This week in Camden:

Housing Associations' Performance and Rent Reviews Take Centre Stage

Camden Council is facing critical decisions regarding its housing stock, with the Housing Scrutiny Committee set to review the annual performance of major housing associations and consider proposed rent increases for the upcoming financial year. Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting These discussions are vital for ensuring the quality of housing and the affordability for thousands of residents.

Housing Associations Under the Microscope

The committee will examine the performance of Riverside, Origin Housing, Notting Hill Genesis, and Clarion, the four largest housing associations operating in Camden. The review will cover:

• Sales Programmes and Investment: How these associations are investing in existing Camden properties and their progress on developing new affordable homes.
• Tenancy Management: Performance in areas such as void properties, rent arrears, and evictions, which directly impact residents' stability.
• Property Maintenance: Crucially, the report will detail their handling of fire safety measures and the prevalence of damp and mould cases – issues that have significant implications for resident health and safety.

Rent Increases and Financial Pressures

A major point of discussion will be the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and rent review for 2026/27. Camden Council, as a significant social landlord, is facing substantial financial challenges.

• Broken Funding System: The report highlights that the national funding system for social housing is described as broken, leading to a projected loss of £201 million in rental income since 2016.
• Proposed Rent Hike: To balance the budget, a rent increase of 4.8% (CPI + 1%) is proposed from April 2026. This could mean an additional weekly cost for tenants, impacting household budgets.
• Service Charge Increases: Revisions to tenant service charges for essential services like caretaking and communal repairs are also on the table, potentially adding further costs.

The council's commitment to ensuring residents are safe at home is being tested by these financial realities. The decisions made will directly affect the cost of living for many Camden residents, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

The committee will also receive an update on initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) and enhance community safety, aligning with the We Make Camden pledge. This includes reviewing the refreshed ASB Policy and Procedure and the work of dedicated ASB officers.

Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting

Young People's Voices on Education, Health and Care Plans to be Heard

The Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee will delve into the experiences of young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, focusing on whether their voices are truly being heard. Link to the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting The committee will review the findings of the Young Inspectors' 2025 report, which specifically captures the perspectives of children and young people on their EHC planning and review processes.

EHC Plans: Capturing the Voice of the Child

The Young Inspectors' report, titled 'Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans; Capturing the Voice of the Child or Young Person', aims to understand how young people experience these crucial plans. It will assess whether their views are being listened to and acted upon, and identify ways to improve communication and participation. The report also considers the role of families in the EHC process and how professionals engage with both children and their families.

This focus is vital, as EHC plans are designed to provide tailored support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ensuring that these plans genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people they are intended to serve is paramount to their effectiveness.

Corporate Parenting and Children in Care

The committee will also receive the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2024-25. This report details Camden's performance in supporting children in care and care-experienced young people. It outlines achievements, progress, and challenges, with a refreshed strategy focusing on key priorities such as a sense of belonging, rights and aspirations, and overall wellbeing. The report will highlight specific attention given to vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children and those at risk of exploitation.

National Children's Social Care Reforms

An update on the implementation of national children's social care reforms in Camden will also be presented. Camden is in Phase One of these reforms, testing new approaches such as locality-based staffing models and multi-disciplinary teams. This work is crucial for improving the quality and consistency of social care services for children across the borough.

Link to the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting

Council's Financial Resilience and AI Strategy Under Scrutiny

The Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee will examine the council's financial health, its approach to the cost of living crisis, and its strategy for the future use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Link to the Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting These discussions are crucial for understanding how Camden is managing its resources and preparing for future technological advancements.

Corporate Peer Challenge and Financial Resilience

The committee will review the findings of Camden's 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge, a review by the Local Government Association (LGA). While the report acknowledges Camden as a well-run and high performing Council, it also highlights a significant financial challenge. The committee will discuss the council's strategy for addressing this, including its efforts to tackle the Debt Challenge and support residents facing financial hardship.

• Cost of Living Support: Camden has invested £2 million to support residents impacted by the cost of living crisis, with £2.7 million disbursed through grants between April 2024 and March 2025.
• Money Advice Camden: The Money Advice Camden team has secured over £885,000 in financial gains for residents through advice services.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

The committee will also consider Camden's approach to the future use of AI technology. The focus will be on ethical considerations, safeguards, and how the council is learning from other organisations.

• Data Charter: Camden's Data Charter, developed with residents, is highlighted as a best practice example of transparency and accountability.
• AI Ethics Framework: The council is developing an AI Ethics Framework to complement its Data Charter.
• Skills Development: Efforts are underway to develop staff skills in data and AI, including piloting generative AI tools.

These discussions are vital for ensuring that Camden Council is financially sound and ethically prepared to leverage new technologies for the benefit of its residents.

Link to the Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Staff Appeals) Sub-Committee met on January 15th to consider an appeal against dismissal by a former employee and review the committee's terms of reference. Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance (Staff Appeals) Sub-Committee meeting
• Licensing Panel C met on January 15th to consider applications for new and varied premises licences, including a new licence for 77 Gloucester Avenue and a variation for Imperial Restaurant Bar. The panel heard numerous representations from residents concerned about potential noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. Link to the Licensing Panel C meeting
• The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee met on January 12th to discuss the dockless bike hire scheme, a trial to address advertising boards on streets, and the progress of Camden's Get Active Programme. Link to the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met on January 12th to discuss the recruitment process for the Director of Development and Corporate Property. This role is key to delivering Camden's We Make Camden vision, focusing on regeneration and housing development. Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Council will meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to the Council meeting
• The Corporate Parenting Board will meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Link to the Corporate Parenting Board meeting
• Licensing Panel D will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to the Licensing Panel D meeting
• The Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to the Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel meeting
• An Unknown committee will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to the Unknown committee meeting
• Licensing Panel E will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to the Licensing Panel E meeting
• An Unknown committee will meet on Monday 26 January 2026. Link to the Unknown committee meeting

This week in Camden:

Rent Hikes Loom for Council Tenants as Budget Pressures Mount

Camden Council is facing difficult decisions regarding housing rents, with discussions at the Holborn District Management Committee (DMC) highlighting the financial pressures on social housing and the potential impact on tenants. Link to the Holborn District Management Committee meeting The council is grappling with balancing the need to maintain services and invest in housing stock against the potential impact of rent increases on vulnerable tenants.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Pressures

The Holborn DMC meeting on January 7th was set to discuss the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27. The report presented indicated significant financial pressures on the HRA, driven by rising costs and the need to comply with new regulations such as the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022. These pressures are compounded by a substantial loss of rental income since 2016 due to changes in government rent policies.

Proposed Rent Increases: The primary proposal was to increase social housing rents by 4.8%, which is equivalent to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%. This increase is estimated to add approximately £7.04 per week to the rent of an average two-bedroom property.

The council is also considering implementing rent convergence, a government initiative that allows rents below a set formula rent to increase annually until they reach that level. The committee was asked to consider an additional weekly increase of either £1 or £2 for rent convergence, on top of the CPI + 1% increase.

• A CPI + 1% increase alone is projected to generate an additional £8.1 million in income, requiring a £5 million drawdown from reserves.
• Adding a £1 per week convergence increase would boost income by £9.3 million, reducing the reserve drawdown to £3.8 million.
• A £2 per week convergence increase would generate £10.4 million, further reducing the reserve drawdown to £2.7 million.

These proposed increases could significantly impact the budgets of many Camden residents, particularly those on fixed incomes or facing financial hardship.

Service Charges and Other Fees: The report also outlined proposed increases to tenants' service charges for essential services like caretaking, communal lighting, and grounds maintenance. For example, the weekly charge for Caretaking was proposed to rise by £0.62 to £13.04, a 5.0% increase. Garage rents for tenants are also set to increase by £2 per week, bringing the cost to £20 per week.

Impact on Vulnerable Residents: While the report aims to balance the council's budget and fund necessary housing improvements, these increases could place a considerable burden on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income families. The council's commitment to We Make Camden and ensuring residents are safe at home is being tested by these financial realities.

The committee was asked to provide feedback on these proposals, with specific questions detailed in the report pack. The decisions made will have a direct impact on the cost of living for thousands of Camden tenants.

Link to the Holborn District Management Committee meeting

Young People's Voices on Education, Health and Care Plans to be Heard

The Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee will examine the experiences of young people with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, focusing on whether their voices are truly being heard. Link to the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting The committee will review the findings of the Young Inspectors' 2025 report, which specifically captures the perspectives of children and young people on their EHC planning and review processes.

EHC Plans: Capturing the Voice of the Child

The Young Inspectors' report, titled 'Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans; Capturing the Voice of the Child or Young Person', aims to understand how young people experience these crucial plans. It will assess whether their views are being listened to and acted upon, and identify ways to improve communication and participation. The report also considers the role of families in the EHC process and how professionals engage with both children and their families.

This focus is vital, as EHC plans are designed to provide tailored support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ensuring that these plans genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people they are intended to serve is paramount to their effectiveness.

Corporate Parenting and Children in Care

The committee will also receive the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2024-25. This report details Camden's performance in supporting children in care and care-experienced young people. It outlines achievements, progress, and challenges, with a refreshed strategy focusing on key priorities such as a sense of belonging, rights and aspirations, and overall wellbeing. The report will highlight specific attention given to vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children and those at risk of exploitation.

National Children's Social Care Reforms

An update on the implementation of national children's social care reforms in Camden will also be presented. Camden is in Phase One of these reforms, testing new approaches such as locality-based staffing models and multi-disciplinary teams. This work is crucial for improving the quality and consistency of social care services for children across the borough.

Link to the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting

Tackling Street Obstructions: A-Board Trial and Bike Hire Scheme Under Scrutiny

The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee will address issues impacting public spaces, including a trial to tackle advertising boards (A-boards) and an update on the dockless bike hire scheme. Link to the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting These discussions are crucial for ensuring accessible and safe streets for all residents.

A-Board Trial for Improved Accessibility

A pilot trial is underway in Goodge Street to address the issue of advertising boards, often referred to as A-boards, which can obstruct pavements and create hazards, particularly for blind and visually impaired individuals. In partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and other stakeholders, the trial aims to declutter streets and improve accessibility. The initiative involves education and behaviour change strategies, including the use of QR codes on furniture to link to RNIB resources. A similar trial is planned for Hampstead.

Dockless Bike Hire Scheme Update

The committee will also receive an update on the dockless bike hire (DBH) scheme. Previous discussions have focused on parking and bay management, with actions taken to improve contract management with operators and expand the network of parking bays. The report will cover current usage statistics, operator compliance, and efforts to address issues such as parking bay violations and the expansion of facilities. Accident and injury data related to DBH bikes will also be reviewed, highlighting the council's commitment to ensuring the safety of sustainable transport options.

Camden's Get Active Programme

An update on Camden's Get Active Programme (GAP) will also be presented. This scheme supports inactive residents, particularly those with long-term health conditions, to increase their physical activity levels through personalised care and advice. The programme aims to improve wellbeing and quality of life, and the committee will hear about its effectiveness, challenges, and future expansion plans.

Link to the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met on January 12th to discuss the recruitment process for the Director of Development and Corporate Property. This role is key to delivering Camden's We Make Camden vision, focusing on regeneration and housing development. Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee meeting
• The Housing Scrutiny Committee will meet on January 12th to review the annual performance of housing associations, the Housing Revenue Account budget and rent review for 2026/27, and strategies for tackling anti-social behaviour. The committee will also hear a deputation concerning housing associations and service charges. Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee will meet on Monday 12 January 2026. Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee meeting
• The Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026. Link to the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 12 January 2026. Link to the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Housing Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 12 January 2026. Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Council will meet on Monday 19 January 2026. Link to the Council meeting
• The Corporate Parenting Board will meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Link to the Corporate Parenting Board meeting
• Licensing Panel D will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Link to the Licensing Panel D meeting

This week in Camden:

Health Board to Tackle Homelessness and Drug Harm

The Camden Health and Wellbeing Board met this week to discuss several critical issues affecting the borough's most vulnerable residents, including homelessness, safeguarding, and drug-related harm. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting The board reviewed annual reports from safeguarding partnerships and considered actions to reduce drug-related harm. No video was provided.

Integrated Approach to Homelessness

The board discussed the work of the Homelessness System Partnership, formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership aims to create an integrated approach to addressing homelessness in Camden, recognizing that no single organization can meet the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness.

• The report pack included an overview of the homeless population in Camden and the issues they face.
• It also summarized what residents have said about the services they receive and the partnership's approach, including co-production.
• The report pack outlined progress made against partnership priorities, other achievements, and next steps.

This integrated approach is crucial for providing comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Safeguarding Children and Adults

The board received the 2024/25 annual reports from the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) and the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB). Safeguarding is a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 and Care Act 2014, delivered in Camden through these multi-agency partnerships.

• The annual reports reviewed governance, performance, serious case learning, and set improvement priorities.
• The board considered learning opportunities across the partnerships and identified shared strategic priorities.

Effective safeguarding is essential for protecting vulnerable children and adults from harm, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.

Reducing Drug-Related Harm

The board received an update on the priority of reducing drug-related harm in Camden. The report pack covered data and gaps in intelligence and knowledge, Camden's incident, prevention, and strategic response, and challenges and opportunities.

• The board was asked to identify further challenges and opportunities in meeting this priority.
• Members considered actions they could take as individuals, teams, or organizations.

Addressing drug-related harm is vital for improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities affected by drug use.

Licensing Panel Considers Restaurant Licence and Remote Meeting Rules

Licensing Panel A met to discuss procedure rules for remote meetings and two applications relating to premises licenses. Link to the Licensing Panel A meeting No video was provided.

Restaurant Licence Variation

The panel considered an application to vary a premises licence for the Imperial Restaurant & Bar located on Birchington Road, London, NW6 4LJ. The application was made under section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Temporary Event Notices

The panel also discussed an application for temporary event notices for 7 Percy Street, London, W1T 1DH. The application was made under Section 100 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Remote Meeting Guidance

The panel agreed on procedure rules for remote meetings, as detailed in the document entitled Guidance on Remote Meetings held under the Licensing Act 2003 and Associated Regulations. This guidance includes advice for participants, covering preparing for the meeting, conduct during the meeting, and procedures for exempt or confidential items. It also mentions Camden Council's policy of writing minutes in a way that does not misgender individuals.

This week in Camden:

Camden Approves Climate Action Plan Amidst Scrutiny

Camden Council's Cabinet has approved the Climate Action Plan 2026-2030, a move intended to tackle the climate crisis while addressing social and economic inequalities. Link to the Cabinet meeting The plan builds upon previous climate initiatives and aims to reduce borough-wide emissions, with the council playing a key role in enabling environmentally sustainable investment.

• The plan outlines outcomes and actions across seven priority areas.
• The council aims to foster conditions for environmentally sustainable investment and growth in Camden.
• The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee also discussed the plan, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and addressing inequalities. Link to the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting

While the plan has been welcomed by many, some critics argue that it does not go far enough to address the urgency of the climate crisis.

Green Space Investment Programme Aims for Equitable Access

The Cabinet also discussed the Green Space Investment Programme (GSIP) for 2026-2030, aiming to align capital investment in parks and green spaces with the council's We Make Camden initiative and the Camden Missions. Link to the Cabinet meeting The program prioritizes projects that enhance community well-being and environmental sustainability.

• The program aims to align capital investment in parks and green spaces with the council's We Make Camden initiative and the Camden Missions.
• Projects are approved annually by Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden and Deputy Leader.

The GSIP aims to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality green spaces, promoting physical and mental health.

Council Tackles Homelessness with New Strategy

Camden Council has adopted a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030, outlining key actions to prevent and address homelessness in the borough. Link to the Cabinet meeting The strategy builds on responses to a 14-week public consultation and aims to provide accessible, person-centered services.

• The strategy focuses on preventing homelessness, working collaboratively, securing more affordable housing, and advocating for national change.
• The council intends to buy back an estimated 280 family-sized homes over the next 5 years.
• The Housing Scrutiny Committee also discussed the strategy, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of homelessness. Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting

The strategy aims to provide a safety net for vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring access to safe and stable housing.

Council Tax Support Scheme to Remain in Place

The Cabinet discussed proposals for a Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTS) for the year 2026/27, deciding to maintain the current scheme, which is one of the most supportive in the country. Link to the Cabinet meeting The scheme provides 100% support to over 16,100 households in Camden, including over 5,400 pensioners.

• The current Council Tax Support scheme will remain in place for 2026/27, with income bands uplifted in line with the new levels for the London Living Wage.
• The council is also considering an amendment to the Section 13a Discretionary Reductions Policy to include a new 'class' of discount relating to residents who are terminally ill and experiencing financial difficulty.
• The Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee also discussed the scheme, highlighting its importance in supporting low-income households. Link to the Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting

This decision ensures that vulnerable residents continue to receive vital financial support, helping them to manage their household expenses.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee considered several planning applications, including a hotel conversion on Judd Street, amendments to the Abbey Estate redevelopment, and a change of use for flats on Hampstead Road. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report and discussed the Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families' annual report. Link to the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Housing Scrutiny Committee discussed the Housing Ombudsman's annual report, the Housing Revenue Account budget, and the response to the Homelessness Scrutiny Panel recommendations. Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Cabinet discussed the Annual Complaints Report 2024/25, a long-term lease of the Coroner's Court, potential modifications to the Camden Leisure Management Contract, and the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-26. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• The Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee discussed the council's financial strategy, council tax support scheme, and handling of complaints. Link to the Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Planning Committee considered major developments at the West Kentish Town Estate, 180 Arlington Road and 14 Parkway, 120 Holborn, and Dobson Close Car Park, as well as a change of use application at 6-17 Tottenham Court Road. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• Licensing Panel E met, but no video was provided. Link to the Licensing Panel E meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting
• Licensing Panel A will meet on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to the Licensing Panel A meeting