Sabia Kamali said women in temporary accommodation “too fearful to raise concerns” reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

A woman wearing a hijab speaking into a microphone — Sabia Kamali speaks to a full council meeting (09/10/25)

Women’s safety in temporary homelessness accommodation in Newham may not be “always guaranteed” a councillor has warned.

Labour councillor Sabia Kamali raised the concern at a Newham Council meeting yesterday (9th).

She said she’d heard reports of women housed in temporary accommodation being “too fearful to raise concerns” about intimidation and intrusion from landlords.

Cllr Kamali said: “Temporary accommodation is intended to provide safety and stability for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, yet concerns remain that this safety is not always guaranteed particularly in placements with private landlords.

“There are reports of landlords entering properties without consent, intimidation, and women too fearful to raise concerns in case they lose their housing.”

Cllr Kamali added that council powers to inspect, fine and prosectue landlords don’t “specifically address safeguarding women and children placed through the council.”

She asked how the council monitors and safeguards tenants placed in private accommodation as temporary housing.

Labour councillor Amar Virdee, responsible for housing, said residents can approach council officers with safety concerns including complaints about agents and landlords.

He said residents could email TASCompliance@newham.gov.uk in confidence.

Cllr Virdee added that officers are “experienced and well-versed” in working with those who support people affected by domestic abuse.

However he added that the council is “not currently dealing with or are aware of any which are of the serious nature referred to.”

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