Tower Hamlets Council has approved a £609 million, 10-year plan to significantly improve its housing stock, aiming to bring all council homes up to the Decent Homes Standard by 2030.
The decision was made during a Council meeting on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, where councillors debated and subsequently carried a motion supporting the Mayor's Housing Improvement Programme. The programme is set to span a decade, with the commitment to ensure all homes meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2030. However, specific phases or priorities for these upgrades have not been outlined in the meeting information.
Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented the motion, highlighting the commitment to ensuring all homes meet the Decent Homes Standard. The investment will cover essential upgrades such as new kitchens, bathrooms, double glazing, and front doors, alongside crucial fire and building safety improvements.
The programme aims to address the long-standing issues of poor-quality and overcrowded housing, with previous administrations criticised for allowing the stock to deteriorate due to a lack of significant investment over seven years.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman, in his report to the council, emphasised the administration's commitment to residents and financial sustainability, stating that this investment in council housing is part of a broader strategy to tackle social and health inequalities associated with overcrowding.
The approval of this substantial housing improvement plan signals a significant commitment by Tower Hamlets Council to enhance the living conditions and safety of its residents. To ensure accountability and transparency in the execution of this 10-year plan, the revised strategy proposes eight works contracts and an open technical consultancy framework, with a total commission value of £609 million. This approach is designed to strengthen performance management and accountability. Furthermore, the council has called upon the Mayor, the Lead Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, and council officers to maximise benefits for residents and to provide quarterly updates on the programme's delivery. Further details on the council's housing capital investment programme can be found in the Public reports pack.
