The Kentish Town District Management Committee (DMC) met to discuss the Housing Revenue Account budget, the Environment Services contract, and repairs and hazard management. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the Kentish Town DMC budget and receive a tenant engagement report.

Housing Revenue Account Budget

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2026/27 budget. The HRA Rent and Budget Setting Report 202627 Discussion noted that HRAs across the country are struggling to set balanced budgets due to changes made to the self-financing model¹. It noted that the HRA has lost £201 million of rental income since 2016, and that the self-financing regime has been completely undermined .

The report stated that the 2026/27 budget must focus on financial sustainability, eradicating overspends, delivering on savings and replenishing reserves. It also set out a number of budget pressures, including:

• Inflation
• High demand for repairs
• Increased capital investment in housing stock
• The cost of further regulation
• An increase in disrepair cases

The report considered the possibility of increasing rents by the maximum permitted amount of 4.8%, which would generate £8.1 million in income for the HRA. It also considered the potential impact of the government's rent consultation, which could allow rents to increase by an additional £1 or £2 per week.

The committee was scheduled to give its views on the council's strategy to consider rent increases from April 2026, including rent convergence², subject to government announcements.

The committee was also scheduled to discuss service charges, with a potential increase of between 2% and 10% for different services. According to the HRA Rent and Budget Setting Report 202627 Discussion, these charges are for caretaking, grounds maintenance, CCTV, mobile security, concierge, maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment in communal areas, and block and estate lighting.

The report also noted that a £2 increase per week for tenants renting garages was being considered, as well as an 11% increase for commercial garage rents.

Environment Services Contract

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Camden's Environment Services contract with Veolia³. The Environmental Services Waste Report Discussion noted that the contract commenced on 1 April 2017 and was extended for a further 8 years in February 2024.

The contract outcomes are:

• 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 stated that the contract has continued to perform well, maintaining contract standards and continuing to deliver services throughout challenging circumstances. It also noted that a new fleet of vehicles was introduced from April 2025, including 14 electric refuse collection vehicles.

The report also set out some challenges, including:

• Lower recycling performance for estates
• Operational challenges for crews and caretakers
• An increase in fires in refuse collection vehicles from lithium batteries and gas canisters being incorrectly disposed of

The report noted that Environment Services, the Neighbourhoods Team and Veolia are working together to deliver targeted projects, tackle ongoing challenges and implement Simpler Recycling requirements⁴.

Approach to Repairs and Hazard Management

The committee was scheduled to discuss Camden's approach to repairs and hazard management in line with Awaab's Law⁵. The Approach to Repairs and Hazard Management Discussion noted that the law came into effect in October 2025 and introduces statutory time limits for social landlords to investigate and remedy health and safety hazards, including damp and mould.

The report stated that Camden is fully compliant and has developed an enhanced service model to ensure repairs are effective, lasting and preventing repeat callouts. It also noted that a Rapid Response Team has been launched to manage emergency and significant hazards, and that damp and mould monitors are being installed in all void properties.

Kentish Town DMC Budget

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Kentish Town DMC budget for 2025/2026. The KTDMC Budget Report November 2025 detailed the budget allocation for 2025/2026, progress on approved bids and any new bids submitted for consideration.

The minor revenue and major works budget for 2025/2026 is £157,770.00. As of the meeting date, £38,054.91 had been allocated to bids, leaving a balance of £119,715.09.

Tenant Engagement Report

The committee was scheduled to receive the Tenant Engagement Report for Quarter 2 of 2025/26. The Quarterly Engagement Report Q2 2025-26 Information Item shared insights and recommendations from the quarterly monitoring of tenant engagement activities and forums delivered and supported by Housing and Property Services.

The report included:

• Evaluation of resident feedback from a range of engagement activities
• Applications to the Special Projects Grant
• Applications to the District Management Committee Fund
• Stories of Impact

The report noted that resident participation in community activities and groups reveals a diverse range of motivations, with the most common being to voice opinions, ideas, or concerns, to resolve an outstanding housing or repairs enquiry, and to connect with others in the community.