Housing Strategy 2026-2036
Tower Hamlets approves landmark 10‑year Housing Strategy: “More Homes, Better Homes, Safer Homes”
Tower Hamlets Council has approved a major new Housing Strategy for 2026–2036; a long‑term plan setting out how the council will tackle the housing crisis and deliver thousands of new, good‑quality homes for local people.
The strategy was approved at the Cabinet meeting on 18 February 2026 and outlines a bold programme based on three clear commitments: More Homes. Better Homes. Safer Homes.
Putting residents first
Housing remains one of the biggest concerns for local people, from overcrowding and high private rents to the need for safer, greener homes. More than 30,000 households are on the housing register, and over 3,160 residents live in temporary accommodation. Many families are struggling to find homes that are safe, secure, and suitable for their needs.
The new Housing Strategy sets out how the council will tackle these challenges, using evidence, resident input, and learning from best practice. It provides a roadmap for the next decade, focused on ensuring every resident has a home that supports their health, stability, and wellbeing.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said:
“Housing is more than bricks and mortar - it shapes health, opportunity, and community. This strategy is our promise to act with urgency and compassion. We will deliver more homes, improve the homes we already have, and make renting fairer, safer and more affordable for everyone.”
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 how transformative a good home can be. This strategy is shaped by the voices and lived experiences of our residents. It’s not just a housing plan - it’s about building futures.”
What the Housing Strategy will deliver
Below are the seven priorities exactly as they appear in the Housing Strategy.
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Too many families in Tower Hamlets do not have the space they need to live healthy, happy lives.
The Strategy commits to:
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Building more large family homes.
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Making better use of existing council homes – where possible extending or knocking through properties to create extra living space and making adaptations to meet those with accessibility concerns needs.
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Supporting families while they wait, including better advice on bidding, mutual exchange, and available services.
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Recovering illegally sub‑let homes and bringing empty homes back into use.
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Tower Hamlets has delivered more new homes than any other London borough for over a decade, and this Strategy enhances that momentum.
Key commitments include:
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Up to 3,332 new homes delivered through the Mayor’s Accelerated Housing Programme.
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A stronger Local Plan requiring more affordable and family‑sized homes.
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Buying back former council homes and acquiring new homes to boost supply quickly.
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Working with developers and housing associations to unlock stalled sites and accelerate delivery.
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The council has brought housing management services back in‑house and is investing £609 million to improve residents’ homes.
This includes:
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A major upgrade programme tackling damp, mould, fire safety, and repairs.
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Ensuring 100% of council homes meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2030.
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Better communication, faster repairs and stronger customer service.
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A new Tenants’ Handbook and more support for vulnerable residents.
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Zero tolerance of illegal sub‑letting.
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Nearly 40% of households in Tower Hamlets rent privately, and many face high costs and poor conditions. The Strategy aims to create a safer, fairer private rented sector.
The council will:
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Improve standards through licensing covering more than 12,600 homes.
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Take tougher action against rogue landlords and letting agents.
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Support renters through new protections under the Renters’ Rights Act.
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Lead the way on dangerous cladding removal, including the use of Remediation Orders.
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Housing challenges require strong partnership working.
The council will deepen collaboration with:
This includes improving estate regeneration, supporting vulnerable residents, and reducing the environmental impact of homes.
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The Strategy builds on the council’s Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy (2024–2029) and sets out clear steps to support residents earlier.
This includes:
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Helping residents sooner to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
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Increasing the supply of good‑quality temporary accommodation.
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Reducing the use of expensive nightly‑paid placements.
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Strengthening support for those facing domestic abuse or complex needs.
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Ensuring rough sleeping is rare, brief, and does not recur.
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Tower Hamlets’ population is diverse, so housing must be too.
The Strategy commits to:
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Delivering more accessible and wheelchair‑adapted homes.
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Using Project 120 to match disabled residents to purpose‑built homes.
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Improving housing pathways for young people, care leavers and key workers.
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Continuing to support asylum seekers, refugees and the Traveller community.
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Investing in Disabled Facilities Grants to help residents live independently.
What This Means for Residents
Over the next decade, residents can expect:
- More affordable homes in the borough
- Better‑maintained council homes and faster repairs
- Stronger action on poor private rented sector conditions
- Earlier support to prevent homelessness
- Homes that meet the needs of families, older people and disabled residents
- Safer homes, with major investment in fire safety and building standards
Find out more
View and find out more about the full Housing Strategy 2026-2036 and the Evidence Pack Housing Strategy 2026-2036.