Issues and SWOT

strength

Use the library spaces shaped by local people

The completed library includes study space, public computers and community rooms.

Proposed response: Ensure the opening offer matches those different needs.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

4.5% of people reported bad or very bad health in Newham council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%. People reporting bad or very bad health ranged from 1.7% in Stratford Olympic Park to 5.6% in Custom House — a gap of 3.9 percentage points.

This is how residents described their health in the census. It can reveal differences between neighbourhoods, but does not diagnose illness or measure current waiting times. Age profiles differ between places, so these shares do not measure service quality.

strength

Connect local skills to local opportunities

40.2% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Newham council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%. People aged 16+ with no qualifications ranged from 5.1% in Stratford Olympic Park to 25.9% in Plashet — a gap of 20.8 percentage points.

Qualifications show one part of the skills available locally. They do not show whether people have secure jobs or work that uses those skills.

weakness

Make new homes work for residents with additional needs

Custom House’s completed homes are being allocated, including accessible properties.

Proposed response: Finish required adaptations and practical move support before occupation.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

Average private rent is £1,928 a month (August 2026) in Newham council area. This is £469 higher than the England average for the same month. Homes rented privately ranged from 26.7% in Custom House to 55.1% in Royal Victoria — a gap of 28.3 percentage points.

Housing costs matter most alongside earnings and the number of affordable homes available. A local average cannot tell us whether a particular household can afford its home.

opportunity

Use the new East Ham homes to improve future delivery

Burgoynes Depot has reached handover.

Proposed response: Check defects and energy performance before repeating assumptions elsewhere.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

7.2% of people in Newham council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021). People aged 65 or over ranged from 1.2% in Stratford Olympic Park to 9.4% in Plashet — a gap of 8.2 percentage points.

Age alone does not mean poor health or a need for care. Accessible homes, reliable transport and support close to home matter as people get older.

opportunity

Target safety work where problems repeat

Mapped police records are available for neighbourhoods in Newham council area.

Published locations are approximate and some crimes are not mapped. Counts show recorded incidents, not the chance of an individual becoming a victim.

opportunity

Turn published plans into visible progress

3 named local projects or plans have official evidence in this collection.

A published plan makes responsibilities and intentions easier to inspect. It does not prove that funding is secured or that promised benefits have arrived.

opportunity

Target support where disadvantages overlap

Households facing two or more measured disadvantages ranged from 8.5% in Royal Victoria to 31.7% in Plashet — a gap of 23.2 percentage points.

These households met at least two census conditions covering education, employment, health and housing. This is not an income or poverty measure.

threat

Keep existing residents supported during later rebuilding

The first Custom House homes are complete while the wider programme continues.

Proposed response: Keep housing advice and safe access available throughout later phases.

Evidence