Activists Stop Family Eviction in London

A family in London was going to be evicted from their home. Activists came and stopped the bailiffs from entering the house. The family is worried about moving because of their disabled child.
By Newsroom | Housing, London |

London, UK - A family facing eviction from their London home were temporarily shielded from bailiffs on Tuesday, February 10th, as a group of activists gathered to block the property's entrance. Hackney Council had dispatched bailiffs to remove the family, who have resided in the property for nearly two decades. The council's stated reason for the eviction is that the family are not the legal occupants of the home.

The family, including a mother named Charity Oppong and her seven-year-old disabled son, Kayden, have been offered temporary accommodation in Waltham Forest or Newham. Ms. Oppong expressed concerns that the proposed temporary housing would be detrimental to her son's well-being.

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Background to the Eviction Proceedings

Council housing evictions in the UK are a formal process, typically involving legal steps initiated by the local authority.

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  • Notification: Councils must first issue a written notice to the occupants, clearly stating the reasons for eviction and a date by which they must vacate the property. This notice period is often at least two weeks.

  • Legal Authority: To proceed with an eviction, a council or housing association generally requires permission from a court. If the occupants do not leave by the specified date, the council can then seek a court order for bailiffs to remove them.

  • Priority Needs: Certain circumstances can classify individuals as having a "priority need" for housing assistance. These include being pregnant, elderly, disabled, having dependent children, or experiencing vulnerability due to mental or medical health conditions. Those deemed to have a priority need may be offered emergency accommodation.

  • Bailiff Actions: When bailiffs are involved, they are expected to provide a two-week notice of their arrival. They are not permitted to damage belongings and do not automatically grant extra time for packing.

The Role of Activism in Eviction Cases

In this instance, a group of activists intervened at the property on Tuesday, effectively preventing bailiffs from reaching the family. The exact number of activists present was reported as "dozens." Their presence created a physical barrier, making it impossible for the bailiffs to gain access to the dwelling.

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This type of intervention highlights the tensions that can arise when individuals or groups attempt to shield families from official eviction proceedings. While the council is acting under legal authority, the activists' actions suggest a desire to prevent what they perceive as an unjust displacement, particularly given the family's long tenure in the home and the presence of a disabled child.

Family's Circumstances and Proposed Relocation

Charity Oppong indicated that she had communicated with Hackney Council. The council's offer of temporary accommodation is contingent on the family not being the legal occupants. However, Ms. Oppong views the proposed move as potentially harmful, especially for her seven-year-old son, Kayden, who has a disability. The potential impact of such a move on his care and routine appears to be a significant concern.

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For individuals facing eviction, various support systems and legal challenges are available.

  • Citizens Advice: Organizations like Citizens Advice offer assistance in negotiating with landlords or challenging eviction notices. They guide individuals through steps that include receiving notice, court letters, preparing for court, and attending hearings.

  • Discrimination Claims: It may be possible to challenge an eviction if there is evidence of discrimination. This could include grounds related to a person's identity, unequal treatment compared to others, or eviction linked to a disability or previous complaints about discrimination.

  • Shelter England: This organization provides advice on what happens during bailiff evictions, emphasizing that bailiffs must give notice and should not damage property.

Ongoing Situation and Council Response

The immediate eviction was halted due to the presence of activists. However, the underlying issue of the family's housing status and the council's plans for their relocation remain. Ms. Oppong's concerns about the suitability of the temporary accommodation for her son suggest that the situation requires further consideration and potentially alternative solutions to ensure the family's well-being.

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  • It remains unclear what further steps Hackney Council will take regarding the eviction.

  • The legal standing of the family within the property is a central point of contention.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The intervention by activists on Tuesday successfully delayed the eviction of the family by Hackney Council. The core of the issue lies in the council's determination that the family are not the legal occupants of the home, a claim that appears to be disputed or at least strongly challenged by the family's circumstances. The family's concern for their disabled son's welfare adds a layer of urgency to finding a suitable resolution.

  • Immediate Impact: The eviction was temporarily averted due to public demonstration.

  • Underlying Dispute: The family's legal status as occupants of the property is unresolved.

  • Humanitarian Concerns: The potential negative impact on a disabled child's well-being is a critical factor.

Read More: More People in Britain Share Homes Because Housing is Expensive

Further developments will likely depend on subsequent actions by Hackney Council and any legal avenues the family or their advocates may pursue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the family being evicted?
Hackney Council said the family were not the legal people living in the home. They have lived there for almost 20 years.
Q: Who stopped the eviction?
A group of activists came to the house. They stood in front of the door so the bailiffs could not get in.
Q: Where was the family offered to move?
The council offered them a place to live in Waltham Forest or Newham. The mother is worried this is not good for her disabled son.
Q: What is the council's reason for eviction?
The council believes the family are not the legal residents of the property.
Q: What do activists do in these cases?
Activists try to physically stop bailiffs from entering a home to prevent an eviction.