Unsafe homes traumatise SEND kids in Hackney 2026

Key Points

• Hackney Council places SEND kids in mouldy flats.
• Families report severe health and trauma impacts.
• Complaints ignored despite repeated safety pleas.
• 2026 backlash demands urgent housing reforms now.
• Parents seek legal action over council negligence.

Hackney (Extra London News) February 17, 2026 – Families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have accused Hackney Council of subjecting them to “traumatising” conditions by housing them in unsafe, damp-ridden properties riddled with mould. Parents claim the authority has failed to act on repeated complaints, exacerbating health issues and emotional distress for vulnerable youngsters amid a mounting scandal in 2026.

The controversy erupted publicly this month when multiple families came forward with harrowing accounts of black mould infesting bedrooms, leaking ceilings, and structural hazards in council-provided accommodations. Advocacy groups have labelled the situation a “systemic failure,” calling for immediate inspections and rehousing.

What triggered the families’ complaints against Hackney Council?

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Hackney Gazette, the complaints began surfacing in late 2025 but intensified in early 2026 following a series of unheeded repair requests. One family, residing in a tower block in Hackney Central, described how “black mould spread across our five-year-old son’s bedroom walls, making it impossible for him to sleep without coughing fits”. The council, according to Jenkins’ investigation, classified these as “non-urgent” despite medical evidence linking mould to respiratory problems in SEND children, who often have compromised immune systems.

Tom Reynolds of London Evening Standard corroborated these claims, interviewing three separate households. Reynolds noted that Hackney Council’s housing department logged over 150 similar complaints in the past year, yet resolution rates hovered below 40 per cent.

Further details emerged from MyLondon, where reporter Elena Patel detailed a case involving twins with learning disabilities housed in a lower-ground flat prone to flooding. The family submitted photos showing persistent leaks, which the council allegedly dismissed as “cosmetic.” Patel’s piece highlighted how such properties fail to meet basic standards under the Housing Act 2004, which mandates habitable conditions.

Why are SEND families disproportionately affected in Hackney?

Rachel Morrison of BBC London explained the disproportionate impact in her February 2026 report, attributing it to Hackney’s strained SEND provisions. The borough, home to over 5,000 SEND pupils, faces a national shortage of suitable housing, but Morrison argued local mismanagement compounds the issue.

Morrison interviewed parent David Hargreaves, whose wheelchair-using son was placed in a first-floor flat without a working lift. Data from Morrison’s report revealed Hackney rejected 25 per cent more SEND housing applications in 2025 compared to neighbouring boroughs like Tower Hamlets.

Islington Tribune journalist Mark Fowler delved into systemic issues, reporting that interim housing for SEND families often prioritises availability over suitability. Fowler cited a Freedom of Information request showing 78 SEND households in temporary accommodation with known defects as of January 2026.

One mother, Anna Kowalski, shared: “My boy’s epilepsy flares up in the cold, damp flat; we’ve begged for a move since October.”

Fowler noted the council’s £12 million housing repair backlog, questioning budget allocations.

How has black mould become a symbol of the scandal?

Black mould has emerged as the starkest emblem of neglect, with Evening Standard’s Reynolds publishing images from affected homes. Families reported sleep deprivation and hospital visits, with one child hospitalised for pneumonia linked to mould exposure.

However, Jenkins revealed internal emails where maintenance teams flagged high-risk properties yet awaited approval. By mid-February 2026, a petition with 2,500 signatures demanded mould surveys borough-wide.

MyLondon’s Patel linked the mould crisis to poor upkeep, noting Hackney’s housing stock averages 50 years old. One family even resorted to sleeping in the living room to avoid infested bedrooms, as detailed in her report.

What role have EHCP delays played in the housing crisis?

Delays in issuing EHCPs have trapped families in substandard housing, as explored by BBC London’s Morrison. Nationally, SEND waits average 18 weeks, but Hackney exceeds 30, per 2026 Ofsted data cited by Morrison.

Yet Islington Tribune’s Fowler uncovered discrepancies, with whistleblower social workers alleging understaffing.

“SEND teams are overwhelmed; housing referrals get lost,” one anonymous worker told Fowler.
Independent Community News contributor Laura Singh reported a 2026 spike in judicial reviews against Hackney for EHCP failures, up 40 per cent.
El-Sayed organised a February 2026 rally outside the town hall, drawing 200 supporters.

Cross-party calls grew, with Lib Dem Sonia Grant echoing: “Transparency on complaint logs is essential.”

In response to media scrutiny, Hackney Council issued a February 17 statement, as covered by MyLondon’s Patel.

Evening Standard’s Reynolds pressed on timelines: “Full mould eradication by summer, with interim dehumidifiers provided.”

However, Hackney Gazette’s Jenkins reported only 12 units treated by February 18.

“Promises ring hollow without delivery,” said Joanne Fletcher.

Islington Tribune’s Fowler detailed a new SEND housing protocol, mandating pre-placement checks.

“Independent inspectors will verify suitability,” council officer Mark Jennings confirmed.

Are legal actions looming over the scandal?

Yes, with families consulting solicitors. Independent Community News’s Singh reported two groups filing pre-action letters.

David Hargreaves affirmed: “We’re prepared to sue for our child’s wellbeing.”

BBC London’s Morrison noted precedents, like 2025 Barnet rulings fining councils for SEND neglect. Hackney’s legal team warned of costs, per leaked memos in London Evening Standard.

How does Hackney compare to other London boroughs?

MyLondon’s Patel benchmarked data: Hackney’s SEND temp housing rate is 22 per cent, versus Islington’s 14 per cent.

“Underfunding hits hardest here,” Patel quoted analyst Dr. Helen Voss.

Islington Tribune’s Fowler contrasted: Neighbours like Waltham Forest offer guaranteed adaptations.

Hackney Gazette’s Jenkins revealed Hackney’s SEND budget underspent by £1.8 million in 2025, questioning priorities.
Health fallout is dire. Evening Standard’s Reynolds cited GP records: 35 per cent rise in SEND respiratory cases linked to damp.

Joanne Fletcher shared: “My daughter’s seizures increased; doctors blame environment.”

BBC London’s Morrison warned of long-term lung damage.

Why is 2026 a turning point for SEND housing reform?

The scandal coincides with government pledges post-2025 SEND review. London Evening Standard’s Reynolds reported ministers eyeing sanctions.

Parents demand a 2026 overhaul. Nadia El-Sayed to Hackney SEND Justice: “No more traumatising our kids.”

Contact advises logging complaints via council portals, escalating to housing ombudsman.

Rachel Walters to BBC London: “Document everything; seek legal aid.”

Hackney Gazette’s Jenkins lists MP surgeries and petitions.

David Hargreaves: “Unity forces change.”