Court Halts Hackney Eviction as Activists Form Human Barrier Against Bailiffs
A dramatic standoff in Hackney ended with a court suspending an eviction warrant against a family who have lived in their council flat for nearly two decades, while activists from the London Renters Union physically blocked bailiffs from entering the property.
Last-Minute Legal Reprieve Amid Tense Confrontation
Charity Oppong and her three children were preparing for bailiffs to forcibly remove them from their Hackney home on Friday, March 6, when they received a phone call confirming the court had granted a stay of execution. The news came as activists crowded on the balcony and locked arms to prevent any enforcement officers from gaining entry to the property.
This marked the second successful "eviction resistance" organized by the London Renters Union, who had previously stopped bailiffs in February. The family's lawyers had been pressing the court to delay the eviction until both a judicial review and an ongoing safeguarding assessment from social services could be completed.
"I will keep on fighting to stay," Ms Oppong told the Local Democracy Reporting Service after learning of the court's decision, which prompted cheers of celebration from supporters gathered outside the flat.
Two Decades of Occupation Without Formal Tenancy
The complex case centers on a technicality that campaigners describe as a "quibble." Ms Oppong moved into the flat nearly 20 years ago when her sister-in-law, Janet Antwi, held the tenancy agreement. When Ms Antwi moved to America and was unable to return, Ms Oppong remained in the property and continued paying rent, but the tenancy was never formally transferred to her name.
The council discovered Ms Antwi was no longer an occupant in 2021 and subsequently issued Ms Oppong with a renting card while simultaneously beginning eviction proceedings on grounds of tenancy fraud. Hackney Council maintains that Ms Oppong is not eligible for a discretionary tenancy under its allocations policy.
In 2025, the court officially ordered the family to leave the flat, but since then the council has received multiple letters from medical professionals and educators urging them to reconsider due to the impact on Ms Oppong's autistic 7-year-old son, Kayden.
Autistic Child's Wellbeing at Center of Dispute
The council has offered to relocate the family to temporary accommodation in Newham, but the family argues this would be devastating for Kayden's routine and wellbeing. The proposed move would place him over an hour away from St Paul's and St Michael's Primary School where he has established crucial support networks.
"This is not a reasonable offer," said Ms Oppong's 18-year-old daughter, Nana. "My little brother has grown up and built a support network from neighbours, health advisors and his school right here in Hackney. Why would they now drag a child out of this?"
Nana explained that her brother experiences meltdowns and becomes deeply distressed when travelling in vehicles or on public transport, making the proposed relocation particularly problematic. She emphasized that the issue extends beyond her family to all families with children who have special needs.
Council Faces Pressure Amid Housing Crisis
In emails seen by reporters, Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley expressed sympathy for the "stressful" situation facing the family but stated it would be "deeply unfair" to those waiting on Hackney's 7,900-strong housing register if the council made an exception to its policies.
However, London Renters Union member Jocasta Davis argued that the council possesses discretionary power to resolve what she characterized as a technical issue. "The council gave the tenants a licence to keep on paying rent for years," Davis said. "This was about a name change on the tenancy - a technicality."
The Tenant Management Organisation has claimed that Ms Antwi "expressly wished" for the council to take back the property, though the family disputes this assertion. With the court's suspension now in place, the legal battle continues as both sides prepare for the next phase of proceedings.
For Nana, the temporary reprieve means she can finally refocus on her studies after months of uncertainty and stress. Meanwhile, activists celebrate the suspension as a victory while acknowledging that the broader fight for housing justice in London continues.
