Activists Successfully Block Bailiffs in Hackney Eviction Standoff
In a dramatic confrontation, activists from the London Renters Union, supported by local Green Party members, prevented bailiffs from evicting a family of five from their council flat in Hackney. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, when dozens of protesters gathered on the block's balcony, forming an "eviction resistance" that forced enforcement officers to retreat after just five minutes.
The family, who have resided in the social rent property for nearly two decades, faces relocation to temporary accommodation due to a tenancy fraud allegation. Charity Oppong, the mother, argues that moving would severely impact her seven-year-old son Kayden, who is non-verbal autistic and settled at St Paul’s and St Michael’s primary school.
Decades-Long Tenancy Dispute Comes to a Head
Ms Oppong originally moved into the flat when her sister-in-law, Janet Antwi, held the tenancy agreement. After Ms Antwi relocated to America and could not return, Ms Oppong continued paying rent but never formally transferred the tenancy. Hackney Council discovered the irregularity in 2021 when requesting Ms Antwi's contact details, leading to legal action.
Despite the council issuing Ms Oppong a renting card with her name, it pursued eviction on grounds of tenancy fraud. The council failed to appear at two court hearings, attributing this to lack of notice from the court. On January 22, 2025, a court order mandated the family's removal.
Community Support and Health Concerns Amplify Case
During the legal battle, the council received numerous letters of support from Kayden's school and doctors, urging it to prioritize the child's wellbeing. Protesters, who waited over three hours for bailiffs, emphasized the family's long-term residence and the potential harm of displacement.
Hannah Caller, an LRU member, stated, "This is a quibble over a tenancy. It doesn’t make any sense and it will absolutely destroy the family." The council has offered temporary accommodation in Waltham Forest or Newham, but Ms Oppong fears this would disrupt Kayden's routine and support network.
Police Intervention and Council Response
Police arrived at the protest after a noise complaint from a Tenant Management Organisation member. Officers expressed "safeguarding concerns" about the child witnessing the demonstration. Keem Costa of LRU noted that neighbors were empathetic and had been alerted beforehand.
A Hackney Council spokesperson acknowledged the distress but maintained that the family had no legal rights to the home due to illegal subletting. The spokesperson added, "We have offered the family a four-bed home close to Hackney, with good transport links to enable them to continue to access their support network." The council plans to proceed with eviction at a later date.
The standoff highlights the intense pressure on social housing in London, where demand far exceeds supply, and the ethical dilemmas in enforcing tenancy laws against vulnerable households.
