HOUSING campaigners have condemned a London borough’s “unacceptable attack on homeless families’ rights” as a family prepares to take Hackney Council to court over severe overcrowding.

Sonia, her 17-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter have been living in a cramped one-bedroom flat provided as a temporary accommodation by the council.

On March 6, she will challenge the council’s decision that the housing is “suitable” at Central London County Court.

Sonia said: “The conditions are really hard for all of us, especially my daughter. We just need enough space so we can live in peace.

“I feel like the council is using the legal process to keep us there as long as possible.

“Everything has taken so long — even though I have done everything quickly, the council keep finding ways to drag it out.”

Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth members have rallied behind Sonia’s case, sending over 200 emails to Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley and children and young people scrutiny commission chairwoman, Cllr Sophie Conway.

HASL member Elizabeth Wyatt said: “Hackney Council is trying to redefine and lower the standards for ‘suitable’ temporary accommodation.

“If Hackney Council is allowed to get away with this, it will have huge consequences for all homeless families.

“London is facing the biggest homeless crisis in generations, with record numbers of children growing up in squalid temporary accommodation.

“Temporary accommodation standards and conditions are already appalling, with homeless families having very few rights.

“Hackney Council’s attempts to normalise slum-like conditions are unforgivable.”

She said that the council should instead be using its resources to fight alongside residents for high-quality council homes to end the housing crisis.

A Hackney Council spokesperson said: “We always want to provide every family in Hackney with a good, permanent home. Unfortunately, due to the severe housing crisis, we often have to rely on temporary accommodation to support households who come to us as homeless while we help them find a long-term solution.

“That’s why we’re investing in more Council-owned temporary housing, where we can better control the conditions and standards.

“The space and size standards for temporary accommodation are clearly defined by law, to which we fully adhere.”