This week in Camden:

Four Schools Face Potential Restructuring Amidst Falling Pupil Numbers

The future of four Camden schools is under review, with the Cabinet approving public consultations on potential structural changes due to declining pupil numbers and financial pressures. La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School, St Alban's Church of England Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School are all experiencing significant challenges, including high surplus capacity and substantial financial deficits.

The proposed options for these schools range from reducing their Published Admission Number (PAN) to amalgamation or closure. For La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School, federation with another secondary school or ceasing Years 7-11 provision are also being considered. These decisions will have a profound impact on students, families, and the wider community. The six-week consultation period is set to run from November 2nd to December 14th, 2026.

The report highlighted that Camden, like many London boroughs, is facing a sustained decline in demand for school places, leading to a structural mismatch between available capacity and demand. This has resulted in growing financial pressure across the school system. The School Sufficiency Programme¹ has been in place to address these challenges, but the evidence indicates that longer-term structural changes may be required.

The Cabinet also noted the Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/2026². This report detailed the council's financial activities for the past year, confirming that the council operated within its treasury and prudential indicators. No new external borrowing was taken, and the internal borrowing policy remained sound, delivering significant annual savings. The council maintained a consistent risk profile and prudent investment strategies.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Planning Committee to Consider Garden Outbuildings and High Holborn Redevelopment

The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including proposals for outbuildings in residential gardens and a significant redevelopment at 212 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BF. The committee was also set to review written submissions from local residents and community groups.

Residential Garden Outbuildings Face Scrutiny

Applications for outbuildings at 64 Canfield Gardens, London NW6 3EB and The Cottage, 10 Lyndhurst Road, London NW3 5PX were scheduled for review. At 64 Canfield Gardens, a proposed outbuilding was met with objections from CRASH, The Combined Residents' Associations of South Hampstead, who argued it was too large and lacked a Biodiversity Gain Plan. At 10 Lyndhurst Road, the Fitzjohns/Netherhall Conservation Area Advisory Committee raised concerns about the proposed outbuilding being oversized and its proximity to the boundary. These applications highlight the delicate balance between residents' desire for additional space and the need to protect neighbourhood amenity and green spaces.

Major Redevelopment at 212 High Holborn

A significant application concerning 212 High Holborn proposed a change of use from offices to a hotel, including a nine-storey rear extension and other alterations to the Grade II listed property. The proposal aims to create a hotel with 75 guest rooms, a ground-floor restaurant, and a co-working space. While the officer's report highlighted the lack of demand for office space and the potential economic benefits, local residents at Holland & Thurstan Dwellings strongly opposed the extension, citing concerns about loss of light and overlooking. The officer's recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission, subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) to Review Terms of Reference and Priorities

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) was scheduled to meet to discuss its terms of reference, local and national updates on Religious Education (RE), and to undertake a self-evaluation activity. The council was also set to consider its priorities for the upcoming academic year.

Key agenda items included:

• Faith Forum Update: A representative was scheduled to provide an update on interfaith activities.
• SACRE Terms of Reference and Member Roles: A review of the council's operational framework and individual duties.
• Local and National RE Updates: Discussions on the Autumn term newsletter, RE network meetings, and national developments from the Department for Education (DfE) and the National Association of SACRE (NASACRE).
• SACRE Self-Evaluation: Members were scheduled to use a toolkit to assess SACRE's strengths and areas for development.
• Camden SACRE Priorities 2026-27: A discussion on the council's planned actions for the next academic year.

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting

Other Matters

The Corporate Parenting Board was scheduled to meet.

The Pension Committee was scheduled to consider updates on responsible investment, the performance of the Pension Fund's investments, and engagement activities with companies. The committee was also scheduled to address new statutory guidance on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund governance and asset pooling.

The Licensing Panel D meeting was cancelled.

This week in Camden:

School Closures Loom as Falling Pupil Numbers Strain Budgets

Four Camden schools are facing potential structural changes, including possible closure, due to sustained declines in pupil numbers and mounting financial deficits. La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School, St Alban's Church of England Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School are all experiencing significant pressure, with falling birth rates and migration contributing to a surplus of school places and a pupil-led funding model that is no longer sustainable.

The council is proposing a public consultation to gather views on a range of options for each school. These could include reducing the number of places offered, amalgamating schools, forming federations, or outright closure. This decision will have a profound impact on the educational landscape for thousands of children and the communities surrounding these schools. The consultation is scheduled to run from November 2nd to December 14th, 2026.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Housing Safety Under the Spotlight: Grenfell Inquiry and Evacuation Plans

The Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel is set to meet on Tuesday, October 20th, to address critical safety measures for residents. The meeting will focus on the implementation of recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, particularly concerning the regulation of the construction industry and the establishment of a new construction products regulator.

A key discussion will be the rollout of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents in high-rise buildings who may need assistance to evacuate during a fire. The council is working to identify residents requiring support and develop person-centred plans, acknowledging the increased demand generated by proactive engagement with disabled residents. The panel will also review the council's performance in fire safety, legionella, asbestos, gas, electrics, and lifts for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. This focus on safety is paramount, especially for vulnerable residents who rely on these measures for their well-being.

Link to the Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel meeting

Pension Fund Performance and Responsible Investment Strategies

The Pension Committee will convene on Wednesday, October 21st, to review the performance of the Camden Pension Fund's investments. The committee will examine financial market returns and asset allocation for the quarter ending June 30th, 2026, comparing performance against industry benchmarks.

A significant part of the meeting will be dedicated to responsible investment. The committee will receive updates on preparations for a consultation on the Fund's Responsible Investment Policy and Investment Strategy Statement. This includes ongoing work on monitoring and reporting, as well as a summary of engagement activities with companies on issues such as climate transition, modern slavery, and conflict-affected areas. The committee will also consider new statutory guidance on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund governance and asset pooling, which will necessitate revisions to the committee's terms of reference and the development of a new training strategy for its members. This ensures that the fund is not only financially sound but also ethically managed.

Link to the Pension Committee meeting

Other Matters

Planning Committee Considers Garden Outbuildings and High Holborn Development

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 22nd. The agenda includes proposals for new outbuildings in residential gardens at 64 Canfield Gardens and 10 Lyndhurst Road. These applications will be assessed for their impact on neighbouring amenity and conservation areas. A significant mixed-use development at 212 High Holborn is also on the agenda, proposing a hotel with 75 guest rooms, a ground-floor restaurant, and a co-working space. This development aims to restore a vacant Grade II listed building and contribute to the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, with a focus on economic benefits and sustainable transport.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) to Discuss RE and Collective Worship

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) will meet on Wednesday, October 21st. The council will discuss local and national updates on Religious Education (RE) and collective worship, including the Curriculum & Assessment Review and the Department for Education's review of collective worship. Members will also engage in a self-evaluation activity to assess SACRE's current standing and identify priorities for the upcoming year.

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting

Licensing Panel D Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Panel D meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 22nd, has been cancelled.

This week in Camden:

Late-Night Licensing Applications for Fumi and SoBe Burger Face Scrutiny

Two applications that could impact late-night activity and the sale of alcohol were scheduled for discussion by Licensing Panel A on Thursday 1 October 2026. The panel was due to consider new premises licences for Fumi, a Japanese restaurant on Leather Lane, and SoBe Burger on Kentish Town Road. Both applications attracted objections from residents and authorities, highlighting concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.

Fumi: Alcohol Sales and Nuisance in Leather Lane

The application for Fumi at 90 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TT sought permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises until 11:30 PM daily, with late-night refreshments until midnight.

• Environmental Health and Resident Objections: Environmental Health raised concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, noting the premises' location in a mixed commercial and residential area and the potential for increased noise and odour, particularly from a charcoal grill. Residents also objected on the grounds of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, citing previous issues with late-night establishments in the area.
• Proposed Conditions: The applicant's operating schedule included conditions related to CCTV, waiter service for alcohol, an incident log, staff training, and measures to prevent public nuisance and protect children.

The panel's decision on this application will have a direct impact on the late-night economy and the quality of life for residents in this area.

SoBe Burger: Extended Hours and Noise Concerns on Kentish Town Road

The application for SoBe Burger at 206 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2AD sought permission for late-night refreshments until 1:00 AM daily. This proposed operating schedule, extending beyond the council's framework hours, raised alarms.

• Environmental Health Concerns: The Environmental Health team focused on the potential for public nuisance, particularly concerning noise and odour from cooking activities. They recommended reducing the hours or imposing further noise-related conditions.
• Councillor and Resident Objections: Councillor Meric Apak, the ward councillor for Kentish Town South, raised concerns about public nuisance and crime and disorder, highlighting the residential nature of Kentish Town Road and the potential for disproportionate impact from late-night activity. A resident association also objected, citing the potential for increased public nuisance and crime.

The applicant's operating schedule outlines measures to prevent crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and protect children from harm, including CCTV, staff training, and odour control. The panel's decision will directly affect the local environment and the quality of life for residents in this area.

Link to the Licensing Panel A meeting

This week in Camden:

Housing Crisis Looms as Council Faces £8-£12 Million Savings Target

Camden Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge that could impact the quality and availability of social housing. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) faces a daunting savings target of £8 million to £12 million over the next three years. This shortfall is driven by rising costs for essential repairs, property maintenance, fire safety improvements, and an increasing number of housing disrepair cases.

The council is proposing a new approach to tenant engagement for budget setting, moving away from traditional District Management Committee (DMC) meetings to a more accessible, multi-channel consultation process. This aims to ensure all tenants have a meaningful say in decisions that directly affect their homes. The proposed changes are designed to be more open and accessible, offering online and offline participation options.

This financial pressure comes at a time when demand for housing services is high, with an increasing number of households in temporary accommodation. The council's Homes & Communities Performance Report for Quarter 1 2026/27 highlights this mixed picture, with strong rent collection and building safety compliance but challenges in areas like gas certification and reducing overdue fire and building safety actions.

The implications for residents are significant. Without adequate funding, essential maintenance and safety upgrades could be delayed, potentially impacting the quality of life and safety for thousands of council tenants. The council's commitment to providing safe and decent homes is being tested by these financial realities.

Link to the Hampstead District Management Committee meeting Link to the Holborn District Management Committee meeting

Late-Night Licensing Applications for Restaurants Spark Resident Concerns

Two applications that could impact late-night activity and the sale of alcohol were scheduled for discussion by Licensing Panel A on Thursday 1 October 2026. The panel was due to consider new premises licences for SoBe Burger on Kentish Town Road and Fumi on Leather Lane. Both applications attracted objections from residents and authorities, highlighting concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.

SoBe Burger: Extended Hours and Noise Concerns

The application for SoBe Burger at 206 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2AD sought permission for late-night refreshments until 1:00 AM daily. This proposed operating schedule, extending beyond the council's framework hours, raised alarms.

• Environmental Health Concerns: The Environmental Health team focused on the potential for public nuisance, particularly concerning noise and odour from cooking activities. They recommended reducing the hours or imposing further noise-related conditions.
• Councillor and Resident Objections: Councillor Meric Apak, the ward councillor for Kentish Town South, raised concerns about public nuisance and crime and disorder, highlighting the residential nature of Kentish Town Road and the potential for disproportionate impact from late-night activity. A resident, Kate Tract, requested specific conditions regarding delivery vehicles and facilities for delivery operatives.

The applicant's operating schedule outlines measures to prevent crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and protect children from harm, including CCTV, staff training, and odour control. The panel's decision will directly affect the local environment and the quality of life for residents in this area.

Fumi: Alcohol Sales and Nuisance in Leather Lane

The panel was also scheduled to consider a new premises licence for Fumi at 90 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TT. This application requested the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises until 11:30 PM daily, with late-night refreshments until midnight.

• Environmental Health and Resident Objections: Environmental Health raised concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, noting the premises' location in a mixed commercial and residential area and the potential for increased noise and odour, particularly from a charcoal grill. Residents also objected on the grounds of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, citing previous issues with late-night establishments in the area.

The applicant's operating schedule includes conditions related to CCTV, waiter service for alcohol, an incident log, staff training, and measures to prevent public nuisance and protect children. The panel's decision on these applications will have a direct impact on the late-night economy and the quality of life for residents in these busy areas.

Link to the Licensing Panel A meeting

Leaseholders' Forum Discusses Service Charges and Energy Procurement

The Leaseholders' Forum met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, to discuss ongoing issues affecting leaseholders, including progress on recommendations from a former Cabinet Advisor's report, leaseholder satisfaction surveys, and the council's energy procurement strategy.

Improving Services for Leaseholders

A significant part of the discussion focused on progress made on recommendations from a report by the former Associate Cabinet Member for Leaseholders, Councillor James Slater. This report aimed to improve services and advocacy for Camden leaseholders. Discussions were expected to cover communication, contractor quality, and the coordination between different council departments. Transparency regarding service charges and major works bills was also a key area for review.

Leaseholder Satisfaction and Energy Strategy

The Forum was set to receive an update on leaseholder satisfaction surveys, including plans for the upcoming Summer 2027 survey and the potential for online methods. A working group of volunteers was expected to review the survey questionnaire. Additionally, an update was scheduled from Camden Council's Energy Procurement Team concerning the council's strategy for procuring energy. This included the necessity of seeking dispensation from statutory consultation procedures for energy contracts, aiming to mitigate exposure to energy market volatility.

Link to the Leaseholders' Forum meeting

Audit and Corporate Governance Committee Reviews Reward Strategy and Treasury Management

The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026, to discuss the council's reward strategy, including pay and benefits, and to review its policies on complaints and remedies. The committee also received an update on the council's treasury management, specifically concerning Lender Option Borrower Option (LOBO) loans.

Annual Reward and Terms and Conditions Update

The committee reviewed an update on Camden's Reward Strategy, which aims to maintain a competitive employment offer and address recruitment and retention challenges. A key point was the proposed reduction of the standard probationary period from six months to four months, effective from 1 July 2026, as part of wider revisions to strengthen early performance management. The report highlighted Camden's commitment to fair pay, noting its accreditation as a Living Wage employer since 2012 and investments in its lowest-paid employees. Enhancements to the employee offer in April 2026 included a revised appointment pay framework, a refreshed performance framework, and an enhanced recognition scheme.

Treasury Management: LOBO Loans

The committee received an update on the Council's LOBO loan portfolio. This included the repayment of a £29 million LOBO loan from FMS Wertmanagement after the lender proposed an interest rate increase. The council exercised its right to repay the loan rather than accept the higher rate, subsequently securing a replacement loan from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB). The report also provided an update on the council's wider borrowing position and future lender option dates.

Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee meeting

Other Matters

Licensing Panel E Considers Premises Licence Variations

Licensing Panel E met on Thursday 24 September 2026, to consider applications to vary premises licences for Tesco on Camden High Street and Harleys of Hampstead.

• Tesco, Camden High Street: The application sought to extend the hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises and to extend opening hours. Representations opposing the application were received from the Police, the Licensing Authority, the Public Health Strategist, and Councillor Patricia Callaghan, citing concerns about cumulative impact, crime and disorder, and public nuisance.
• Harleys of Hampstead: The application sought to add 'on sales' of alcohol, extend permitted hours for both on and off sales, and extend opening hours. Councillor Stephen Stark objected to the extension of off-sales hours and raised concerns about the use of an unlicensed barbecue.

Link to the Licensing Panel E meeting