Homelessness is on the rise in London, and yet the Carpenters Estate, East London, is the site of four hundred empty homes.
The responsibility for this injustice lies in the hands of Newham Council's Labour Mayor Robin Wales, who is disregarding both his moral and statuary responsibility to house these people.
Focus E15 Mums organised a “march against evictions” on 19 September, also the anniversary of their campaign.
It was a lively demonstration, supported by over fifty groups and drew hundreds of protestors, colourful banners and a variety of musical instruments.
The demonstration raised political slogans about the appaling stance of Newham Council on the issues of homelessness. As well as raising local concerns, Focus E15 Mums have also been promoting a wider narrative which links these issues to circumstances nationally, pointing out that across the country 126 people are evicted every day!
The application of bottom-up pressure on councils, such as that maintained by Focus E15 Mothers, is crucial for combatting gentrification.
