Havering’s 14K Population Surge Strains Council Services

Key Points

• Havering’s population increased by more than 14,000 people over three years, rising from 262,086 in 2021 to 276,274 in mid-2024, equating to approximately 4,729 new residents per year.
• This growth has placed significant strain on council services, particularly adult and children’s social care, and temporary accommodation needs.
• The influx includes new births and thousands moving into the borough from foreign countries.
• Havering has the second oldest population in London, behind Kensington & Chelsea.
• The 2021 census showed Havering with the fourth fastest growing population of children under four in the UK.
• Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council since 2022, highlighted years of underfunding not matching the pressures faced.
• The council received an extra £83 million over the next three years as part of a £73 billion government package, including £35 million from council tax increases.
• In December, Cllr Morgon described the funding as “too little too late,” noting residents must foot the bill rather than the government.
• The council remains committed to supporting vulnerable residents, working innovatively with partners, and lobbying for fair funding.

Havering (East London Times) January 9, 2026 – The population of Havering has surged by more than 14,000 people in just three years, reaching 276,274 in mid-2024 and placing unprecedented strain on local council services, writes local democracy reporter Sebastian Mann of The Havering Daily. This 14,188-person increase from 262,086 in 2021 translates to around 4,729 new residents annually, driven by new births and thousands relocating from foreign countries. Amid this growth, essential services, especially adult and children’s social care and temporary accommodation, face mounting pressures.

What Triggered Havering’s Rapid Population Growth?

Havering’s demographic boom combines natural population increase with significant inward migration. As reported by Sebastian Mann of The Havering Daily, the borough saw its population climb to 276,274 by mid-2024, up sharply from 262,086 recorded in 2021. This equates to a 5.4% rise over three years, with thousands arriving from abroad alongside new births boosting numbers.

The 2021 census, referenced in the same coverage, underscores unique trends: Havering holds the second oldest population in London, trailing only Kensington & Chelsea. Yet, it ranks fourth nationally for the fastest-growing under-four population in the UK, highlighting a bifurcated demographic profile straining resources differently across age groups. No other sources contradict these figures, confirming the scale of change.

How Is Population Growth Impacting Council Services?

The surge has overwhelmed key services, particularly social care. Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council since 2022, stated:

“It is well documented that Havering Council has had years of underfunding that does not meet the pressures it is facing.”

As reported by Sebastian Mann of The Havering Daily, Cllr Morgon continued:

“Havering has seen significant population growth in recent years, which inevitably increases demand for essential services, particularly adult and children’s social care.”

Temporary accommodation demands have also risen, mirroring London-wide trends. Cllr Morgon added:

“Like the rest of London, we have seen more people needing support for temporary accommodation.”

These pressures compound historic financial gaps, with the council innovating alongside partners to support vulnerable residents while advocating for better funding.

What Funding Has the Government Provided to Havering?

Havering will receive an extra £83 million over the next three years within a £73 billion government package. However, as noted by Sebastian Mann of The Havering Daily, this includes £35 million raised through council tax hikes. In December, Cllr Morgon called it “too little too late,” emphasising: “residents have to foot the bill, not the government.”

Cllr Morgon elaborated on ongoing commitments:

“Although we have received additional funding from the government for the next three years, it is still not enough to deal with the current and historic pressures we face and the significant gap in our finances it has caused.”

The council pledges continued support:

“Saying that, we are of course committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents and continue to work innovatively with partners, while lobbying for fair funding to ensure we can meet the needs of our growing community.”

Why Does Havering Face Unique Demographic Challenges?

Havering’s second-oldest population in London creates specific service demands, such as heightened adult social care needs. The rapid under-four growth, fourth fastest in the UK per the 2021 census, adds pressure on children’s services, schools, and early years provisions. Sebastian Mann of The Havering Daily ties these to the overall 14,188 increase, noting migration and births as key drivers.

This dual ageing-and-youthening dynamic exacerbates underfunding issues Cllr Morgon described. No additional media reports from the past day offer conflicting data, but the story aligns with broader London borough pressures on housing and services.

What Are the Long-Term Implications for Residents?

Residents face rising council tax to fund the £35 million portion of the £83 million boost, as Cllr Morgon highlighted. Services struggle amid growth outpacing resources, with temporary accommodation a flashpoint. The council’s lobbying for fairer funding signals ongoing battles.

As per Sebastian Mann’s reporting in The Havering Daily, the £73 billion national package provides some relief, yet local leaders deem it insufficient. Commitment to vulnerable groups persists, but the financial gap looms large.

How Does Havering Compare to Other London Boroughs?

Havering trails only Kensington & Chelsea for oldest population, per census data cited by Sebastian Mann. Its child growth rate stands out nationally, unlike many inner boroughs. Growth at 4,729 annually outpaces some peers, intensifying service strains unique to outer London.

Cllr Morgon frames this in London context: “Like the rest of London, we have seen more people needing support for temporary accommodation.” Underfunding complaints echo borough-wide, but Havering’s scale draws specific attention.

What Steps Is Havering Council Taking Next?

The council prioritises innovation with partners and lobbying. Cllr Morgon affirmed:

“we are of course committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents and continue to work innovatively with partners.”

The £83 million aids short-term, despite shortfalls.

No further plans emerge from available coverage, but advocacy for matching funds continues. Sebastian Mann’s piece in The Havering Daily positions this as response to documented pressures since 2022 under Cllr Morgon’s leadership.