Tower Hamlets leads UK in universal credit claims among over-40s amid deep poverty

Research by the TaxPayers’ Alliance reveals that Tower Hamlets records the highest share of universal credit claimants among adults aged 40-64 in England and Wales, with 50.4 % of those 50-59 and 51 % of those 60-64 receiving the benefit. The borough also ties with Birmingham for the greatest proportion of 40-49-year-olds on universal credit at 43.5 %. Council leaders say the trend reflects a mix of severe poverty, soaring housing costs and broader economic pressures, compounded by a large ethnic-minority population that historically faces job market disadvantages.

Residents described the situation as “everything has fallen by the wayside,” citing multiple jobs and rising rents as drivers for benefit reliance. The Department for Work and Pensions notes that most of the increase since July 2024 stems from people moving from older benefit schemes and that many claimants are already employed, with upcoming Timms and Milburn reviews set to refocus the system on work. Local charities and the council report modest successes in helping residents return to work, but emphasize the need for tailored support and broader policy action.