Haringey Formally Recognises Latin American Community

Haringey Council has formally recognised the Latin American community, acknowledging their significant contributions and addressing issues of statistical invisibility and economic disparity. The council aims to use data gathered to inform policy changes and resource allocation to benefit the Latin American community.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Placemaking, and Local Economy, and seconded by Councillor Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, was approved at the Full Council meeting on 21 July 2025. The motion highlights that Haringey has the third-largest Latin American population in London, with over 10,000 residents in 2021.

The council recognised that Latin Americans are often placed in the Other ethnic group in the UK Census, leading to a lack of specific data and understanding of their needs. The motion notes that Latin Americans are not recognised as an official ethnic category in the UK Census, leading to statistical invisibility . The council resolves to support the inclusion of an official Latin American category in the next UK Census and work with London Councils and the GLA to implement a consistent Londonwide approach.

Despite high rates of education and employment, many Latin Americans face low pay and workplace exploitation, with 70% earning less than the London Living Wage. The motion notes that low pay and workplace exploitation contribute to multiple challenges for Latin Americans, including child poverty, housing insecurity, poor mental and physical health and barriers to public services, especially for families and carers.

To address these issues, the council has resolved to:

• Officially recognise the Latin American community in Haringey.
• Add a Latin American category to internal and external monitoring forms across council services. The motion states that inclusion of Latin American as a category in the monitoring forms of the Council and its partner organisations will help ensure services are appropriate and effective.
• Engage with Haringey residents from a range of Latin American backgrounds to understand how to best represent them in categorisations.
• Develop a programme of work with staff across the organisation to promote the use of equalities monitoring forms and robust data collection for all residents.
• Work with London Councils and the GLA to implement a consistent Londonwide approach.
• Support the inclusion of an official Latin American category in the next UK Census.
• Share data on the local Latin American population with community groups in accordance with the principles of GDPR.
• Work with other communities that are or feel excluded from council and wider categorisations to better reflect their identity.

The motion also acknowledges the significant contribution of the Latin American community to Haringey, particularly at the Seven Sisters Market, also known as 'Latin Village'.

The council hopes that this formal recognition and the implementation of these measures will help to better support and represent the Latin American community in Haringey. More information can be found in the Public reports pack 21st-Jul-2025 19.30 Full Council.