The Kentish Town District Management Committee (DMC) met to discuss local issues, approve funding for community projects, and review reports on housing and environmental services. The committee noted the progress of action items from the previous meeting, received updates on antisocial behaviour and the environment services contract, and discussed the Kentish Town DMC budget. They also reviewed reports on the neighbourhood housing team structure, tenant engagement, and preparations for Awaab's Law¹.

Kentish Town DMC Budget

The committee discussed the Kentish Town DMC budget for 2025/26, which stands at £157,770. The report from the Tenant Participation Coordinator provided updates on the progress of approved bids and outlined new bids submitted for consideration.

As of June, the DMC had an available balance of £157,770. Since then, the following allocations were approved:

• £23,400 (including VAT) for the garden project at Kenbrook House
• £13,160 for various Sheltered Accommodation projects
• £687.25 via DMC Express for eleven boards at Peckwater Estate
• £807.66 via DMC Express for a gardening initiative at Lissenden Gardens
• £3,300 via DMC Express for a welfare Christmas Project at Kenbrook Estate (awaiting approval)

Following these approvals, the remaining budget stands at £119,715.09.

Environment Services Contract and Performance

The committee received an update on Camden's Environment Services contract with Veolia from Rachel Bailey, Head of Environment Services. The contract, which commenced on 1 April 2017 and was extended for a further 8 years from 1 April 2025, has an 'outcome-based' specification that informs Veolia of the service standards that must be met.

The contract outcomes include:

• Managing Camden's local environmental quality to an agreed standard
• Minimising waste and maximising participation in reuse and recycling
• Generating additional surplus from business recycling and waste services
• Increasing local employment opportunities and local economic development

The report noted that the contract has performed well, maintaining standards and delivering services throughout challenging circumstances. A new fleet of vehicles was introduced from April 2025, including 14 electric refuse collection vehicles, which has increased the reliability of collections.

Street cleansing standards in Camden are independently measured by Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) three times a year. The results for litter show that standards were good up to 2021/22 but have dropped since, resulting in failures against the contract target of 6%. The main failings were on high streets, not estates.

Camden's Reduction and Recycling Plan (RRP) 2023-25 set a target of a 35% recycling rate by 2025. Following a reduction in Camden's recycling rate in 2019/20, recycling rates have steadily increased, with the latest rate of 29.1% in 2023/24. Research by ReLondon highlighted that a key factor to achieving Camden's target would be to maximise recycling from flats.

The report also noted that there has been an increase in fires in refuse collection vehicles from lithium batteries and gas canisters being incorrectly disposed of in communal bins. A campaign is being developed to inform caretakers and residents on how to correctly dispose of dangerous wastes.

Preparation for Awaab's Law

The committee received a report outlining Camden Repairs and Operations' approach to meeting the repair requirements of Awaab's Law, effective October 2025. The report outlined Camden's policy and procedure documents that provide the full operation breakdown and escalation process.

Tony Castle, Head of Repairs and Operations, stated that:

This model will ensure that the Council not only meets its statutory duties but delivers above compliance, through proactive monitoring, resident follow-up and joined-up delivery across teams.

A new integrated Rapid Response and Damp & Mould Delivery Model is being implemented to ensure compliance with Awaab's Law, including statutory timeframes for emergency and significant hazard resolution. Monitors measuring humidity, temperature and condensation will be installed in all void properties at re-let inspection, homes reporting damp and mould issues, and additional units under Camden's M&E retrofit programme.

Peckwater Estate Football Pitch Transformation

The committee were provided with information on the transformation of the football pitch on Peckwater Estate. The pitch was refurbished following a partnership between Camden Council, Arsenal in the Community, and Adidas. The pitch aims to provide a safe space for the local community to get together and get active, as part of Arsenal and Adidas' No More Red campaign to tackle the root causes of youth violence and provide safe spaces and more opportunities for young people.

Funding has been provided by Adidas, Arsenal and the Kentish Town District Management Committee to resurface the pitch, install new goal posts, improve lighting and more, allowing the local community to make full use of the pitch once again. As well as the revamp of the pitch, football sessions run by Arsenal in the Community will resume, providing weekly training for children and young people on and near the estate.

Other Matters Discussed

• Registration of Tenants' and Residents' Associations: The committee considered the lists of registered and lapsed Tenants' and Residents' Associations (TRAs).
• Kentish Town Progress Report: The committee noted the progress of action points arising from the previous meeting.
• Local Antisocial Behaviour Issues: The committee received an update on and discussed antisocial behaviour issues within the Kentish Town District.
• Neighbourhood (Housing) Team Structure: The committee received information on the neighbourhood housing team structure.
• Housing and Property Tenant Engagement Report: The committee reviewed the Housing and Property Tenant Engagement Report for Q1 2025-2026.