PHIL MAXWELL

Stepney Housing with a message. Stepney, London 1981

According to official figures the number of households in Tower Hamlets is projected to increase from 78,700 in 2001 by 70 per cent to 133,600 in 2021. There is a severe housing crisis in East London. For decades house prices have increased whilst the availability of social housing has diminished. This situation has been exacerbated by the pressure of growth from the city of London in the West and Canary Wharf in the East.

Looking towards the City from Spitalfields market. London 1983

View from Whitechapel to the City. London 1989

The skyline has changed rapidly over recent decades illustrating graphically the pressure of developments which in turn have increased both land and property prices.

The City seen from Whitechapel. London 2007

Canary Wharf viewed from Poplar. London 1989

Canary Wharf viewed from Whitechapel. London 2007

Much of the social housing which had fallen into disrepair was never replaced and whole swathes of Council housing were sold off during the last 30 years to boost poor Council finances.

Derelict and empty Council Housing in Poplar. London 1983

Despite numerous campaigns over the years there is still a severe shortage of housing for people on low and middle incomes.

Demonstration against housing privatisation. Bethnal Green, London 1988

This phenomenan has been a characteristic of housing since expensive Docklands developments appeared in the 1980’s which were out of the financial reach of the majority of residents many of whom lived, as today, in overcrowded conditions.

New expensive homes built on former Council land 1985