The Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Commission met on Monday 19 October 2026 to discuss the provision of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) sites and the challenges faced by boat dwellers in accessing essential services. The Commission heard from residents and organisations about significant delays in new site provision for GRT communities, the difficulties boat dwellers face in accessing healthcare and basic facilities, and concerns regarding enforcement and licensing practices.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Sites, Advocacy & Support

The Commission reviewed the provision of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) sites and how GRT communities access wider advice, guidance, and support. Angie Emmerson, Traveller Manager for Hackney Council, presented an overview of the service's work, including managing GRT sites, supporting families to access services, and managing unauthorised encampments. She highlighted that the current five Council sites provide 27 pitches, but there are 39 families on the waiting list, with 31 having waited between 12 and 27 years. A potential new site in the north of the borough is undergoing feasibility assessments, but its suitability, capacity, and delivery timeline are yet to be confirmed.

Debbie Kennett, CEO of London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT), noted that no new GRT sites have been developed in Hackney since the 2012 Olympic relocations, and across London, only around 10 new pitches have been created against an identified need of approximately 2,000. She also highlighted that £2 million in funding from the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for a new site at Bartrip Street had expired due to delays.

Residents shared personal experiences of inadequate housing, with Lisa Riley describing a one-bedroom flat with damp and mould, and her son's chronic asthma being dismissed as a non-life-threatening condition. Jacqueline Maughan also spoke about the need for extensions at Ruby Close Traveller Site. Alex Clarke, Director of Housing Strategy and Homelessness Prevention, confirmed that a feasibility study for Ruby Close extensions had commenced, with findings expected before Christmas.

Concerns were raised about the lack of a current GRT strategy in Hackney, with the Traveller Manager agreeing that a comprehensive strategy, led by the Equalities department, would be beneficial. The draft London Plan's target of 40 new pitches was deemed insufficient by LGT, who estimated the need to be closer to 92 pitches in Hackney alone. The issue of £2 million in LLDC funding, which was transferred to the London Borough of Newham but not yet used for GRT provision, was raised as an action point for further investigation.

Boat Dwellers Advocacy & Support

The Commission heard evidence regarding the challenges faced by boat dwellers in accessing essential services. Ros Daniels, Regional Director for the Canal & River Trust (CRT), explained that the absence of a conventional address is a significant barrier for boaters accessing healthcare, benefits, and financial services. The CRT, while not a statutory housing or healthcare provider, has a dedicated boating welfare team and is working on a new licensing system and stronger welfare support.

Representatives from the National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA), Lea Boaters Organise, and Circular Revolution shared their experiences. Francis Kelly highlighted difficulties in registering with GP practices without a fixed address, despite legal provisions. FJ Malinen described inadequate and often overflowing facilities for water, toilets, and rubbish disposal along the River Lee, forcing boaters to travel long distances or use park bins. Colin Legge raised concerns that eco moorings, funded by public bodies, were being converted into financially exclusive chargeable moorings by the CRT, excluding lower-income boaters and reducing air quality objectives. Helen Brice spoke about the potential negative impacts of Smoke Control Orders on boaters, particularly those with limited financial means, and questioned their effectiveness and fairness. Trousers Isobel from Circular Revolution presented their boater-led cooperative initiative for sustainable waste management, collecting and composting toilet waste. Alan, an NBTA representative, discussed issues with CRT's narrow interpretation of genuine journeys for licensing purposes, leading to unfair enforcement and potential homelessness.

Councillor Manal Massalha questioned the CRT about their investment plans for infrastructure upgrades and asked what practical or financial support would make the most difference regarding smoke control orders. Ros Daniels acknowledged that the number of facilities had not kept pace with the doubling of boater numbers over the past decade, and that land ownership and service connection costs were significant barriers to increasing facilities. Helen Brice and Colin Legge suggested grants for low-income boaters to afford smokeless coal and that smoke control orders should not be implemented until all boaters could afford to heat their homes affordably.

Councillor Antoinette Fernandez inquired about joint protocols between the CRT and the Council for supporting vulnerable boaters and preventing homelessness. Ros Daniels mentioned the CRT's welfare team and expressed a desire for clearer referral pathways with the Council. Colin Legge suggested that the CRT should contact the NBTA and the local council before initiating enforcement action that could lead to homelessness. Councillor Neath questioned the CRT's service provision for London's liveaboard boaters, citing data showing higher dissatisfaction compared to leisure boaters. Colin Legge also raised concerns about the framing of the CRT's Boat Licensing Commission, suggesting it was biased against itinerant boaters.

Councillor Jam Anker called for more inclusive language from the CRT and questioned the remuneration of the CRT's Chief Executive in light of public funding received. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock acknowledged the financial strains on the Council but committed to working in partnership to explore solutions for boaters' needs.

Scrutiny Reports, Letters & Responses

The Commission noted that responses had been received from the Executive regarding the Housing Improvement Plan, Temporary Accommodation Visitors Policy, Domestic Abuse & Joint Tenancies, and Housing Support for Families of Children with SEND. Follow-up actions were outlined for each, including reviewing the delivery of the Housing Improvement Plan, keeping a watching brief on domestic abuse work, and receiving further updates on housing support for families with SEND.

Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Work Programme 2026-27

The Commission noted the work programme for the upcoming municipal year, which included an additional evidence session on boat dwellers' advocacy and support scheduled for 12 January 2027, leading to a slight adjustment in the timeline for discussing the Housing Associations Compact.

The draft minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 September 2026 were agreed.

The meeting concluded with the formal declaration of its closure.