Hackney Council Slammed over SEND Housing Trauma 2026

Key Points

• Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have accused Hackney Council of subjecting them to an “adversarial” and “traumatising” review process for housing needs assessments.
• Families on Hackney’s social housing waitlist criticise the council for brushing aside their distress and failing to properly review medical evidence for vulnerable children.
• Niki Lampaski, speaking for the group Housing Inclusion Hackney, warned at a council meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, that the council’s “fragmented” system is failing families who need to be moved for safety reasons.
• Ms Lampaski’s son Erik is non-verbal and autistic, highlighting personal distress caused by the process.
• The council meeting addressed concerns that people are “falling through the gaps” in the housing needs assessment process.
• Parents claim the process dismisses their children’s safety needs, leaving families in unsafe housing conditions.
• This issue relates to broader challenges in Hackney, including rising numbers of SEND children and council pressures on housing allocation.

Hackney (East London Times) February 17, 2026 – Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have accused Hackney Council of an “adversarial” review process that traumatises families seeking safe social housing, as highlighted by advocacy group Housing Inclusion Hackney at a recent council meeting.

What Triggered the Parents’ Outrage?

The controversy erupted at a Hackney Council meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, where Niki Lampaski, speaking on behalf of Housing Inclusion Hackney, delivered a stark warning to councillors. As reported in the original coverage by MyLondon, Ms Lampaski stated that the council’s housing needs assessment process is “fragmented” and “traumatising,” causing families to “fall through the gaps.” Her son Erik, who is non-verbal and autistic, exemplifies the personal toll, with Ms Lampaski emphasising the urgent need for families to be relocated for safety reasons.

Ms Lampaski warned Hackney Council that its system was failing those requiring urgent moves, describing the process as dismissive of medical evidence submitted by vulnerable families. Parents trying to join Hackney’s social housing waitlist have specifically criticised the council for brushing aside their distress during these reviews. This adversarial approach, according to the group, exacerbates the trauma for SEND children already in unsafe housing conditions.

No direct quotes from council officials were available in the initial reports, but the meeting underscored a growing rift between families and local authority processes.

Who is Niki Lampaski and What is Housing Inclusion Hackney?

Niki Lampaski emerged as a key voice in this story, representing Housing Inclusion Hackney, a group advocating for better housing access for vulnerable residents in the borough. At the February 11 council meeting, Ms Lampaski spoke directly to the issue, warning that the current system leaves SEND families unsupported. Her personal connection—caring for her non-verbal autistic son Erik—adds emotional weight to her criticisms, as she highlighted how the process ignores critical medical evidence needed for priority housing bids.

Housing Inclusion Hackney has positioned itself as a collective voice for those navigating Hackney’s social housing waitlist. The group’s intervention at the public council meeting brought attention to systemic flaws, with Ms Lampaski noting that families are “falling through the gaps” due to fragmented assessments. This aligns with broader community efforts in Hackney to address housing inequalities for disabled children.

While specific founding details of the group were not detailed in reports, its focus on inclusion resonates with ongoing local debates about council responsibilities.

Why Do Families Claim the Process is ‘Traumatising’?

Families describe Hackney Council’s review of medical evidence as adversarial, claiming it brushes aside their distress rather than providing supportive evaluation. For SEND children in unsafe housing, this means prolonged exposure to hazards while awaiting approval for relocation. Ms Lampaski, as reported by MyLondon, last week warned that the “fragmented” system fails those needing safety moves, directly linking it to heightened trauma.

The process requires parents to submit detailed medical evidence, yet critics say reviews dismiss valid concerns, prolonging wait times on the social housing list. This has led to accusations that the council prioritises bureaucracy over child welfare, especially amid rising SEND cases in the area. Parents argue that such handling not only delays urgent rehousing but deepens emotional strain on already vulnerable households.

Neutral observers note that housing allocation in Hackney operates under national guidelines, but local implementation appears to be the flashpoint here.

How Does Hackney Council’s Housing Process Work?

Hackney Council’s social housing waitlist involves a needs assessment, including medical evidence reviews for priority cases like SEND children. Families must provide documentation to qualify for higher banding, but parents claim the scrutiny feels punitive. As per the council meeting discussion covered by MyLondon, the process is seen as fragmented, with gaps allowing eligible families to slip through.

The system aims to balance demand against limited stock, but advocacy voices like Ms Lampaski argue it traumatises applicants by questioning evidence adversarially. This includes repeated requests for information and delays in decisions, leaving children in substandard homes. Broader context from local reporting links this to Hackney’s challenges, such as seven councillors quitting amid related pressures and rising SEND pupil numbers straining resources.

Councillors present at the February 11 meeting heard these concerns firsthand, though no immediate policy shifts were announced.

What Broader Challenges Face SEND Families in Hackney?

Hackney has seen a rising number of SEND children, pushing local services to the limit, as noted in related MyLondon coverage on transport and education strains. This housing scandal fits into a pattern where vulnerable families face barriers to support. For instance, reports of councils being told by the NHS about speechless cases echo the distress voiced by Ms Lampaski.

The borough’s social housing demand far outstrips supply, exacerbating waitlist issues. Housing Inclusion Hackney’s intervention highlights how SEND needs—often requiring ground-floor or adapted properties—are sidelined. Ms Lampaski’s warning at the council meeting ties directly to safety moves, with families alleging unsafe conditions like mould, stairs, or accessibility barriers persist due to review failures.

Local context includes political turbulence, with seven Hackney councillors quitting recently, potentially impacting responsiveness.

When Did This Issue Come to Light?

The public flare-up occurred at the Hackney Council meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, where Niki Lampaski spoke for Housing Inclusion Hackney. Coverage by MyLondon captured her warning last week prior, building on ongoing frustrations. This timing aligns with February 2026’s community welfare discussions in East London.

Parents’ criticisms have simmered as families navigate the waitlist, but the meeting marked a collective stand. Ms Lampaski’s statements—”fragmented” system, “traumatising” process—crystallised the narrative, drawing media attention.

Where Does This Fit in Hackney’s Housing Crisis?

Hackney, in East London, grapples with acute housing shortages, intensified by SEND demands. Unsafe housing for vulnerable children underscores allocation flaws, as per Ms Lampaski’s testimony. The council meeting venue amplified these voices borough-wide.

Related stories, like NHS interventions in council decisions, paint a picture of interconnected failures. Housing Inclusion Hackney focuses on this locale, advocating amid broader East London pressures.

What Have Councillors Said in Response?

At the February 11 meeting, no specific rebuttals from Hackney councillors were quoted in available reports from MyLondon. The session allowed public input, with Ms Lampaski’s warnings directed at decision-makers. Silence from officials leaves questions on planned reforms.

Parents await clarity on process overhauls, but as of February 17, 2026, no formal statements address the “traumatising” claims directly.

Why Is Medical Evidence Review So Critical?

Medical evidence determines priority on Hackney’s waitlist, yet families say it’s mishandled. For non-verbal autistic children like Erik, proof of needs like safe relocation is vital. Ms Lampaski noted the adversarial nature dismisses this, per MyLondon.

This step gates access to adapted housing, making rigorous but fair review essential. Failures here perpetuate unsafe conditions.

How Can Families Seek Redress?

Affected parents, via groups like Housing Inclusion Hackney, are turning to public meetings for visibility. Ms Lampaski’s strategy exemplifies using council platforms. Further steps might include formal complaints or legal aid, though unmentioned in reports.

Ongoing scrutiny could pressure reforms.

What Next for Hackney Council and SEND Housing?

The February 11 meeting spotlight demands change, but outcomes remain pending. With voices like Niki Lampaski’s elevated, pressure mounts for a less adversarial system. Hackney’s rising SEND numbers necessitate action to prevent further trauma.

As East London watches, neutral reporting continues to track developments. Families urge swift reviews to prioritise child safety over process.