overcrowding
Councils are addressing overcrowding in hospital emergency departments and through long-term housing strategies.
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust secured £42 million in October 2026 to rebuild Queen's Hospital's Accident and Emergency department, which often treats double its intended patient capacity. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months to provide more space. Barking and Dagenham's Health Scrutiny Committee discussed patient flow and overcrowding at the Trust in October 2026.
Tower Hamlets Council approved a 10-year housing strategy in February 2026, committing £609 million over two years to improve housing stock. This strategy aims to address overcrowding, affordability, and homelessness by delivering more and better homes across the borough.
No upcoming meetings are scheduled to discuss overcrowding. Separately, 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, with particular concerns for children in deprived areas.
Key facts
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust secured £42 million in October 2026 for Queen's Hospital A&E rebuild. Source
- Queen's Hospital A&E, designed for 300 patients daily, frequently sees over double that number. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council approved a 10-year housing strategy in February 2026, investing £609 million to address overcrowding. Source
- Brent's childhood asthma admissions are double the London average, as reported in September 2026. 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 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.