Hackney Greens Withdraw Support for SEND Families as Fresh Eviction Warrant Is Issued Amidst Community Fightback

An East London family facing eviction due to alleged tenancy fraud appears to have lost the backing of the Mayor of Hackney, as the council has been granted a new warrant for their removal. Earlier this year, Green Party councillors joined local activists in a concerted effort to block bailiffs from entering a council property where tenant Charity Oppong has resided for nearly twenty years. Although Ms Oppong’s name is not included on the tenancy agreement, she has previously received support from the London Renters Union (LRU), the current Mayor of Hackney, Zoë Garbett, and her deputy, Councillor Dylan Law, who have all advocated for the family’s right to remain in their home.

The council’s plans to relocate the family into temporary accommodation have raised concerns, particularly regarding the welfare of Ms Oppong’s autistic seven-year-old son, Kayden. The council had initially proposed moving the family to temporary housing in Newham, but this has been met with resistance from the family, Kayden’s educators, and healthcare professionals, who argue that such a move would be detrimental. They highlight that Newham is “over an hour away” from St Paul’s and St Michael’s Primary School, where Kayden has established a routine and support network. Research from King’s College London has indicated that neurodivergent children can face “torture-like” conditions in temporary accommodation, adding weight to the family’s concerns.

Background of the Tenancy Dispute

Ms Oppong has lived in the flat for nearly two decades, having initially moved in when her sister-in-law, Janet Antwi, was on the tenancy agreement. Following Ms Antwi’s relocation to America, Ms Oppong continued to pay rent but did not officially transfer the tenancy. The council became aware in 2021 that Ms Antwi was no longer residing in the property and subsequently issued Ms Oppong with a renting card that recognised her as a paying tenant. However, eviction proceedings were initiated on the grounds of tenancy fraud.

In 2025, a judge sanctioned the council’s eviction warrant, but the family has consistently contested this decision in court. Prior to the Green Party’s significant victory in the local elections, Councillor Law had expressed his commitment to amending the succession rules to allow the family to remain in their home, urging the then-Mayor, Caroline Woodley, to take action to prevent the eviction. Ms Garbett, who was co-leader of the Green opposition at that time, echoed this sentiment, stating that safeguarding children and fulfilling the council’s statutory responsibilities should be the priority.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Challenges

Following two attempts by activists to prevent the eviction, a judge in March ordered the suspension of the council’s eviction warrant. However, recent reports indicate that on July 6, the council successfully obtained a new warrant for the family’s eviction. The council is now offering temporary accommodation within Hackney, a proposal that has not alleviated the family’s concerns.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reached out to both the council and the Mayor’s office for comments prior to publication, yet neither party responded. A spokesperson for the LRU voiced their discontent with the council’s approach, stating that the family’s needs had not been adequately considered. “Hackney Council must cease their efforts to evict children from a home where they have lived their entire lives. Council officers possess the authority to allow the family to remain but are opting to proceed with the eviction. We urge them to heed the community’s calls and stop squandering resources on an unjust eviction,” the spokesperson remarked.

In a particularly concerning proposal, council officers suggested that Kayden undertake a bus journey with an assessor to validate claims regarding his propensity for meltdowns on public transport. This suggestion has drawn significant criticism and further highlights the challenges faced by the family as they navigate this distressing situation.

For those wishing to share stories related to this issue, please reach out to josef.steen@reachplc or contact @jslondonldr on X. Stay informed about the latest developments in East London by subscribing to the MyEastLondon newsletter for daily updates.