In a contentious decision, Hackney Council has suggested that an autistic boy, Kayden, travel on a bus to demonstrate his claimed difficulties with public transport. The proposal comes amid ongoing housing issues faced by the boy’s family, which have sparked significant concerns regarding the impact on Kayden’s well-being.
Hackney Council has indicated that a supporting letter from Kayden’s head teacher, along with details from medical professionals and his autism diagnosis, do not constitute sufficient evidence of his challenges. The council’s stance arises from the family’s impending eviction due to allegations of tenancy fraud related to the subletting of their council flat. Charity Oppong, Kayden’s mother, has lived in the property for nearly 20 years but did not formally transfer the tenancy into her name after a family member moved out.
In 2021, the local authority initiated eviction proceedings, which culminated in a court granting an eviction warrant last year. Hackney Council has expressed understanding of the family’s “distressing” situation, particularly regarding Kayden’s severe autism. Despite acknowledging these challenges, the council has proposed relocating them to temporary accommodation in Newham. This move has raised concerns that it would disrupt Kayden’s established support network and schooling, where he feels “settled.”
Kayden’s sister, Nana Oppong, conveyed her worries to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), stating that Kayden is susceptible to meltdowns during transport due to sensory overload and heightened anxiety. Both the family and Kayden’s headmistress have appealed to the council to reconsider their relocation plans, submitting letters that outline the potential harm of such a move.
Despite this, documents reviewed by LDRS reveal the council’s insistence on “direct observational evidence” of Kayden’s inability to travel by bus, taxi, or car. To fulfill this requirement, the council has proposed that its own medical assessor accompany Kayden on a bus ride to observe his reactions firsthand. Furthermore, they have stated that additional evidence from the local child health care centre is necessary to substantiate Kayden’s struggles with travelling.
In response to the council’s proposal, Nana expressed her concerns about safety and the implications of forced exposure to a distressing situation. “Who’s going to be there to contain his meltdown?” she questioned, emphasizing that the situation should prioritize safeguarding. The podcaster and public sector commentator, Kate Belgrave, criticized the council’s approach, labelling it as “bizarre” and raising questions about potential abuse in forcing a child into a situation that he cannot manage.
Kayden’s situation is compounded by the provisions of his Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which outlines the support he is entitled to due to his condition. According to a 2024 survey by the National Autistic Society, 62% of autistic individuals reported experiencing more meltdowns or sensory overload while travelling than in stable environments. The survey indicated that public transport options, such as buses and trains, posed significant challenges for those with autism.
A report by King’s College London earlier this year highlighted the adverse conditions faced by neurodivergent children in temporary accommodation, characterizing their experiences as “torture-like.” Amidst these findings, the family’s plight has garnered support from activists who have physically intervened to prevent their eviction. Recently, a court granted a stay on the eviction for eight weeks, allowing time for both a judicial review and a safeguarding assessment from social services to be completed.
A spokesperson for Hackney Council stated, “While we have a responsibility to take action in cases of illegal subletting, we understand how distressing this situation is for the family.” The spokesperson confirmed that the council is required to ensure any offered accommodation meets the family’s specific needs, including health requirements and location considerations. They also clarified that if the family feels the proposed temporary home does not meet their needs, they have a right to request a review.
Despite the council’s assurances, questions remain regarding the necessity of proving Kayden’s difficulties when he already has an autism diagnosis and an EHCP in place. The authorities have previously instructed NHS staff not to provide letters of support for families whose children are at risk due to unsuitable housing, further complicating an already challenging situation.
As this situation evolves, the focus remains on the balance between legal obligations and the immediate needs of a vulnerable family caught in a complex web of housing and health challenges.
