Hackney Council's Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Commission has committed to a comprehensive review of accommodation, advocacy, and support for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities as part of its upcoming work programme.
The decision was made during a meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, where the commission discussed its draft work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. The review of GRT accommodation, advocacy, and support was highlighted as a key theme for future scrutiny, with the stated purpose to review the provision of new sites and pitches to meet the needs Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and how they can access wider advice, guidance and support.
The commission aims to ensure that the voices of affected communities are genuinely incorporated and acted upon, with plans to invite members of the GRT and boat dweller communities to share their experiences.
Councillor Jam Anker raised the issue, suggesting it would be a valuable addition to the programme, particularly in relation to the Olympic legacy travellers' site. The commission agreed to explore this further, with plans to invite members of the GRT communities to share their experiences and challenges. The Chair agreed that discussing the Olympic legacy travellers' site within the scope of the review was a really, really good contribution
and suggested it be discussed prior to the October meeting.
This review will form part of a broader effort by the commission to incorporate voices from affected communities into its scrutiny processes. The commission also plans to engage with support organisations and other stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by these communities. Councillor Sarah Young inquired if the commission would hear from those who work for the support, not just within the council, but for those wider support organisations who support those communities?
The Chair confirmed this was the aim, stating they would include local advice services and advocacy support groups as well.
For boat dwellers, the commission noted it would be quite fundamental to have CRT here as well,
referring to the Canal & River Trust.
The commission plans to bring in more voices from affected communities, groups and residents
and will begin that with the commission meeting for October, in which we are looking at the advocacy and support provisions for our Gypsy Roamer and Traveller communities and boat dweller communities as well.
The intention is to invite members of those communities to share those experiences
and to have a bit more of a full gallery and maybe there'll be people upstairs and maybe if it works well, we can look to have that as a regular thing in these meetings that we have members of the affected communities.
The meeting agenda includes a specific item for the October meeting titled Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Accommodation, Advocacy & Support
.
Members of the commission will reflect on the evidence heard and may look to make recommendations for consideration. The work programme is described as a live document
and subject to change throughout the year,
indicating a process where scrutiny findings can influence future work. The commission also consults with various stakeholders, including cabinet members and senior officers, in developing its work programme, suggesting a pathway for recommendations to be considered within the council's strategic priorities. The commission's work programme can be found in the Agenda frontsheet Tuesday 08-Sep-2026 19.00 Housing Homelessness Scrutiny Commission.