London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT) has released a new report exposing the deepening housing crisis faced by Gypsy, Traveller and low-income families in Enfield.
Based on frontline casework and research by LGT’s Accommodation Advice Service (AAS) team, the report highlights how council-owned companies Enfield Let and Housing Gateway have increased rents to unaffordable levels – leaving many households trapped in temporary accommodation or at risk of homelessness.
In 2024 and 2025, in a project funded by Trust for London’s Better Temporary Accommodation programme, the AAS team supported 92 Enfield families affected by these council policies. Through monthly outreach sessions, direct advocacy and engagement with local housing officials, the team has seen how poor communication and rising costs are pushing families further into crisis.
“No family should be pushed into homelessness because of unaffordable council rents or poor communication,” said Geraldine Lindsay, LGT’s Head of Family Services. “Our work in Enfield shows that systemic change is needed to make housing policies work for everyone.”
In the report of the project, entitled “A Triple Housing Crisis”, LGT’s researchers and housing advice workers present: Gypsies and Travellers’ experiences of homelessness; the administrative steps that led up to the crisis; case studies of Travellers whose housing situation was worsened; the social consequences of the cycle of homelessness and inadequate housing; recommendations for local and other authorities.
“This report gives a voice to families too often ignored by the system. It’s time for real change in Enfield’s housing policies.”
The report, written by LGT’s Nancy Hawker and Olli Wells, was launched on 24th October 2025 at Green Towers Community Centre in Enfield attended by local Gypsy and Traveller community members, LGT staff, local government officials and third sector organisations.
A mock lunch of pot noodles and instant tea was made to show how difficult it is to make a healthy, cooked meal when living in temporary accommodation and lacking basic cooking facilities.
“Community members who attended explained their stories and felt heard,” said Olli Wells, LGT’s Accommodation Advice Triage Worker.
Members of the LGT team are pictured at the event above.
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