Hackney Greens unable to halt family eviction despite pledge

Hackney Council is proceeding with the eviction of Charity Oppong and her eight-year-old son from a council flat, despite a previous election pledge by the now-governing Green Party to prevent such moves. The family faces displacement due to allegations of tenancy fraud, with the council stating that elected officials cannot legally overrule the decisions of housing officers.

Concerns over child's welfare

Ms Oppong's son, Kayden, is severely autistic, non-verbal, and prone to meltdowns. Clinicians and the London Renters Union (LRU) have expressed grave concerns that moving him into temporary accommodation will cause "deep distress" and lasting harm. They argue that remaining in his current area, with his established support network and school, is essential for his well-being. NHS staff have described themselves as "gobsmacked" by the council's initial three-week timeframe for the move, warning that abrupt changes can be "deeply distressing" for autistic children.

Council's position and prior commitments

Mayor of Hackney, Zoë Garbett, addressed protestors outside the council's headquarters on Monday, November 9, stating that the administration had "done whatever we could" to assist the family. She explained that independent legal advice confirmed elected politicians could not override the officers' decision. Deputy Mayor Dylan Law, responsible for housing, acknowledged a "steep learning curve" upon entering office, citing the extensive regulations and bureaucracy that must be adhered to. He had previously been involved in protests against the eviction and had pledged to "definitely amend the succession rules" if the Greens gained control.

The situation stems from Ms Oppong moving into the flat nearly 20 years ago when her sister-in-law, Janet Antwi, held the tenancy. Ms Antwi later moved abroad, and the tenancy was never formally transferred. Ms Oppong continued to reside in the property, paying rent and council tax. The council became aware of this arrangement in 2021 and initiated eviction proceedings on the grounds of tenancy fraud, while continuing to accept payments, which they maintain did not constitute a formal tenancy. A judge granted a warrant for eviction in 2025, though the family and supporters have contested this through the courts.

Previous administration's stance

Prior to the Green Party's election victory, the then-Labour Mayor Caroline Woodley had also declined to intervene. In an email to Ms Garbett, who was then an elected official urging the council to withdraw the eviction notice, Ms Woodley stated that while she recognised the family's "stressful" situation, making an exception would be "deeply unfair" to the approximately 7,900 residents on the borough's housing waiting list.

What happens next

Following negotiations with Mayor Garbett during Monday's demonstration, the LRU reported that politicians had applied "serious pressure" on officers. The council has now agreed to grant the family an extension until December to move to temporary accommodation on the Woodberry Down estate, which is earmarked for future demolition. Campaigners have suggested the Green Party was "naïve about what was possible" and that the focus should be on reforming the allocations policy itself.