Low Pay
Tower Hamlets is addressing widespread poverty, with housing costs and low pay identified as key drivers affecting working households.
The Tower Hamlets Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed an Anti-Poverty Rapid Needs Assessment in September 2026. This assessment revealed that 40% of residents live in relative poverty after housing costs, with child poverty more than doubling to over 50% once these expenses are considered.
The assessment highlighted housing costs as the biggest driver of poverty in the borough. It also found that 84% of households experiencing poverty are working households, underscoring the impact of low pay and insecure employment on residents.
Key facts
- Child poverty in Tower Hamlets rises from 26.7% to over 50% after housing costs. Source 1 Source 2
- 84% of households in poverty in Tower Hamlets are working households. Source 1 Source 2
- An estimated 117,000 to 130,000 Tower Hamlets residents live in poverty. Source
- 40% of Tower Hamlets residents live in relative poverty after housing costs. Source
- The Anti-Poverty Rapid Needs Assessment was discussed on September 22, 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.