Overcrowding
Brent is examining high childhood asthma rates linked to deprivation, while Tower Hamlets is implementing a housing strategy to address overcrowding.
Brent's Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee heard in September 2026 that childhood asthma admissions in the borough are significantly higher than the London average. Dr Ruth Duplicy, Director of Public Health, highlighted that this particularly affects children from deprived areas and Black ethnic groups, with the gap widening over the past four years.
Tower Hamlets Council approved a new 10-year housing strategy in February 2026, aiming to address overcrowding, affordability, and housing quality. This strategy, adopted by the Cabinet, includes a £609 million investment over two years to improve the borough's housing stock, following extensive public consultation.
The Tower Hamlets strategy builds on earlier work, with the Cabinet approving a new build housing programme in January 2026 and the Council approving the draft Local Plan in November 2025. Overcrowding, where too many people occupy a dwelling, is a concern raised by councillors and residents, and a problem the Local Plan seeks to tackle.
Key facts
- Brent's childhood asthma admission rate is double the London average, as reported in September 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council approved a new 10-year housing strategy in February 2026. Source
- The Tower Hamlets housing strategy includes a £609 million investment over two years. Source
- 88% of respondents agreed with the vision of Tower Hamlets' housing strategy. Source
- 74% of respondents supported the priorities of Tower Hamlets' housing strategy. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.