The council is usually based at Haringey Civic Centre in Wood Green, although the building has been closed since 2020 pending refurbishment.

The split of powers and functions meant that the Greater London Council was responsible for "wide area" services such as fire, ambulance, flood prevention, and refuse disposal; with the boroughs (including Haringey) responsible for "personal" services such as social care, libraries, cemeteries and refuse collection.

[8] For several years, Haringey Council was the subject of criticism over its handling of the welfare of young children, notably in connection with the murder of Victoria Climbié in 2000 and the killing of Peter Connelly ("Baby P") in 2007.

[10] In March 2009, Haringey Council's performance was placed by the Audit Commission in the bottom four of the country and the worst in London.

[11] In December 2009, Haringey's performance was placed by Ofsted in the bottom nine in the country for children's services.

It is a local education authority and is also responsible for council housing, social services, libraries, waste collection and disposal, traffic, and most roads and environmental health.

[24] Council meetings are temporarily being held at other venues, including Tottenham Town Hall and George Meehan House.