A family with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children facing eviction in Hackney has accused the borough’s new Green-led administration of abandoning them, despite earlier promises of support while campaigning for local elections. The dispute has reignited debate over housing policy, temporary accommodation and the responsibilities of councils toward vulnerable families.
The case centres on a Hackney family who are due to be evicted after the council successfully obtained a possession order linked to allegations of tenancy fraud. The family has consistently denied wrongdoing and says losing their home would have a devastating impact on their children, who have additional educational and care needs.
Before becoming Mayor of Hackney, Green politician Zoë Garbett publicly criticised the planned eviction while serving as an opposition councillor. At the time, she urged the previous Labour administration to reconsider the decision, arguing that forcing the family from their home would have serious consequences for vulnerable children.
However, following the Greens’ historic election victory and takeover of Hackney Council in May, the family says communication has significantly reduced. They claim repeated requests for meetings and intervention have gone unanswered, leaving them feeling that political support disappeared once the party entered office.
The family had hoped the new administration would review the case or delay the eviction while alternative solutions were explored. Instead, they say no meaningful action has been taken, prompting criticism from campaigners who previously backed their fight to remain in their home.
Hackney Council maintains that it cannot comment on the specific circumstances of individual housing cases because of legal and privacy obligations. Officials have previously stated that decisions involving council housing must follow legal processes and be based on the available evidence rather than political considerations.
The issue has become particularly sensitive because the Greens campaigned heavily on housing, social justice and protecting vulnerable residents during the 2026 local elections. Their manifesto pledged to improve support for disadvantaged communities and create a fairer housing system across the borough.
Housing campaigners argue the case highlights the difficult balance between enforcing tenancy regulations and protecting families with complex support needs. While councils have a legal duty to investigate suspected tenancy fraud, they also have statutory responsibilities to safeguard vulnerable children and assess homelessness risks before any eviction takes place.
The controversy has generated wider discussion about whether campaign commitments can realistically be delivered once political parties assume responsibility for managing local government. Supporters of the Green administration argue that governing requires compliance with legal advice and court rulings, even where individual cases attract public sympathy.
Meanwhile, critics believe the family deserves greater transparency about why the level of political support appears to have changed since the election. Some local residents have also questioned whether alternative accommodation or mediation could prevent further disruption to the children’s education and wellbeing.
As the eviction deadline approaches, uncertainty remains over what will happen next. The family continues to appeal for intervention, while Hackney Council has not indicated that it intends to revisit the court’s decision.
The case has become an early political test for Hackney’s new Green leadership, with opponents arguing it reflects the challenges of translating campaign promises into government action. Supporters, meanwhile, note that local authorities must often balance compassion with legal obligations and responsible management of public housing.
Whatever the outcome, the dispute has placed housing policy, SEND support and political accountability firmly at the centre of public debate in Hackney, with residents closely watching how the borough’s new administration responds in the weeks ahead.
