet study area.
Dr. Taylor added, "Ironically, the council is pushing ahead with this plan, even though they say their current library strategy prioritizes children and families." The group has suggested alternative locations, such as Tottenham Town Hall or underutilized spaces in the leisure centre.
Council's Defense and Broader Context
In response, Cllr Williams explained, "The nationwide housing crisis has hit some of our residents hard. The Homelessness Prevention Hub will support our residents who are at risk of homelessness, for example through no-fault evictions." She assured that the hub will not replace the existing rough sleepers service at Mulberry Junction and that Marcus Garvey Library has comprehensive risk assessments, including safeguarding measures.
The council report identifies the leisure centre space as "the most viable, cost-effective and practical option" due to high demand in the borough's east. This decision comes as homelessness in London surges; a December 2025 analysis by Shelter found over half of England's homeless population lives in the capital, with a shocking 8% increase nationally to 380,000 people.
Impact on Library Services and Community
Marcus Garvey Library is one of Haringey's three largest libraries, boasting an extensive book collection and hosting numerous cultural events. The council insists the hub will not encroach on library space or alter current provisions, but critics remain unconvinced, fearing long-term effects on community access and safety.
As the summer opening approaches, tensions between addressing homelessness and preserving safe, dedicated spaces for children and families continue to escalate in Tottenham.
