The Council meeting on 14 September 2026 was scheduled to cover a range of significant topics, including a themed debate on adult social care, an update on the Euston Area Plan, and discussions on motions concerning ethical investment and the cleanliness of the borough's high streets. The meeting also included a deputation request regarding flood action and a review of the council's contract with Veolia for street cleaning services.

Deputations and Petitions

A deputation request was received from the South Hamstead Flood Action Group. This group had previously submitted a deputation in October 2021 concerning flooding in the South Hamstead and Kilburn Priory areas. Their request highlighted the increasing threat of surface water flooding due to climate change, urbanisation, and population density, referencing the London Surface Water Strategy. They noted that in 2021, as well as in 2002 and 1975, these areas experienced serious flooding, with some residents losing their homes and one individual nearly drowning. The group requested that Thames Water and Camden Council take further action to mitigate potential flood water, building on the information presented in the South Hamstead Catchment Overview Report. Their specific requests included agreeing and funding a comprehensive joint strategy, increasing staff and resources for flood prevention, insisting on developer compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework regarding flood risk, incentivising de-paving and rainwater management measures, supporting property flood resilience, and pressing the government to prohibit paving over front gardens, require landlords to ensure flood protection for below-ground flats, and ensure affordable flood insurance for homeowners.

Themed Debate: Adult Social Care

A themed debate was scheduled on the topic: 'Most of Us Will Need Care and Support in Our Lives. Citizen Expectations and Camden's Contribution to a National Conversation About the Future of Adult Social Care'. This debate was intended to build on the findings of Camden's six-month borough-wide conversation, 'Who Cares?', which involved over 1,500 residents. The project aimed to increase public understanding of adult social care, explore residents' priorities, and develop a shared view on the roles and responsibilities within a strong care and support system. The debate was expected to focus on the 'We Care: Citizens' Expectations' report, which outlines what residents believe should be expected from individuals, communities, the care workforce, Camden Council, and Central Government. The discussion was also intended to consider how Camden's learnings could contribute to the national conversation, including Baroness Louise Casey's 'Big Conversation on Care'.

Euston Area Plan Update

A significant item was the Euston Area Plan Update - Submission to Planning Inspectorate (IPO/2026/18). This report was a reference from the Cabinet, which had agreed the recommendations at its meeting on 8 September 2026. The Council was asked to approve the Euston Area Plan Proposed Submission Draft, along with proposed modifications, for submission to the government for Examination in Public. This update to the EAP, originally adopted in 2015, aims to reflect changing circumstances at Euston, including the impact of HS2, and to ensure policies and evidence are up-to-date and consistent with Camden's Local Plan and national planning policy. The report detailed the consultation process undertaken, including responses from residents, businesses, community groups, and statutory bodies like Historic England and the GLA. Proposed modifications were outlined to address concerns raised, particularly regarding heritage impacts, site allocations, affordable housing, and transport infrastructure.

Motions

Several motions were scheduled for consideration:

• Motion 1: Ethical Investment and Climate Responsibility, proposed by Councillor Lorna Jane Russell and seconded by Councillor Shah Bakth. This motion called for the Camden Pension Fund to minimise exposure to companies contributing to human rights abuses, violations of international law, or the expansion of fossil fuels. It proposed a review of the pension investment portfolio to identify such companies, regular reporting on risk and exposure, and a time-bound programme to divest from incompatible investments.

• Motion 2: Proportional Representation, proposed by Councillor Farrell Monk and seconded by Councillor Tom Simon. This motion noted the unrepresentative nature of the First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system, particularly in recent elections, and highlighted the broad cross-party support for Proportional Representation (PR). It resolved to ask Group Leaders to write to the Prime Minister and relevant ministers calling for a National Commission on Electoral Reform and to publicly affirm the Council's support for PR.

• Motion 3: Street Cleanliness and Veolia Contract, proposed by Councillor Steve Adams and seconded by Councillor Juliette Graham. This motion expressed concern over the decline in the cleanliness of Camden's high streets, particularly during hot weather, and called for greater use of steam cleaning and grey water. It also resolved to review the Veolia contract to ensure clarity and rigorous enforcement of cleanliness standards.

• Motion 4: Water Infrastructure and Thames Water, proposed by Councillor James Slater and seconded by Councillor Francesca Reynolds. This motion noted the disruption caused by repeated burst water mains and supply interruptions, the history of flooding in the borough, and the challenges facing Thames Water. It resolved to seek explanations from Thames Water, press for greater investment in preventative maintenance, welcome commitments to flood resilience, and work with the government and regulators to secure long-term investment in water infrastructure, including considering public ownership.

Other Business

The agenda also included standard council business such as approving minutes, declarations of interest, special announcements, communications, and business from previous meetings. There were also reports from the Cabinet, Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, Scrutiny Committees, and other Council Committees, including an update on the themed debate on Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls. Appointments to formal council bodies and items exempted from call-in on grounds of urgency were also listed.