A South London family living in an overcrowded home with two severely autistic children is challenging Southwark Council at the High Court, claiming they were unlawfully moved down an emergency housing waiting list. The judicial review, granted earlier this year, is scheduled for June 23.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment
Carmen Castro Guallichico alleges that her position on the council's direct offer waiting list for social housing regressed over a six-month period. In January 2025, she was 19th in line for a four-bedroom home and 10th for a five-bedroom home. By July 2025, she had fallen to 30th for a four-bedroom and 16th for a five-bedroom property. When her lawyer inquired about the change, the council reportedly did not provide an explanation.
“I want to represent the voices of families and want to be heard. A lot of families are living in conditions similar to mine, and the council is playing with those families’ and our children’s futures,” Ms Guallichico told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Living Conditions and Health Impact
Ms Guallichico, her husband, and their four children currently live in a cramped two-bedroom private property in Southwark. The two youngest sons have severe autism and require separate spaces to avoid conflicts. The lack of space means they play on the stairs, and any disturbance to their possessions can trigger a crisis. The family has no privacy, and the oldest son, a university student, must go to the library to study due to noise and stress.
“We are a family of six, but none of us have any privacy. My oldest son always complains that his young autistic brothers make too much noise,” Ms Guallichico said. “My husband and I are under a lot of stress, and it is affecting our health to the point that our hair is falling out.”
Council's Response and Waiting List Context
Southwark Council declined to comment on the individual case but noted that over 20,000 households are on the housing waiting list in the borough. Councillor Reginald Popoola, Executive Member for Council Homes, stated: “We recognise that this case has been raised; however, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual circumstances. Applications are assessed using a priority banding system, based on identified housing need, and are matched to suitable properties in line with applicants’ requirements.”
Housing campaign group Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL) accused the council of operating a “fake waiting list.” Elizabeth Wyatt, a HASL member, said: “It’s hard to imagine how agonising it is for the family to be trapped in such cramped, harmful housing for so many years. On top of this, Ms Guallichico is faced with the heart-breaking reality that she is falling down this scam direct offer waiting list.”
Previous Legal Action and Family's Determination
In 2024, following previous legal action, the family was placed in Band 1 and on the direct offer waiting list. They were told the list operated by date order, but their position fell between January and July 2025. Ms Guallichico remains determined: “I want to fight until the end for my own family and to help and show a reality that the council is avoiding. We are here, we deserve dignity and we deserve for our children to grow up in a safe environment.”
