The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission of Hackney Council was scheduled to review housing support for families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and receive an update on housing support for care leavers. The commission was also due to receive a verbal update on behaviour management and school inclusion, and to note the work programme for the remainder of the municipal year.

Housing Support for Families of Children with SEND

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to reviewing the housing and related support provided to families of children with SEND. The agenda indicated that a report would be presented to the Commission, outlining the current housing offer and how it is coordinated across various council departments, including Housing, SEND, Social Care, and Early Help. The report was expected to detail the challenges faced by these families, particularly the severe shortage of suitable social housing in Hackney, including larger properties and those that can be adapted. It was anticipated that the discussion would cover how demand for social housing significantly exceeds supply, leading to long waiting times and difficult prioritisation decisions. The report was also expected to highlight that while efforts are being made to increase the supply of appropriate housing, this is unlikely to meet existing demand in the short to medium term, and that for many families, moving out of the borough might be the swiftest resolution to their housing challenges. The agenda also indicated that more intensive, dedicated support is provided to families with the highest needs, especially those with complex SEND and cases open to Children's Social Care, where the Disabled Children's Service (DCS) collaborates with health and housing colleagues to address acute challenges.

Housing Support for Care Leavers

The Commission was scheduled to receive an update on the recommendations previously made by the Commission regarding housing support for care leavers.

Behaviour Management & School Inclusion - Update

A verbal update was planned regarding the Commission's review of behaviour management and school inclusion.

Work Programme

The Commission was scheduled to note the work programme for the remainder of the municipal year 2025/26.