London borough facing legal challenge over closure of walk-in homelessness support

The law centre said the change means residents “can no longer, in first instance, approach the council in person – even in cases of homelessness or urgent need”.

PILC argued that the shift to fully digital services discriminates against people who are not computer literate or lack internet access.

Speaking in an interview with the law centre, Emma Gardiner of South Norwood Community Kitchen said users of its services include those facing disrepair, poor-quality temporary accommodation and street homelessness.

She added that the primary means of accessing assistance from the council for those in need was to visit the now closed ‘Access Croydon’, the walk-in space where those in urgent need can receive face-to-face assistance.

Gardiner said the people who are most affected by the closure of Access Croydon were those with access needs, and labelled the idea that everyone has access to the internet as “totally disconnected from reality”.

She claimed that the move to online-only housing services was a “method of gatekeeping”, with fewer people being able to submit housing applications, and therefore fewer people for the council to support.

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Croydon Council has been approached for comment.

The case is part of PILC’s Gentrification Project, which also it said includes opposing the loss of secure council tenancies, challenging "undemocratic" exercises in estate redevelopment (including inadequate consultations and resident ballots) and contesting the loss of community assets such as greenspace.

Jeremy Ogilvie-Harris of Cornerstone Barristers is instructed by PILC.

Harry Rodd