Tower Hamlets Council Housing Strategy
Tower Hamlets Council is currently addressing housing quality standards and reviewing affordable housing targets for new developments.
Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved plans in March 2026 to redevelop Whitechapel Leisure Centre, which will include new affordable homes. The council is also proposing to increase the affordable housing requirement in new developments from 35% to 40% as part of its emerging local plan, which the Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed in November 2025.
An improvement plan is currently underway following a C3 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing in August 2025, which indicated non-compliance with consumer standards, particularly in building safety and stock condition. An opposition motion in July 2025 highlighted concerns about the council's progress on new council homes and the Housing Options Service. The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee is scheduled to meet in October 2026.
The Tower Hamlets Council Housing Strategy is a strategic document outlining the council's approach to housing provision and management. The council is facing a projected budget overspend of £18.6 million for 2025-26, partly due to increased demand in temporary accommodation, a report to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee said in March 2026.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved plans in March 2026 to redevelop Whitechapel Leisure Centre, including new affordable homes. Source
- The council is proposing to increase the affordable housing requirement in new developments from 35% to 40%. Source
- An improvement plan is underway following a C3 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing. Source
- The council's non-decency rate for housing was 20% in August 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.