Homeless families accuse London council of harrassment and initimidation

"Homeless families living in temporary accommodation have accused Lambeth Council of making intimidating unannounced home visits which led them to believe they were going to be evicted from their properties. The families, who are members of the housing group, Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL) which supports people facing homelessness, overcrowding and poor housing conditions, have demanded an end to the alleged behaviour."

"HASL claims Lambeth Council, in its drive to bring down the cost of temporary accommodation, is creating a confusing and stressful environment for those in temporary homes, with poor communication about what is happening to them. Cllr Danny Adilypour, Lambeth Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes, said the council has been working compassionately to best meet the needs of homeless families, and has a duty to to visit them to inspect the quality of their accommodation, as well as help them find long-term stable housing."

"Last November, the council announced that most homeless households will have to be placed outside of the borough, and often beyond the South East because of a lack of suitable accommodation locally. This announcement was part of a major review to the council's Placement Policy, which has remained mostly the same for more a decade. Lambeth's temporary accommodation crisis is now costing the council more than 100million per year. The council must find 183m in savings over four years so far 99m has been located but the remaining 84m needs to be identified before March 2026."

Homeless families in temporary accommodation accused Lambeth Council of conducting intimidating unannounced home visits that made them fear eviction. HASL members said tenants received unexpected emails suggesting relocations miles outside London and described poor communication about moves. HASL linked the behaviour to a council drive to reduce temporary-accommodation costs, creating confusion and stress for residents. The council stated visits are necessary to inspect accommodation quality and to assist families to find long-term housing. A placement-policy review requires placing most households outside the borough due to local shortages, while temporary-accommodation costs exceed £100 million annually and major savings are required by March 2026.

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