Across London, thousands of families are being placed in conditions that lack even the essentials needed to live with dignity. The Five Basics are not luxuries—they are the minimum every household should have:
- Cooking facilities
- Access to laundry facilities
- Reliable, free Wi‑Fi
- Secure, free storage for belongings
- Clear information about their housing case
None of this is impossible. Councils across London are already proving that simple, affordable solutions exist - from ensuring placements include cooking facilities, to providing free Wi‑Fi, to giving residents clear explanations of their rights and options.
With the 2026 local elections approaching, this is the moment to push for change.
Use this tool to email your Cabinet Member for Housing and your borough’s opposition leader, and call on them to Fix the Five Basics. The tool helps you use pre-written email, takes just two minutes, and adding your own experience can make it even more powerful.
