The Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission met on Monday 19 October 2026 to discuss the provision of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) sites and advocacy, and the challenges faced by boat dwellers in accessing services. The Commission heard from residents and organisations representing both communities, highlighting significant issues with accommodation, access to essential services, and discrimination.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Sites, Advocacy & Support

The Commission reviewed the provision of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) sites and the support available to GRT communities. Angie Emmerson, Hackney Council's Traveller Manager, detailed the service's responsibilities, including managing existing sites, supporting families to access services, and addressing unauthorised encampments. She highlighted that the Traveller budget is ring-fenced and covers her post, a part-time Site Officer, and planned maintenance for the 27 pitches across five council sites. Projects have included awareness campaigns for conditions like Brugada syndrome and consultations on pitch licences.

Debbie Kennett and Geraldine Dean-Lindsey from London Gypsies and Travellers (LGTU) spoke about the long-standing need for more pitches, with 31 families on the waiting list for between 12 and 27 years. They expressed disappointment over the loss of £2 million in funding from the London Olympic Legacy Corporation for a new site at Bartrip Street, but welcomed the prospect of an imminent announcement of new land for a site.

Residents Lisa Riley and Jacqueline shared their personal experiences. Lisa described being moved from Wharton Road Traveller's Site due to the Olympics and placed in unsuitable council accommodation with damp and mould, which exacerbated her son's asthma. She highlighted a lack of support from council officers and a dismissal of her son's medical needs. Both Lisa and Jacqueline expressed a strong desire for extensions to pitches at Ruby Close to allow families to live closer to their relatives. Alex Clarke, Director of Housing Strategy and Homelessness Prevention, confirmed that a feasibility study for Ruby Close extensions had begun, with results expected before Christmas. Councillor Alistair Binnie-Lubbock, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Inclusive Neighbourhoods, expressed support for exploring the Ruby Close extensions.

Jacqueline also raised concerns about the lack of a specific strategy for traveller children's education in Hackney, a point echoed by Angie Emmerson, who noted that Hackney's previous strategy had expired. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock committed to discussing this with Councillor Adejare, the Cabinet Member for Schools and Young People.

Councillor Jam Anker called for monthly meetings between cabinet members and the traveller community, and for an investigation into the failure to utilise the £2 million in Olympic Legacy funding. Councillor Sarah Young questioned the challenges in finding suitable sites and whether the London Plan's target of 40 pitches was sufficient, with Debbie Kennett stating that the need was likely closer to 92 pitches in Hackney alone and that political will and urgency were crucial for site delivery.

Councillor Manal Massalha asked about community consultation on new sites and how lived experiences inform policy. Alex Clarke confirmed that LGTU would be involved in the co-design of any new site. Angie Emmerson explained that while site licence consultations involved direct engagement, a dedicated GRT strategy could be shaped by lived experiences.

Lisa Riley also raised concerns about the lack of suitable temporary accommodation for her family while awaiting extensions, and questioned why travellers were not more involved in the building of new homes in Hackney. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock acknowledged the financial strain on the council but recognised the need to explore options for residents.

Steve Webster, from the Resident Liaison Group, asked about raising awareness of traveller history and culture, and challenging discrimination within the council and local communities. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock highlighted existing council initiatives, including flag-raising events and cultural awareness activities. Geraldine Dean-Lindsey from LGTU suggested regular meetings between housing officers and traveller support organisations to improve communication and outcomes.

Councillor Ülgen Semerci asked about institutional breakdowns in accessing mainstream services and effective interventions. Angie Emmerson and Geraldine Dean-Lindsey suggested a strong GRT strategy and more cultural competency training for officers, with LGTU using videos to communicate rights and services to the community.

Boat Dwellers Advocacy & Support

The Commission then heard from boat dwellers about the challenges they face in accessing essential services. Ros Daniels, Director for London and Southeast at the Canal & River Trust (CRT), explained that the CRT looks after waterways but is not a housing or healthcare provider, though they aim to connect boaters with these services. She highlighted that the absence of a conventional address or postcode is a recurring issue affecting access to healthcare, benefits, and official correspondence. The CRT has increased its boating welfare team and published findings from its independent Boating Commission, which recommended a clearer licensing system, stronger welfare support, and a reset of the relationship with the boating community.

Councillor Alistair Binnie-Lubbock acknowledged the value the boating community brings to Hackney and the need to better understand their needs.

Colin Legge, from the National Bargee Travellers Association (MBTA), spoke about eco moorings – publicly funded electric points installed at common mooring spaces. He expressed concern that these were often used by the CRT as a trojan horse to monetise mooring spaces, making them financially exclusive and defeating the air quality objectives. He cited examples like Angel, King's Cross, Little Venice, and Paddington, where public funding for eco initiatives had led to significant extra charges for boaters. He urged Hackney Council to demand similar safeguards as seen in Camden, where DEFRA funding explicitly forbids monetisation.

Helen Bryce, also from the MBTA, discussed the proposed Smoke Control Order (SCO) for boaters. She argued that while the MBTA supports improving air quality, the SCO risks penalising financially disadvantaged boaters who cannot afford smokeless alternatives. She questioned the effectiveness and suitability of SCOs for boats, which have different heating systems than houses, and stressed the importance of ensuring boaters can heat their homes affordably throughout winter. She also raised concerns about fairness and equality, noting that itinerant boaters without fixed addresses may be excluded from financial assistance available to householders.

Trousers, from Circular Revolution, a boater-led cooperative, presented their project which collects and composts human waste from separating toilets on the canal network. They highlighted the stress and indignity of managing toilet waste due to inadequate facilities and the risk of dumping, which has environmental consequences. They are seeking land near the canal to expand their services and operate in-house.

Alan, a boater of 10 years, discussed enforcement issues with the CRT's interpretation of the genuine journey requirement under the 9-5 Waterway Act. He argued that the CRT's narrow interpretation fails to account for various genuine reasons why boaters may struggle to navigate, such as ill health, disability, or financial hardship. He stated that boaters are often assumed guilty and placed on restricted licenses with no appeal process, potentially leading to homelessness. He called for an enforcement approach that starts with understanding and prioritises keeping boats licensed wherever possible, with punitive measures only as a last resort.

Councillor Manal Massalha asked the CRT about their plans for infrastructure investment in waste, water points, and rubbish collection, given the increasing number of boaters. Ros Daniels acknowledged that the number of facilities has not kept pace with the increase in boaters and that land ownership and service costs are challenges. Colin Legge pointed out that while boater numbers have increased, CRT facilities have decreased. Helen Bryce requested financial or practical support for boaters regarding the SCO, and Colin Legge added that DEFRA funding for SCOs is not available to those without a fixed abode, creating a significant barrier.

Councillor Antoinette Fernandez asked about joint protocols between the CRT and the council for vulnerable boaters and enforcement. Ros Daniels mentioned the CRT's dedicated welfare team and their willingness to explore named pathways with local authorities. Colin Legge suggested that the CRT should contact the MBTA and the local council before issuing a Section 8 notice, which can lead to eviction, to notify them of potential homelessness.

Councillor Emma Neath questioned the CRT's service to London's boaters, noting that liveaboards are more dissatisfied than leisure boaters. Ros Daniels stated that the Boating Commission is exploring these issues nationally, with a focus on London's experiences. Colin Legge expressed concerns about the framing of the Boating Commission's terms of reference, suggesting it was biased against itinerant boaters and lacked representation from this group.

Councillor Jam Anker raised concerns about the CRT's use of the word compliance in its licensing strategy and questioned the high remuneration of the CRT's chief executive in light of public funding. Ros Daniels stated that the CRT's annual reports are public and that the organisation faces significant funding shortfalls. Councillor Anker asked what the council could do to support boaters' immediate needs, such as providing more water points or laundry services. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock acknowledged the council's financial constraints but recognised the need to explore solutions in partnership with boating organisations.

FJ highlighted the potential for collaboration between the CRT and Hackney Council, noting that boaters already use council facilities like park bins and water fountains. He suggested formalising this collaboration, especially if the CRT cannot maintain its own facilities.

The Commission also noted updates on scrutiny reports, letters, and responses, including the Housing Improvement Plan, Temporary Accommodation Visitor Policy, Domestic Abuse and Joint Tenancies, and Housing Support for Families of Children with SEND. The Scrutiny Actions Tracker was noted as having no outstanding actions at this time. The Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026-27 was also discussed, with the boat dwellers' evidence session rescheduled to January 2027. The draft minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.