Tower Hamlets Council has launched a landmark draft Housing Strategy 2025–2035, setting out a bold, evidence-led roadmap to address one of London’s most acute housing crises.
With the borough facing soaring demand, overcrowding, homelessness, and affordability pressures, the strategy outlines a transformative vision: More Homes, Better Homes, Safer Homes.
Residents, partners, developers, landlords and other stakeholders are being asked for their views on the contents of the strategy, in a consultation which is running until Friday 12 December.
The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman spoke at an event to promote the consultation on Monday (1 December) at Blackwall Reach – a flagship regeneration scheme in Poplar.
Tower Hamlets is leading London in housing delivery, having built more homes than any other borough since 2013. But with over 30,000 households on the housing register, over 3,200 residents living in temporary accommodation, and only 5% of rental homes affordable to low-income residents, the council is doubling down on its commitment to housing justice.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “Housing is more than bricks and mortar, it’s the foundation of health, opportunity, and community. This strategy is our promise to every resident that we will act with urgency, compassion, and ambition to ensure everyone has a safe, good quality home.”
Cllr Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, added: “As someone who grew up in a council flat in Tower Hamlets, I know the transformative power of housing. This strategy is built on lived experience, evidence, and the voices of our residents. It’s not just about buildings, it’s about futures.”
David Soothill, National Development Director for Sanctuary said: “We welcome Tower Hamlets’ bold draft Housing Strategy and share its drive to tackle the housing crisis. Blackwall Reach proves what partnership can achieve with over 1,500 new homes already delivered, including 500 for local people and 44 family homes. We are working with the council on Phase 3 of this project and pushing ahead with Iceland Wharf, which will deliver 165 new homes. With other projects also in the pipeline, we are proud to play our part and will keep working with the council to create more homes and opportunities for the community.”
Tower Hamlets housing: what is being done
Tower Hamlets is at the sharp end of the housing crisis. The borough’s population is set to grow by 20.4% by 2032, intensifying demand for homes. The borough has the second highest number of short-term lets in London, exacerbating rental pressures. In addition, 47% of children in the borough live in poverty after housing costs.
The Council is taking significant steps to address the housing crisis, including:
- 3,332 new homes to be unlocked through the Mayor’s Accelerated Housing Programme, with a focus on larger family homes and wheelchair-accessible units.
- A £140 million investment to upgrade council homes, tackle damp and mould, and improve fire safety.
- A pioneering “Your Voice, Our Action” programme to transform council housing services, with a goal to meet 100% Decent Homes Standard by 2030.
- Sector-leading action on dangerous cladding, including the UK’s first Remediation Order issued by a council.
- Expansion of Housing First and Young Persons Pathway to support vulnerable residents.
- A renewed push to regulate the private rented sector, with licensing schemes covering 12,600 homes, and enforcement powers under the Renters Rights Act.
- Renewing the council’s Selective Licensing scheme in October 2026 to keep private rented homes safe, landlords responsible, and communities strong.
- A commitment to inclusive housing, including culturally sensitive extra care homes, co-living spaces for young people, and expanded support for residents with disabilities through Project 120.
More can be done, and the draft Housing Strategy seeks to drive change by focusing action in seven key priority areas:
- Tackling Overcrowding: Building new homes, making better use of existing ones and working with local services to tackle overcrowding.
- Building More Homes: Delivering more homes to buy and rent than anywhere else in London – fast, ambitious, and affordable.
- Looking After Council Homes: Investing in upgrades, improving services, and putting residents at the heart of housing management.
- Making Private Renting Better: Supporting private renters with safer, fairer, and more secure homes.
- Better Together: Strengthening partnerships to improve social and affordable housing across the borough.
- Preventing Homelessness: Acting early to reduce homelessness and reliance on temporary accommodation.
- Inclusive Housing for All: Designing homes that reflect the diverse needs of our community – from families to older people and disabled residents.
People are being asked for their views on the strategy. Take part in the consultation before it closes at 5pm on Friday 12 December at https://talk.towerhamlets.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/housing-strategy
Posted on Tuesday 2nd December 2025