Hackney Brothers 'Can Now Grieve Properly' After Eviction Threat U-Turn
Two brothers from Hackney have expressed profound relief after a housing association reversed its decision to evict them from their lifelong home, a move that came less than two weeks after their mother's tragic death. John Hoar, 46, and his brother David, 56, faced the terrifying prospect of homelessness in mid-November when London & Quadrant (L&Q) initially informed them they would have to vacate their two-bedroom flat in Northwold Road, Clapton.
A Lifelong Home Under Threat
The brothers have resided in the Clapton flat for their entire lives, with the social housing tenancy previously transferred in 2003 following the death of their father. Under government law, such tenancies can typically only be transferred once, which placed John and David in a precarious position. However, they had anticipated receiving a discretionary tenancy due to their unique circumstances: neither has ever lived elsewhere, John has autism, and David has been signed off work due to depression.
David Hoar shared his emotional turmoil with local media, stating, "Since our mother died on October 30, I've been living under this fear. All of a sudden, it just waters. I can't believe it." He described how their home "descended into a tip" because they were experiencing a breakdown over the eviction threat, adding, "Homelessness is one of those things everybody fears."
Public Intervention Leads to Reversal
Following a news story published last week highlighting their plight, L&Q conducted a review and ultimately granted the brothers a discretionary tenancy. This decision has lifted an immense burden, allowing them to focus on healing. David, a former London bus driver, expressed his newfound optimism: "A great weight is gone, I can now slowly put my life back together. We never had time to grieve, so now I can grieve properly."
He also raised broader concerns about the system, noting, "A lot of people are carers, they give up years of their lives and can't move out of their home. They save the government so much money by caring, but then as soon as the relative dies they're turfed out."
Housing Association Apologizes for Delay
Charlie Culshaw, director of housing management at L&Q, previously confirmed that the case was under review and apologized for the prolonged process in reaching a conclusion. The U-turn has not only provided security for the Hoar brothers but also sparked conversations about the need for more compassionate policies in social housing, particularly for vulnerable individuals facing similar situations.
This incident underscores the ongoing housing crisis in London, where discretionary measures can be crucial for residents with disabilities or those who have dedicated their lives to caregiving. The brothers' story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind housing policies and the importance of timely, empathetic decision-making in the sector.
