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Weekly updates

Camden rent hikes? Short-term lets crackdown & grill review.

This week in Camden:

Council Grapples with Housing Rent Hikes Amidst Financial Strain

Camden Council faces tough decisions regarding Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rents, with discussions at both the Camden Town and Gospel Oak District Management Committees (DMCs) highlighting the financial pressures on social housing. Link to the Camden Town District Management Committee meeting Link to the Gospel Oak 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.

HRA Budget Pressures

  • The Camden Town DMC heard that HRAs across the country are struggling to set balanced budgets because the original self-financing model has been undermined1.
  • The Gospel Oak DMC heard that the HRA is predicted to overspend by £7.3m in 2025/26, mainly due to pressures on repairs and mechanical and electrical budgets.
  • Both DMCs discussed the impact of changes to the self-financing model, with the HRA having lost £201m of rental income since 2016 compared to what it would have received under the previous policy of CPI + 1%.
  • The Camden Town DMC heard that a new 3-year MTFS Savings Programme will begin in 27/28, and that for 26/27 it is proposed that a £2 increase per week for tenants should be considered for garage rental fees, and that commercial garage rents would increase by the same proportion of 11%.

Potential Rent Increases

  • Both DMCs discussed the government's announcement of a 10-year rent settlement from April 2026, allowing rents to increase by CPI + 1% per annum.
  • The Gospel Oak DMC heard that potential rent increases for 2026/27 based on the current rent standard of CPI (3.8% as of September 2025) plus 1%, would allow a maximum increase of 4.8%.
  • Both DMCs discussed the government consultation on 'Rent Convergence', which would allow rents below 'formula rent' to increase by an additional amount each year. The Gospel Oak DMC heard that in Camden, 99% of properties are below formula rent, with an average gap of £19.49 per week.

Tenant Impact

  • The Camden Town DMC heard that rent is eligible under housing benefit and universal credit, and signposted to Camden's website for support for residents.
  • The Gospel Oak DMC heard that tenants pay fixed service charges for services such as caretaking, grounds maintenance and CCTV, and that these charges may need to increase to cover inflationary pressures.

These discussions highlight the difficult choices facing Camden Council as it seeks to balance its books while protecting its most vulnerable residents. The decisions made in the coming months will have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of tenants.

Camden Town Faces Crackdown on Short-Term Lets

The Camden Town District Management Committee (DMC) received a report outlining the regulatory framework and enforcement challenges surrounding short-term lettings and tenancy fraud in Camden. Link to the Camden Town District Management Committee meeting The report highlights the impact of the Deregulation Act 2015 on planning controls, the legal limits on short-term letting, and the council's approach to tackling unlawful subletting of council homes.

Impact on Housing Crisis

  • The report estimates that over 6,000 entire properties are being used for short-term holiday lets in Camden.
  • The report notes that short-term letting has become an increasingly attractive option for landlords due to its greater flexibility, fewer regulatory constraints, and potential for higher returns compared to traditional long-term rentals.
  • The report also notes that the growth of the short term let market is directly obstructing Camden's ability to tackle the housing crisis and provide homes for the people in Camden.

Enforcement Efforts

  • The report states that the Deregulation Act 2015 introduced a significant change to planning rules in Greater London, allowing residential properties to be used for short-term letting for up to 90 nights per calendar year without requiring planning permission.
  • The report notes that of the approx. 6000 properties estimated to be in short term let use in 2025, 52% exceeded the 90-night allowance to date.
  • The report also notes that a multi-disciplinary working group has recently been established, comprising officers from Planning Enforcement, the Legal Team, the Leaseholder Team, and Neighbourhood Housing Managers, to coordinate efforts to tackle short-term letting in Council-owned properties.

This crackdown on short-term lets reflects Camden Council's commitment to addressing the housing crisis and ensuring that homes are available for residents who need them.

Licensing Panel Reviews Lebanese Grill Express Amidst Noise and Nuisance Complaints

Licensing Panel C met to review the premises licence of Lebanese Grill Express at 84 Leather Lane, following complaints about noise, litter, and alleged anti-social behaviour. Link to the Licensing Panel C meeting The panel considered extensive video and photographic evidence submitted by the applicant, interested parties, and council officers.

Evidence Presented

  • Video evidence from the Noise and Pollution Team showed extract emissions from the premises in June 2025 and smoke and blackened walls in September 2025.
  • Video evidence from Marcio Rodrigues, Senior Area Monitoring Officer, Environmental Services Team, showed litter outside the premises and in the vicinity at night.
  • Videos from anonymous representations showed youths outside in the estate, youths fighting, and smoke from the Lebanese Grill chimney.
  • A video from TikTok showed a rodent in the corner by the main entrance of Lebanese Grill.

Concerns Raised

  • The evidence presented raised concerns about the impact of the Lebanese Grill Express on the local community, particularly in relation to noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour.
  • The panel also considered evidence relating to staff behaviour and hygiene standards at the premises.

This review highlights the importance of responsible business practices and the council's role in ensuring that licensed premises operate in a way that does not negatively impact the local community.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The HRA self-financing model was introduced in 2012, ending central government subsidies for council housing and allowing councils to keep rental income to manage and invest in their housing stock. ↩

  2. Awaab's Law is a piece of legislation that was introduced following the death of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his home. ↩

Camden tackles child poverty, Euston plan, school strikes loom

This week in Camden:

Camden Council to Debate Child Poverty Crisis

Camden Council is set to address the escalating issue of child poverty at its meeting on Monday, with a themed debate and a motion to scrap the two-child limit on benefit payments. Link to the Council meeting The debate, introduced by Councillor Camron Aref-Adib, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, will feature experts and community representatives, highlighting the human impact of austerity policies and inadequate support for low-income families.

  • A motion will be considered to formally oppose the two-child limit, which affects 4,190 children in 1,140 Camden households, representing 10% of all children in the borough.
  • The council will acknowledge that 39.6% of children in Camden live in poverty, a figure exacerbated by austerity policies implemented since 2010.
  • The council will consider resolving to support the Labour Government's Child Poverty Taskforce and advocate for the removal of the two-child limit and a review of other welfare reforms.

This debate underscores the council's commitment to tackling inequality and providing a safety net for vulnerable families, potentially influencing national policy and local support initiatives.

Euston Area Plan Faces Final Hurdle

The council will also discuss the Euston Area Plan (EAP), a comprehensive framework for the future development of the Euston area. Link to the Council meeting The plan, previously endorsed by the Cabinet, is now up for final approval before being submitted to the government for examination.

  • The council will consider approving the Euston Area Plan Proposed Submission Draft and Policies Map for submission to the government for examination, subject to certain delegations.
  • The Executive Director Investment, Place and Opportunity may be delegated authority to make minor changes to the plan prior to publication for Regulation 19 Consultation1, including factual updates, corrections and non-material wording changes and changes to the reflect updated technical professionally assessed viability information.
  • The Executive Director Investment, Place and Opportunity may also be delegated authority to publish the Euston Area Plan Proposed Submission Draft and Policies Map for Regulation 19 Consultation and, following consultation with Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, to submit any proposed modifications to the Euston Area Plan Proposed Submission Draft and Policies Map as required in response to the Regulation 19 consultation to the Planning Inspector for consideration in examination.

This decision will shape the future of Euston, influencing development, infrastructure, and community spaces for years to come.

School Support Staff Strike Looms Over Funding Dispute

A deputation from UNISON, led by Liz Wheatley, will address the council regarding the role of school support staff and industrial action at Richard Cobden School. Link to the Council meeting The deputation will focus on school funding and its impact on support staff and children, particularly at Richard Cobden school, where staff are in dispute and about to embark on a second round of strike action primarily about low pay and the level of work they are expected to do for that pay.

  • The deputation will highlight the importance of schools and the role they play in combatting child poverty, noting that many of the actions are carried out by support staff.
  • UNISON will argue that if the council wants to make changes, they need to also make changes to how the staff involved are treated and paid.
  • The deputation will also raise the issue of low pay for staff at Richard Cobden School, noting that people doing the same job in some other Camden schools like Hawley Infant School and Gospel Oak Primary School are paid more.

This deputation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by school support staff and the potential disruption to children's education due to funding constraints.

Other Business

The agenda for the Council meeting also includes:

Director of Adult Social Care Operations Appointment

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee meeting The sub-committee interviewed the candidate, and if they considered it appropriate, recommend an offer of appointment, subject to there being no well-founded objections from any member of the Cabinet, reference and medical checks, and agreeing a starting salary for the successful candidate.

Licensing Panel B Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Panel B meeting scheduled for Thursday, 20 November 2025, has been cancelled. Link to the Licensing Panel B meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Regulation 19 consultation is a stage in the process of preparing a local plan, where the council publishes its proposed submission version of the plan and invites comments from the public and other stakeholders. ↩

Camden Considers Regent's Park Estate Redevelopment, Euston Changes

This week in Camden:

Regent's Park Estate North Redevelopment Sparks Debate

Camden's Cabinet is considering a proposal to redevelop the Regent's Park Estate North, including the Cartmel, Coniston, and Langdale blocks, Harrington Street, Stanhope Parade, Stanhope Street, the Regent's Park Children's Centre, and Augustus St. Link to the Cabinet meeting The proposal stems from a 2023 settlement with HS2 Ltd to address the impact of HS2 works at Euston Station.

  • The council reached a Settlement Agreement with HS2 Ltd to address the impact of HS2 works at Euston Station.
  • The Cabinet is being asked to approve the proposal to pursue the Redevelopment Option, Option 4, and endorse the next steps to develop a full business case and Regeneration Strategy.
  • The Housing Scrutiny Committee is also discussing the redevelopment. Link to the Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting

This decision could significantly impact residents of Regent's Park Estate North, potentially displacing them during construction and altering the community fabric.

Camden Mulls Development Corporation for Euston

The Cabinet is also slated to discuss establishing a Locally Led Development Corporation (LLDC) for the Euston area. Link to the Cabinet meeting This move would shift governance of the area away from Camden Council.

  • The LLDC would represent a significant change in the governance of the Euston area, and a transfer of powers away from London Borough of Camden (LBC).
  • The aim is to ensure communities are at the heart of a new approach to delivery at Euston.
  • The Cabinet will consider the geographical area, governance, powers, and funding of the proposed Development Corporation.

This proposal could reshape the future of Euston, potentially impacting local residents and businesses.

Temporary Agency Worker Contract Faces Scrutiny

The Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee is reviewing the procurement strategy for temporary agency workers. Link to the Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting The council is looking to re-procure the Temporary Agency Worker Contract, which provides temporary staffing via a Neutral Vendor model1.

  • The proposed contract with Matrix SCM includes the Camden Talent Pool, which enables temporary council roles to be offered directly to residents.
  • The report claims that additional controls put in place this year have already seen spend on agency staff reduce by 12% with a projected saving of £8 million over the next 12 months compared to previous years.
  • The Cabinet will also discuss the contract. Link to the Cabinet meeting

This decision could affect the employment opportunities available to Camden residents and the council's spending on temporary staff.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. A neutral vendor model is a type of managed service programme where a third-party provider manages the recruitment process for temporary staff, but does not have a preferred supplier list. ↩

Highgate Cemetery Expansion Approved, Safeguarding Reviewed

This week in Camden:

Highgate Cemetery Expansion Approved Amid Objections

The Planning Committee approved plans for the restoration, conservation, and development of Highgate Cemetery, despite objections from grave owners. Link to the Planning Committee meeting The approved masterplan includes a visitor center, community building, and landscaping improvements.

  • The Association of Grave Owners of the Mound raised concerns about the impact of the development on the cemetery's historic character and the potential disturbance to graves.
  • Elspeth Clement, Co-Chair of the Highgate Society Planning Committee, submitted a written statement in support of the application.
  • The planning officer recommended approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement1, arguing that the benefits of the project outweigh the potential harm.

This decision highlights the challenges of balancing development with the preservation of historic sites and the concerns of local residents.

Temporary Padel Club Approved for Murphy's Yard

The Planning Committee granted temporary permission for a padel sports club at Murphy's Yard, Highgate Road. Link to the Planning Committee meeting The club will operate for seven years and include enclosures, floodlighting, and portacabin units.

  • The application was for temporary permission, suggesting that the long-term plans for the site may involve other uses.
  • The planning officer recommended approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement.
  • A tabled paper was added to the agenda, but its contents are unknown.

This decision allows for a new recreational facility in the area, but the temporary nature of the permission raises questions about the long-term use of the site.

Council Reviews Safeguarding and Prevention Efforts

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee discussed the Camden Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board (SAPB) Annual Report and updates to the Screening and Prevention Panel. Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting The committee also received an update on the St Pancras Hospital Transformation Programme.

  • The SAPB report highlighted the increasing complexity of safeguarding concerns and the need to address systemic barriers such as housing and immigration.
  • The Screening and Prevention Panel update showed improvements in breast and bowel cancer screening coverage, but lower uptake of lung cancer screening compared to regional and national averages.
  • The committee discussed the NHS's engagement with patients and service users regarding the relocation of services from St Pancras Hospital.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults and promoting preventative health measures in Camden.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers, used to mitigate the impact of a development on the community and infrastructure. ↩

Camden Pension Fund Faces Divestment Pressure & Fire Safety Review

This week in Camden:

Pension Fund Faces Pressure to Divest from Conflict Zones

The Pension Committee met to discuss responsible investment, including a deputation from Camden Friends of Palestine (CFoP) regarding the Camden Pension Fund's investments in Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRA). Link to the Pension Committee meeting CFoP, backed by over 4,000 residents, students, and workers, argued that the council has not made sufficient progress on commitments to review and enhance its responsible investment approach.

  • CFoP raised concerns about the council's approach to finding an independent provider to review fund holdings, suggesting that subscribing to a market intelligence and analytics platform would not reveal anything of concern.
  • They also criticized the council's engagement programme, stating that it is failing and that engagement without the threat of divestment will not be successful.
  • CFoP believes the Pension Committee risks breaking the law if it does not divest from companies that breach international human rights law, referencing a legal position paper by Max de Plessis KC on behalf of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

This meeting highlights the growing pressure on local authorities to align their investment strategies with ethical considerations and human rights principles, potentially impacting investment decisions and financial returns.

Housing Panel Examines Fire Safety Compliance and Evacuation Plans

The Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel convened to discuss fire and building safety in council homes, focusing on the Fire & Building Safety Charter, Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), and fire compartmentation. Link to the Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel meeting The panel also reviewed its work programme for the coming year.

  • The panel discussed the Fire & Building Safety Charter Annual Report, which details the council's performance against its commitments to keeping residents safe. The report noted that fire risk assessments1 (FRAs) had been carried out to 98.4% of all council homes within their review dates, and that 9,711 FRA actions were closed in 2024/25.
  • The panel also discussed new Residential PEEPs Regulations, which are due to come into force in April 2026. These regulations mandate Residential PEEPs for all high-rise residential buildings and for specified residential buildings with at least two residential units, that are 18+ metres/&+ floors in height ,and 11+ metre buildings with simultaneous evacuation strategies in place.
  • The panel received an update on Camden Council's approach to addressing fire compartmentation2 risks in its commercial property portfolio. Of 504 properties targeted, 440 surveys have been completed, revealing that 137 properties will need works such as upgrading ceilings, walls, fire stopping, and fire door replacements.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents in council homes, particularly vulnerable individuals who may require assistance during emergencies. The panel's scrutiny of compliance and evacuation plans could lead to improved safety measures and better protection for residents.

SACRE Discusses Religious Education and Interfaith Initiatives

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss Religious Education (RE) in schools, collective worship, and interfaith initiatives. Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting The council discussed the NASACRE/Westhill grant, Camden SACRE priorities for 2025-26, and updates from the Camden Religious Education (RE) Newsletter and Networks.

  • The meeting included a verbal update on the NASACRE/Westhill grant, which will fund RE conferences for year 4 and 5 pupils, focusing on interfaith themes, and a project to train sixth form students to speak about their beliefs and religious practices.
  • The council discussed Camden SACRE's priorities for 2025–26, including producing an annual report, ensuring the new Agreed Syllabus is accessible to schools, and maintaining primary and secondary RE networks.
  • The meeting also included a discussion of guidance on collective worship for non-denominational schools in Camden, and an update on Inter Faith Week 2025, which will take place from 9 to 16 November 2025.

These discussions are important for ensuring that Camden schools provide high-quality religious education and promote interfaith understanding, contributing to a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. A fire risk assessment is an organised and methodical look at premises, the activities carried on there, and the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to those in and around the premises. ↩

  2. Fire compartmentation is a passive fire protection measure that divides a building into fire-resistant compartments to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading. ↩

Hampstead District Management Committee

Hampstead District Management Committee - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 6.30 pm

The Hampstead District Management Committee is scheduled to meet on 4 December 2025 to discuss the Housing Revenue Account budget, Camden's grounds maintenance and play service, and fly-tipping in Camden. The committee will also discuss the Hampstead DMC budget and consider any local issues raised by representatives.

December 04, 2025
Licensing Panel D CANCELLED

Licensing Panel D - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 7.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 04, 2025
Leaseholders' Forum

Leaseholders' Forum - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Camden Leaseholders' Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, to discuss a range of issues including updates from the Associate Cabinet Member for Leaseholders, leaseholder services, and repairs. They will also be considering the dates for future meetings in 2026 and 2027.

December 03, 2025
Pension Committee

Pension Committee - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 6.30 pm

The Camden Council Pension Committee met to discuss the fund's investment strategy, performance, and policies, with a particular focus on responsible investment and risk management. A key item on the agenda was the review of the Investment Strategy Statement, alongside updates on the London Collective Investment Vehicle and the fund's engagement activities. The committee also considered several policy documents related to funding, admissions, contributions, and cessation of employers within the pension fund.

December 02, 2025
Schools Forum

Schools Forum - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 6.00 pm

The Camden Council Schools Forum met on 2 December 2025 to discuss school funding for the 2026/27 academic year, receive updates on the High Needs Block [^2] (HNB) and school meals, and review the school placement strategy. The forum was also scheduled to elect a vice-chair and note updates to the Schools Forum membership list.

December 02, 2025
Committee

Holborn District Management Committee - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Holborn District Management Committee is scheduled to meet on 2 December 2025 to discuss housing rent and budget setting, CCTV upgrades, and short-term let enforcement. The committee will also consider the Holborn DMC budget, local issues, and updates on tenant engagement and action points from previous meetings.

December 02, 2025
Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 1st December, 2025 6.30 pm

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on 1 December 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including community connectedness, the NHS 10 Year Plan, a proposed NHS Foundation Trust merger, and suicide prevention. The committee will also review its work programme and action tracker.

December 01, 2025
Licensing Panel C

Licensing Panel C - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Licensing Panel C of Camden Council is scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025 to discuss procedure rules for remote meetings and a premises licence review for Lebanese Grill Express at 84 Leather Lane. The meeting will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams and broadcast live on the council website.

November 27, 2025
Audit and Corporate Governance Committee

Audit and Corporate Governance Committee - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee of Camden Council are scheduled to meet on Thursday, 27 November 2025. The agenda includes discussion of the council's risk management strategy, internal audit reports, and a review of the council's complaints policy and procedure. Also to be discussed are the annual reward and terms and conditions for council staff, and the council's treasury management.

November 27, 2025
Gospel Oak District Management Committee

Gospel Oak District Management Committee - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Gospel Oak District Management Committee is scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025 at the Maitland Park Community Centre [^1]. The agenda includes discussion of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rent and budget setting for 2026/27, the Gospel Oak DMC budget, and a tenant engagement report. The committee will also consider local issues and register tenant representatives.

November 27, 2025
Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee

Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 08, 2025
Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee

Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 08, 2025
Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee

Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 09, 2025
Housing Scrutiny Committee

Housing Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 09, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 7.00 pm

December 10, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 7.00 pm

December 11, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 6.00 pm

December 11, 2025
Unknown Committee

Licensing Panel E - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 11, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 3.00 pm

December 17, 2025
Licensing Panel A

Licensing Panel A - Thursday, 18th December, 2025 7.00 pm

December 18, 2025