The Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee of Camden Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the findings of a Corporate Peer Challenge, the council's approach to the cost of living crisis and financial resilience, and its strategy for the future use of Artificial Intelligence. The committee was also set to review performance reports for the Corporate Services Directorate and its own work programme for the upcoming year.

Report of Camden's 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge

The committee was scheduled to consider the report from Camden Council's 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge¹. This challenge, conducted by a team from the Local Government Association (LGA), aimed to provide assurance and support for the council's continuous improvement. The report, which was presented to Cabinet, outlines the Peer Team's findings and recommendations following their review of Camden's finances, performance, and governance. The council was expected to provide a detailed response to these recommendations within six months.

The Corporate Peer Challenge report itself highlighted that Camden is a well-run and high performing Council, with a purpose and values-led culture that supports psychological safety among staff, good relationships between Members and officers, and productive partnerships between the Council and the wider local partnership. ² It also noted that while Camden faces a significant financial challenge, planning to address this is well underway. ³ The report recommended that Camden articulate a clear, borough-wide inclusive growth offer, co-produced with residents and partners, and strengthen coordination through a single delivery framework or refreshed economic strategy. ⁴

Cost of Living, Debt and Financial Resilience Report

A report was scheduled to provide an update on Camden's efforts to tackle the Debt Challenge, as outlined in the We Make Camden strategy, which aims to ensure Everyone can get the support they need to avoid debt and be financially secure. ⁵ The report was to detail the work of the Debt and Financial Resilience team, which offers direct financial support through grants and cash awards, alongside specialist welfare rights and debt advice.

The report indicated that Camden had invested an additional £2 million to support residents impacted by the Cost-of-Living Crisis, bringing the total available financial support to £4.7 million. Between April 2024 and March 2025, £2,705,202 was disbursed through 7,705 grants. The report also highlighted proactive financial support measures, such as holiday food support for low-income families and a new maternity grants programme. The Money Advice Camden team, operational for its first full year, had worked on over 1170 advice cases, delivering £885,722 in financial gains for residents. The report also detailed ongoing work to transform debt collection practices, aiming for ethical and effective collection that improves the financial resilience of both residents and the council.

The Council's Approach to the Future Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology

The committee was set to receive a report outlining Camden's approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its future use. The report was to focus on the ethical considerations of AI technology, its application within the council with appropriate safeguards, and how Camden is learning from other organisations.

The report emphasised that Camden's Data Transformation programme is focused on building strong foundations for effective technology and AI use, including platforms, reporting, insight, and governance. It highlighted Camden's Data Charter, developed collaboratively with residents, as a best practice example of transparency and accountability, recognised by the government and international bodies. The council is also developing a Data and AI Ethics Framework to complement the Data Charter. The report detailed governance structures, including the Data Board, and processes such as Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and AI Risk Assessments (AIRAs). Furthermore, it outlined efforts in skills development, training, and professional development, including a Data Festival and the piloting of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.

Insight, Learning and Impact Report – Corporate Services Directorate - Quarter 2/Mid-Year 2025-26

This report was scheduled to focus on the performance of the Corporate Services Directorate during the second quarter of the 2025-26 financial year (July to September 2025). Directors from across the directorate were asked to provide a narrative detailing key challenges, opportunities, and learning experiences. The report was divided into three sections: a summary table of service responses, a more detailed narrative of these responses, and an appendix containing a data dashboard.

The report highlighted significant challenges for the Finance and Audit division, including the potential reduction in funding due to the Fair Funding 2 proposals and a forecasted overspend of £20m-£24m in the General Fund and £7.3m in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The People and Inclusion section noted the challenge of delivering the national pay award and the ongoing effort to reduce agency and consultant spend. Digital Services faced the challenge of balancing live service delivery with multiple large-scale transformation programmes. Law and Governance reported an increase in complaint volumes and difficulties in recruiting to certain legal roles. Strategy, Design, and Insight acknowledged sustained demand and the need for prioritisation in response to budget pressures. Equalities and Community Strength faced challenges from anti-migrant narratives and hate speech, while Participation, Partnerships, and Communications responded to national tragedies and managed media handling for significant events like the liquidation of NRS Healthcare.

Work Programme 2025/26

The committee was presented with an outline of its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. The report detailed the committee's terms of reference, which include scrutinising strategic and corporate policies, assisting Cabinet with the annual budget, and reviewing the performance of the Corporate Services Directorate. The scheduled meeting dates for the remainder of the year were also provided. The committee was asked to review the proposed work programme and suggest any amendments. The report noted that the committee did not currently have an active scrutiny panel.

The work programme for the year included discussions on the Report of Camden's 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge, the Cost of Living, Debt and Financial Resilience Report, The Council's Approach to the Future Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology, and the Insight, Learning and Impact Report – Corporate Services Directorate - Quarter 2/Mid-Year 2025-26 for the January meeting. The February meeting was scheduled to include updates on the Annual People and Inclusion Service, the 2026/27 Revenue Estimates and Council Tax Setting, the Treasury Management Strategy, and the Community Investment Programme Annual Report.