The Cabinet of Camden Council is scheduled to consider a new Asset Management Strategy for the council's corporate and commercial assets, alongside a procurement strategy for specialist housing repairs. The meeting will also cover Camden's energy procurement strategy.

Approval of a New Asset Strategy for Camden's Corporate and Commercial Assets

A report is scheduled to be presented regarding a new Asset Management Strategy for Camden's corporate and commercial assets. This strategy aims to establish a clear framework for managing the council's non-housing asset portfolio, with the intention of maximising their value, benefits, and impact in delivering council priorities. The report outlines that by adopting a strategic and intentional approach, the council will be better positioned to achieve these goals. The strategy is also intended to strengthen the financial sustainability of the council's assets through a portfolio-wide management approach and a clear framework for value assessment, which should support timely, consistent and transparent decision-making. The report highlights that effective stewardship will enable physical assets to better meet the needs of residents and communities, and that the council can use its portfolio as a strategic tool to support the delivery of high-quality services, its Missions, and the We Make Camden initiative. The scope of the strategy encompasses various asset segments, and it incorporates a portfolio view, a clear strategic framework, improved data quality, and enhanced governance structures. The report is seeking Cabinet support for the new strategic framework and its implementation, which is expected to inform future reinvestment and disposal decisions for the council's assets.

Procurement Strategy for Specialist Housing Repairs Contracts

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider a procurement strategy for specialist housing repairs contracts. While the council's in-house workforce handles most routine housing repairs and has expanded to include domestic heating services, some specialist areas require skills, qualifications, equipment, and capacity that would not be cost-effective for the in-house team. This proposed strategy aims to complement the council's direct delivery model by securing specialist expertise where it is most needed. The report seeks approval for a strategy to procure seven contractors for specialist repairs and maintenance of Council Housing, including disabled adaptations for non-Council Housing. The contracts will cover areas such as scaffolding, drainage, occupational therapy adaptations, damp surveying and remedial works, roofing repairs, fire safety works, and abseiling. This approach is intended to ensure that companies with specific expertise are appointed, rather than relying on a single contractor who might need to sub-contract significant portions of the work. The estimated total value of these contracts, based on 2025/26 budget figures, is £40.91 million (excluding VAT) over their potential seven-year duration.

Camden's Energy Procurement Strategy

A report is scheduled to be presented concerning Camden's energy procurement strategy for its new gas and electricity supply contracts. These contracts will cover the period from October 2028 to September 2032 for the corporate, housing, and schools' estates. The strategy involves accessing the wholesale energy market through a Central Purchasing Authority (CPA). This approach is designed to manage the risks associated with energy market volatility and offers an economically advantageous purchasing strategy by aggregating large public sector estates. The Cabinet is being asked to approve the procurement strategy and delegate authority to the Executive Director Investment, Place and Opportunity to appoint the CPA following an evaluation of their services, and to award energy contracts procured by the CPA on behalf of the council.