A debate this Sunday will focus on what is causing Hackney’s “housing hell”.

House prices in the borough have risen over 20 per cent this year alone, and are now five times more expensive than two decades ago.

Whilst for some people this means their house is earning more than they are, for most Hackney residents it means bigger mortgages or higher rents.

Many young people who grew up in Hackney are being forced out of the borough because they can’t afford to live here.

MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington Diane Abbott will join in the discussion about the causes and effects of the rise in the cost of housing with campaigners from Hackney DIGS who support private sector tenants, Priced Out who campaign for affordable house prices and Positive Money, a campaign and research organisation who argue that reform of the financial system is the key to stabilising house prices.

The discussion takes place on Sunday October 29 at Chats Palace Arts Centre in Brooksby’s Walk, Homerton, at 6pm.

To book a free place go to www.tinyurl.com/HackneyHousingDebate.