Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Boyland.

There were no declarations.

Webcasting of the Meeting

The Chair to announce the following: “In addition to the rights by law that the public and press have to record and film public meetings, I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live by the Council to the Internet and will be capable of repeated viewing and copies of the recording could be made available to those that request them.

If you are seated in the chamber it is likely that the Council’s cameras will capture your image and you are deemed to be consenting to being filmed and to the use of those images and sound recordings for webcasting and/or training purposes.  If you are addressing the Committee your contribution will be recorded and broadcast unless you have already indicated that you do not wish this to happen.

If you wish to avoid appearing on the Council’s webcast you should move to one of the galleries.”

Any Other Announcements

The Chair reminded those present that the meeting was being broadcast live by the Council and was recorded and later made available on the website.  Those addressing the meeting were deemed to be consenting to having their contributions recorded and broadcast.

Requests to address the Cabinet on a matter on its agenda must be made in writing to the clerk named on the front of this agenda by 5pm two working days before the meeting.

There were no deputations.

There was no notification of urgent business.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th December 2024.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th December 2024 be approved and signed as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting items referred from a Council Scrutiny Committee requiring urgent consideration will be taken.

There were no matters referred.

Please note that there were no alternative options considered or rejected by the Cabinet for the following items, unless indicated, although Cabinet Members duly considered, where applicable, options listed within the reports.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

With nearly 23,000 tenants and 9,000 leaseholders, Camden is the fourth largest local authority social landlord in London and the twelfth largest in England. In our role as landlord we have a crucial role in residents’ lives by providing high quality homes for tenants, ensuring our estates support people’s health, and supporting our communities. The Housing and Repairs Transformation programme and the Housing Investment Strategy are critical to fulfilling this role.

The national funding system for social housing is broken. Decisions taken by the previous government have resulted in £168m of lost rental income since 2016. At the same time cost pressures in the form of inflation, interest, fire & building safety, damp & mould and disrepair have mounted up. Together the lost rental income and cost pressures have created a severe financial challenge.

This report sets out how the Council intends to deliver on its strategic objectives for housing in the increasingly challenging financial climate that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is operating in. It sets out a balanced budget and proposed levels of rent and service charges from 1 April 2025 for the financial year 2025/26, which includes savings as part of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) approved at Cabinet in January 2023 and some increases to those savings targets during 2025/26.

The report is coming to the Cabinet because the Council is required to set a balanced HRA budget for each year and set levels of rent and charges for the HRA.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes and to an addendum published on the supplementary agenda.

In response to questions the Cabinet Member detailed some of the measures that were in place for supporting the most vulnerable tenants and leaseholders, such as for example the Council Tax Support Scheme and confirmed that Camden was seeking to work with government on improving social housing and reforming the funding regime.

The Chair commended officers for their efforts in such challenging circumstances.

RESOLVED –

THAT, having considered the views of the District Management Committees (Appendix E of the report), the Housing Scrutiny Committee and the results of the Equalities Impact Assessment (Appendix D of the report) and having had due regard to the obligations set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010:-

(i)           The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2025/26 (Appendix A of the report) be approved to ensure a balanced HRA budget for 2025/26;

(ii)          Social housing rents be increased by 2.7% (CPI + 1%) from April 2025 (paragraph 3.4 of the report):

(iii)         Revised tenant service charges for Caretaking, CCTV, Communal Lighting, Communal Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance and Responsive Housing Patrol (paragraph 3.10 of the report) be approved;

(iv)         Revised service charges in the HRA hostels and supported housing of 2.7% increase and 3% increase for enhanced management charge for sheltered housing (paragraph 3.14 of the report) be approved;

(v)          The approach to the Heating Pool set out in paragraph 3.18-3.20 and Appendix B of the report, including to reduce heating scales by 35%, as detailed in Appendix B of the report, be approved;

(vi)         Temporary accommodation purchase programme 2 and 3 schemes (TAPP2 and TAPP3) rents (inclusive of service charges) be kept at 23/24 levels so that they remain affordable to homeless households (paragraph 3.7 of the report);

(vii)       Shared ownership rents be increased by RPI + 0.5% (3.2%) (paragraph 3.8 of the report);

(viii)      Resident garage rents be increased from £16/week to £18/week from 2025/26 in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy savings strategy. (paragraph 3.15 of the report);

(ix)         Other fees and charges be increased by 3% (private garages, estate parking, sheds, cupboards, allotments, keys and fobs). (paragraph 3.17 and Appendix C of the report);

(x)          In relation to the proposals (with associated budget reductions) set out in section 3.22, authority be delegated to the relevant Director(s) to immediately implement proposals listed as Decision Category A; and

(xi)         Decisions i to x above be exempted from call in, subject to the agreement of the Chair of Housing Scrutiny Committee, in order to facilitate the notice of rent change being given to tenants within the necessary timescales.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

The Council’s ambition is to be an excellent social landlord that places its tenants at the top of its priorities and provides quality housing that meets, and where possible, exceeds regulatory requirements. We aim to deliver services to residents that are easy to access and are underpinned by open and transparent communication. This ambition includes work to make our estates more pleasant places to live, and our homes much more energy efficient, and ultimately zero-carbon. The Council is also committed to increasing the supply of good quality, energy efficient, family friendly homes through its Community Investment Programme, through its Registered Provider Camden Living, and through its acquisition programmes.

This report responds to two key challenges which the Council faces: an urgent need to address the local housing crisis through the development and acquisition of good quality homes, and a significant shortfall in its finances to maintain its existing portfolio to the necessary standards to ensure regulatory compliance and the safety of residents.  These are not independent challenges; and it is therefore essential that the Council takes a holistic approach in its response.

Within this context the report sets out the Council’s Housing Investment Strategy and how it will add to and adapt its housing stock through the Community Investment Programme, Camden Living and acquisition programmes. To support the ambitions of the Housing Investment Strategy, the report also details a 5-year investment strategy for the Council’s current homes, to improve their quality and make sure residents are safe, warm and dry. The strategy responds to significant change nationally in social housing regulation, especially the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and Building Safety Act 2022 and embeds their requirements in the specific context of Camden. It details investment priorities, funding arrangements and the proposed capital works to be delivered. 

The report also considers the outcomes for residents and how some of the Council’s homes are not at the standard they should be, either because of how they are built or because of the investment they need.

The report is coming to Cabinet because it has significant implications for investment in the Council’s homes across all wards, requires the allocation of significant capital budgets, and recommends an active approach to managing the Council’s housing stock, which is focused on securing better homes for Council residents and actively addressing poor quality or high-cost homes.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes.

Members commented on the importance of this work to improve the quality and supply of housing available.  In relation to disposals, there would be a feasibility study of each property as part of which ward councillors would be consulted.  Leaseholders would not be directly affected by such disposals.

In response to questions and comments, the Cabinet Member remarked on the need to grow the Council’s housing stock in order to meet the level of need in the borough.

The Chair commended the work of the Cabinet Member and of officers on bringing the proposals together.

RESOLVED –

THAT, having considered the results of the Equalities Impact Assessment (Appendix C of the report), and having had due regard to the obligations set out in the Equality Act 2010:-

(i)            The new Housing Investment Strategy (Appendix A of the report), which incorporates the new Housing Asset Management Strategy (Appendix B of the report), the Capital Programme 2025-2030 (Appendix B1 of the report) and the Asset Feasibility Study (Appendix B2 of the report), be agreed.  The Housing Investment Strategy will be implemented through:

-       the Community Investment Programme (CIP),

-       acquisition of properties by Camden Living Group Ltd,

-       the Temporary Accommodation Purchasing Programme

-       the Family Friendly Housing Purchase Programme, and

-       the new Housing Asset Management Strategy.

(ii)        In relation to the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2025-2030 (Appendix B of the report):

(a)          Investment of an additional circa £350m in the maintenance of the housing stock over the next 5 years (including up to circa £265m to be raised through proactive asset management to ensure homes are safe warm and dry), as set out in Section 4 of the report, be agreed;

(b)       Decisions relating to the implementation of the Quality Homes Programme be delegated in accordance with the principles and processes set out in Section 5, and in particular section 5.6 of the Strategy

-               to the Director of Property Management, in relation to individual or street properties

-              to the Executive Director Supporting Communities, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Better Homes, in relation to purpose-built blocks

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

This report details the review into the current Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing scheme designation and seeks agreement to a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce a new designation for 5-years, upon the expiry of the current scheme on 8 December 2025. Whilst there has been improvements in conditions as a result of the current scheme, more work is needed, due to non-compliance with licence conditions and those seeking to avoid licensing.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes.

In response to questions, that Cabinet Member remarked that it was hoped that when the Renters Rights bill became law it would help local authorities to enforce more effectively in this area.

The Chair remarked on the value of this work, which was a useful reminder of the Council’s responsibilities not just to its tenants and leaseholders but also to those in the private rented sector.

The Cabinet RESOLVED –

(i)            THAT the findings of the review into the operation of the current boroughwide additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme designation, as set out at paragraphs 2.0 to 2.9 and Appendix 1 of the report, be noted, and it be agreed that it is appropriate for the designation to continue until its expiry on 8 December 2025 and not be revoked;

(ii)          THAT a formal statutory consultation on a proposed new designation of a boroughwide additional HMO licensing scheme, proposed to take effect on the expiry of the current designation, with most of the same terms as the current additional licensing designation, as set out in paragraph 2.10 of the report, be commenced;

(iii)         THAT authority be delegated to the the Executive Director Supporting Communities to take all necessary steps to put (ii) above into effect.

The Leader RESOLVED –

THAT authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Better Homes to make the final decision on the new designation of the additional HMO licensing scheme (to include the setting of any new or revised fees or charges), following the close of the formal consultation.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care

This report sets out the procurement approach and seeks approval for the contract award for the delivery of the integrated sexual health service across Camden, Barnet, Haringey and Islington. Local authorities are responsible for commissioning most sexual health interventions and services as part of their wider public health responsibilities, with costs met from the ring-fenced public health grant. While local authorities can make decisions about provision based on local need, there are also specific legal requirements ensuring the provision of certain services, which are set out in the Local Authorities (Public Health Functions and Entry to Premises by Local Healthwatch Representatives) Regulations 2013.

Previously, the Integrated Sexual Health service was commissioned jointly with the London Boroughs of Barnet, Haringey and Islington, with Islington acting as the Lead Commissioner (host borough). The contract started on 3 July 2017 and was awarded to Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust.

Camden are leading on the re-commissioning process on behalf of all four boroughs during 2024 for the new contract to begin on 1 July 2025. Although there have been some changes in the types and levels of activity since the pandemic e.g. an increase in online activity such as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and a consequent decrease of “in clinic” testing, the core principles, objectives and requirements of the current service specification will remain unchanged. Local authorities now have to arrange relevant health care services, such as these, by following The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, which came into effect on 01 January 2024. Officers are proposing to use the Direct Award Process (option C) available under the Regulations to award the new contract to the current provider (CNWL). The new contract will begin on 1 July 2025 for 3 years with a further optional two extensions of one-year each at an annual value across the four boroughs of £9,505,178 per annum, £47,525,890 in aggregate including contract extensions. Camden’s investment will be £2,148,300 and £10,741,500 respectively.

This report is coming to Cabinet in accordance with Contract Standing Order C4.1.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care.

RESOLVED –

THAT, having considered the results of the consultation set out in Appendix A of the report, and having had due regard to the obligations set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010:-

(i)            The strategy for the provision of Integrated Health Services across the participating authorities from North Central London by way of a new contract with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust for a for a period of three years from 1st July 2025 (with two extensions of one-year each) for the sum of £9,505,178 per annum (£47,525,890 in aggregate including extensions), of which Camden’s investment is £2,148,300 and £10,741,500 respectively, be agreed;

(ii)          The new contract be made via Direct Award (Process C) under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 which came into force on 1st January 2024; and

(iii)         Authority be delegated to the Executive Director Adults and Health to request the sealing of the contract.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living

This report seeks approval of the resource bases for both Council Tax and Business Rates. The Council Tax base shows the number of dwellings in the borough, and any discounts, exemptions or premiums that have been granted. This data is primarily used to establish the amount of Council Tax that can be raised locally to fund services, as well as a wide range of other purposes, including grant allocations and policy development.  It is also used by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Garden Square Committees to work out their precept on the Council Tax.

The Business Rates Base shows how much in Business Rates is likely to raised when rates are charged at the levels set by Central Government. The Council is required to submit a certified NNDR1 return, containing a more detailed analysis of the Business Rates forecast, to both the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the GLA by the 31 January 2025.

The report is coming to the Cabinet and then to Council because the Constitution requires the Council to approve the Council Tax base every year and because the Business Rates yield forms an important part of the 2025-26 Budget and Council Tax setting report which is due to come to Cabinet in February.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living.

RESOLVED –

THAT the Council to recommended to agree:-

(i)            That the calculation of the Council Tax Base for the year 2025/2026 as set out in appendix 1 be approved.

(ii)          That in accordance with Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by the London Borough of Camden as its Council Tax Base for the year 2025/2026 shall be 95,769 as shown in appendix 1.

(iii)         That the tax base for the three Garden Squares as shown in appendix 2 shall be as follows:

Gordon Square                                24.51

Fitzroy Square                                 58.12   

Mecklenburgh Square                     115.55

(iv)         That the approach and assumptions for the calculation of the Council’s business rates yield as set out in appendix 3 be approved.

(v)          That, in accordance with the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, the amount calculated by the London Borough of Camden as its business rates yield for the year 2025/2026 shall be c£696 million as shown in line 16 of Appendix 3.

(vi)         That authority be delegated to the Executive Director Corporate Services, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, to make any adjustments to the calculation of the estimated business rates yield for year 2025/2026 to reflect any technical amendments to the calculations or late regulatory changes made by the Treasury or in respect of the former London Pilot Pool.

(vii)        That authority be delegated to the Executive Director Corporate Services to submit the notification of the calculation of the estimated Non-Domestic Rates income to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

There was no urgent business.