The Council meeting scheduled for Monday, 19 January 2026, was set to discuss the Council's financial resource base for Council Tax and Business Rates, alongside several motions proposed by councillors. The meeting agenda also included a themed debate on the role of Camden's voluntary and community sector in building stronger communities.

Approval of Resource Base for Council Tax and Business Rates

A key item scheduled for discussion was the approval of the resource base for Council Tax and Business Rates for the 2026/2027 financial year. This report, originating from the Cabinet, was set to outline the calculation of the Council Tax Base, which determines the amount of Council Tax to be raised locally to fund services. It was also scheduled to detail the Council's projected Business Rates yield for the upcoming year, estimated at approximately £760 million.

The report included recommendations for the Council to approve the calculated Council Tax Base for 2026/2027, which was projected to be 97,486 Band D equivalents. This figure is an increase from the previous year's base of 95,769. The tax base for three specific garden squares – Gordon Square, Fitzroy Square, and Mecklenburgh Square – was also to be presented.

Furthermore, the report was expected to detail the continuation of local decisions regarding premiums on long-term empty homes and second homes. Specifically, it was recommended that the Long-Term Empty Homes Premium of 100% for properties empty for one year or more, 200% for properties empty for five years or more, and 300% for properties empty for ten years or more, would continue to be chargeable for 2026/27. A 100% premium for second homes was also proposed to remain in place. The report also recommended the continuation of a 100% discount for empty and unfurnished properties for the first month, followed by the standard charge for the next eleven months, before the Long-Term Empty Homes Premium applies. A 25% discount for properties that are uninhabitable or undergoing major works was also set to continue.

The report also sought approval for the approach and assumptions used in calculating the Council's Business Rates yield, with the projected figure for 2026/2027 being approximately £760 million. Authority was to be delegated to the Director of Finance to make any necessary adjustments to this yield calculation, and to submit the final figures to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority by 31 January 2026.

Motions

Several motions were scheduled for consideration:

Motion 1: Local Government Financial Settlement

Proposed by Councillor Janet Grauberg and seconded by Councillor Linda Chung, this motion expressed concern over the Labour government's Local Government Financial Settlement for Camden Council. It was noted that the settlement freezes per capita core spending power in cash terms for three years, based on an assumption of a maximum 4.99% Council Tax increase. The motion argued that this would lead to a real-terms cut in spending, meaning residents would pay more tax for reduced services. It also highlighted the pressure on the Housing Revenue Account due to a lack of additional funding for policy changes like Awaab's Law, contributing to intended council rent increases. The motion called for the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister urging a reconsideration of the settlement and to work with other London Councils for a fairer funding settlement.

Motion 2: Recycling and Street Bins

Proposed by Councillor Steve Adams and seconded by Councillor Andrew Parkinson, this motion addressed concerns about a reported 5% fall in recycling statistics in 2024/25. The motion suggested this reduction might be linked to the removal of street recycling bins, which could encourage the use of general waste bins. The report pack indicated that officers cited economic reasons and a desire to change resident habits as justifications for removing the bins. The motion resolved to replace street recycling provision, communicate clearly about contamination, and consider enforcement through prosecution.

Motion 3: Camden Labour's Achievements

Proposed by Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali and seconded by Councillor Marcus Boyland, this motion aimed to highlight the achievements of Camden Labour since the last local elections. It detailed improvements in areas such as safer neighbourhoods, council housing, tackling overcrowding and homelessness, high-quality care and support, children's education and services, support for the voluntary sector, and environmental improvements. The motion resolved to recognise these achievements as reflecting consistent priorities and contrast them with previous austerity measures.

Themed Debate: Camden's Voluntary and Community Sector

A themed debate was scheduled on the role of Camden's voluntary and community sector (VCS) in building safer, stronger communities through collaboration and shared purpose. The Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities and Cohesion was set to introduce the topic, followed by contributions from experts and community representatives, and subsequent questions and discussion. The background report for this debate highlighted the significant challenges faced by the VCS, including increasing demand for services due to the cost of living crisis, financial pressures, and workforce challenges. It also detailed Camden Council's commitment to the VCS through its investment programme, focusing on funding, organisational support, data and insights, collaboration, and community spaces. The report emphasised the vital role of the VCS in tackling inequality, building community cohesion, and supporting vulnerable residents.

Other Scheduled Business

The agenda also included standard council business such as the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, declarations of interest, special announcements, communications, deputations and petitions, a statement by the Leader of the Council with questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members, business from the ordinary council meeting, appointments to formal council bodies, and a waiver of the six-month councillor attendance rule for a member on sick leave. Reports from the Cabinet, Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, and Scrutiny Committees were also listed, including updates on the Euston Area Plan and a themed debate on becoming a circular economy borough. An open session was also scheduled for any other urgent business.