Tower Hamlets Council has approved a new 10-year housing strategy aimed at delivering more homes, better homes, safer homes across the borough. The strategy, adopted at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, was developed following extensive consultation, with 88% of respondents agreeing with its vision and 74% supporting its priorities.

Stylized illustration of various buildings, representing urban development and housing.
Stylized illustration of various buildings, representing urban development and housing.

The strategy outlines seven key priorities to address overcrowding, affordability, homelessness, and housing quality. This includes a significant £609 million investment over the next two years to improve the borough's housing stock. Of this, £240 million will be allocated to modernising kitchens, bathrooms, double glazing, and energy-efficient roofs, £200 million to building safety, and a further £60 million for major repairs and enhancements.

Housing Delivery Targets:

The Council's Strategic Plan sets a corporate objective of delivering 1,000 social homes every year. Additionally, the draft new Local Plan sets the borough's housing target at 34,730 new homes to be developed between 2019/2020 and 2028/2029. The Teviot Estate Regeneration Programme aims to deliver 475 new homes in Phase 1, with the wider Teviot Estate development comprising up to 1,928 new homes. The New Build Block Acquisition Programme aims to accelerate the delivery of approximately 3,000 homes.

Investment Breakdown and Affordable Housing:

The £609 million investment is allocated as follows: £240 million for modernising kitchens, bathrooms, double glazing, and energy-efficient roofs; £200 million for building safety; and £60 million for major repairs and enhancements. The Teviot Estate Regeneration Programme, for instance, aims to deliver 475 new homes in Phase 1, with 44% of these being affordable by habitable room, and 90% of the affordable homes being social rent. This demonstrates a commitment to increasing the supply of social housing.

A block of residential apartments, likely council-owned, with visible balconies and windows.
A block of residential apartments, likely council-owned, with visible balconies and windows.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, commended the strategy, stating it was a bold long-term plan built around a simple but powerful vision of more homes, better homes, safer homes. He added that the strategy sets out seven priorities that respond directly to the challenges our residents face, overcrowding affordability, pressures, homelessness, and the need for higher quality, safer homes across all tenures.

Protecting Existing Residents:

Regarding the Teviot Estate Regeneration, Poplar HARCA has a commitment to keeping the community together. Residents who wish to remain on the estate will be able to do so, with tenants being consulted on their preferred new home and neighbours who wish to stay close to each other being moved together. For leaseholders, options include purchasing a share in a new home or receiving financial compensation and moving costs. However, broader council-wide measures to prevent displacement or gentrification across all housing improvements are not detailed in the provided information.

Modern apartment complex with unique architectural design and green courtyard.
Modern apartment complex with unique architectural design and green courtyard.

Accountability and Monitoring:

The Housing Strategy 2026-2036 is described as a shared roadmap for delivering the homes our communities need and deserve over the decade ahead. According to page 46 of the strategy document, progress will be monitored through a number of forums, including the housing cabinet subcommittee. The document also references a number of these metrics that we capture as part of the strategic and delivery plans, and an annual report will be produced to detail the strategy's performance. Specific details on these forums, metrics, or the annual report are not provided in the meeting information. See Public reports pack 18th-Feb-2026 17.30 Cabinet.

Modern apartment building with balconies and a green courtyard.
Modern apartment building with balconies and a green courtyard.

Modern apartment building with balconies and a small park area in front.
Modern apartment building with balconies and a small park area in front.

Modern apartment interiors and exteriors, illustrating housing investment and strategy.
Modern apartment interiors and exteriors, illustrating housing investment and strategy.

Stylized illustration of various buildings, representing housing and urban development.
Stylized illustration of various buildings, representing housing and urban development.

Architectural rendering of a proposed urban development project, highlighting new housing and green spaces.
Architectural rendering of a proposed urban development project, highlighting new housing and green spaces.

A young boy smiles as he holds a key to a door, symbolizing new beginnings and home ownership.
A young boy smiles as he holds a key to a door, symbolizing new beginnings and home ownership.

A mother holds her baby, symbolizing family and community well-being, potentially related to housing and social services discussed in the meeting.
A mother holds her baby, symbolizing family and community well-being, potentially related to housing and social services discussed in the meeting.