Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Apak, Callaghan and Gould.

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

Broadcasting of the meeting

The Chair reminded those present that the meeting was being broadcast live by the Council to the internet and could be viewed for twelve months thereafter and then archived and made available on request. Anyone who had asked to address the meeting was deemed to be consenting to having their contribution recorded and broadcast and to the use of the sound recordings and images for webcasting and/or training purposes.

The Chair announced that the deputations would be heard immediately before the agenda item to which they referred.

Deputations will be heard from:

·       Save London Motorcycling

·       Belsize Society and Age UK

·       Tenants and Residents Camden Town

·       Castlehaven Community Association

·       Soho Housing

·       Francesca Di Fonzo

·       Covent Garden Association

·       Night Time Industries Association

·       London Night Czar

Deputations in relation to Item 9 on the agenda were heard from:-

·       Save London Motorcycling

·       Belsize Society and Age UK

Deputations in relation to Item 10 on the agenda were heard from:-

·       Tenants and Residents Camden Town

·       Castlehaven Community Association

·       Francesca Di Fonzo

·       Covent Garden Association

·       London Night Czar

There was no notification.

On occasions part of a Cabinet meeting will be held in private and not open to the public, if an item is being considered which is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

No such representations were received in respect of items on this agenda.

No representations were received.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 24^th January 2024.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 24^th January 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 from a scrutiny committee.

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 a Sustainable Camden

Camden has highly ambitious sustainable transport, environmental and public health goals. Road transport contributes 13% of Camden’s greenhouse gas emissions, and almost a third of nitrogen dioxide emissions. The Borough has declared a Climate Emergency, with ambitions to become net zero by 2030, and to achieve stretching World Health Organisation air pollution limits by 2034. Our communities have told us, over several years, of the importance of these issues to them, and the desire for healthier, more sustainable, and safer forms of transport to connect them to jobs, services and opportunities.

The Camden Transport Strategy (CTS) identifies multiple policies and measures at the Council’s disposal to help address these issues. Motor vehicle parking fees and charges, as well as terms and conditions of parking, are a key factor in the decision to own/use a motor vehicle. The report proposes a range of changes to current Camden highways (“on-street”) parking fees and charges and terms and conditions to ensure the way parking is facilitated contributes to meeting our sustainable transport, road safety, climate change, air quality and public health ambitions.

Key proposals, which were subject to a public consultation – “Healthy Streets, Healthy Travel: Cleaner, Fairer Parking” - in October/November 2023, therefore include:

·       Carbon-emissions based charging across all parking products;

·       A new “Air Quality Surcharge” across a range of parking products;

·       Merging two, currently separate Paid for Parking Tariff areas into one;

·       Reducing the “maximum” stay time in Paid for Parking bays;

·       Only allowing one vehicle on each resident/business parking permit;

·       Charging for “solo motorcycle parking” bays in the Borough (currently free) and introducing new motorcycle parking products;

·       Removing visitor parking permit scratch cards for the majority of customers (a digital system is in place)

·       No longer providing, for new applicants, dedicated parking bays for Doctors permits across the borough and Business permits south of Euston Road

Following consideration of consultation feedback, the recommendations in this report incorporate several amendments to the consultation proposals including (i) recommendations to phase in the proposed charges for all parking products in this review over two years (rather than implement in one year only), (ii) to reduce charges for electric motorcycles on all parking products (iii) to retain scratch cards for Assisted Customers and improve systems to assist those who need help transitioning to digital visitor permits, (iv) to undertake a bespoke approach to existing doctors permit bay locations and (v) to introduce a two-year “sunset” clause for existing permit holders with more than one vehicle on each permit. 

The proposed changes aim to deliver cleaner, fairer parking in Camden that help meet our ambitious transport and environmental goals, whilst responding to important aspects of consultation feedback. The report is coming to Cabinet because it impacts those living and working in the whole borough and the level of price increases proposed necessitates Cabinet approval.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Camden.        

Councillor Harrison thanked the deputations for their contributions and responded to the points that they had raised about the motorcycle parking charges and visitor parking scratch card proposals in the report.  

Members commented on the impact of air quality on health and asked for there to be regular reporting on emissions levels in the borough to keep residents informed. Members also asked for reassurance that the telephone system for parking payments would be as efficient as possible and welcomed the move to graduated parking charges for motorised vehicles.

In response to questions Members were told about the support that would be provided to the digitally excluded to assist with visitor car parking and to reduce the call time for payment calls. The agreement of the Belsize Society deputation to help with the roll out of the changes to the scheme was welcomed. Members were also told that as part of the ongoing work to reduce the level of air pollution and carbon based emissions from motorised vehicles in the borough, these levels would continue to be monitored and regular updates would be made available.       

RESOLVED –

THAT the following be agreed: 

Recommendation 1

Amendments A1 to A7 as set out in Section 2 to the Council’s highway (“on-street”) parking fees/charges including:

·       A1 -  applying a revised carbon emissions-based charging structure to Resident, Doctor, Business and Car Club permits and a simplified emissions-based structure to Paid for Parking, Visitor Permits and Hourly Business Permits;

·   A2 -  replacing the former Diesel Surcharge with an Air Quality Surcharge covering older petrol and diesel vehicles and applying this across further parking products;

·     A3 -  changing the hourly Business Visitor permit to an hourly Business permit and extend this provision south of Euston Road;

·   A4 - introducing charging for solo motorcycle parking bays, and revising the pricing structure for all other motorcycle parking products;

·       A5 - merge Paid for Parking Tariff Area 1 with Tariff Area 2;

·       A6 - set parking charges for car clubs at the same level as Business permits, and;

·     A7 - arising from the above changes, an increase in the fees and charges for the majority of reviewed parking products.

Recommendation 2  

Amendments B1 to B5 as set out in Section 2 to the Council’s terms and conditions for highway (“on-street”) parking fees including:

·    B1 - allow only 1 vehicle to be registered to each Business and Resident permit;

·      B2 - no longer providing dedicated parking bays for Doctors permits across the borough and Business permits south of Euston Road for new applicants;

·      B3 - integrate Car Club and Doctor permits into Business permits;

·       B4 - restricting all Paid for Parking bays to a maximum stay of 2 hours (or 1 hour where in  controlled parking zones with 2 hours of operation) except for bays in the immediate vicinity of hospitals, and;

·       B5 - stop issuing scratch-card type Visitor permits except for Assisted Customers.

Recommendation 3

Recommendations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Report of the Cabinet Member for New Homes, Jobs and Community Investment

The report details the Camden Evening and Night-time Strategy. The strategy aims to preserve and grow our dynamic evening and night-time economy in a way that is inclusive and safe for all and balances growth with responsible stewardship and a focus on what makes Camden’s evening and night-time economy special.

The report is coming to the Cabinet for the Strategy to be approved and adopted.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for New Homes, Jobs and Community Investment.         

The deputations were thanked for their contributions and the Cabinet Member responded to the points that they had raised about; the concept of balance between the needs of residents and businesses; resident engagement; and Camden’s commitment to working in partnership to design a strategy as part of London’s evening and night time economy.     

Councillor Beales introduced the report and Members commented on; the Citizen Assembly meetings and workshops with residents that had taken place as part of the comprehensive consultation process; that the strategy provided opportunities for partnership working and; that there was a focus in the strategy on evening and family friendly activities as well as night time hours. Members welcomed the support to businesses and had noted that the valued role of staff and employees working in the nighttime economy had been identified.  Members also commented that item 12 on the agenda would help to provide solutions to the street environment points mentioned in some of the deputation statements.  

RESOLVED –

THAT, having due regard to the obligations set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, and having considered the results of the equalities impact assessment at Appendix D:

i)           The adoption and planned implementation of Camden’s proposed Evening and Night-time Strategy be approved.

ii)          It be noted that the primary purpose of the strategy is to document the Council’s objectives and priorities in achieving the vision for the Evening and Night-time in Camden.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

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

The proposals contained in this report aim to encourage more main and respite carers to sign up to Camden’s ‘shared lives’ scheme. The scheme provides ‘at home’ support for some of our most vulnerable residents as well as guidance and friendship helping them to grow and learn new skills to live independently.

To achieve this, Cabinet approval is sought to adopt the Shared Lives assistance eligibility policy set out in Appendix A and to approve the amendment of the current section 13a policy regarding discretionary discount classes (Appendix B), to enable the eligible shared lives carers to be exempted from Council Tax.

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

Members commended the work to develop the proposal and welcomed the support that would be provided for Shared Lives Carers. Members commented that this exemption was in addition to the Council Tax support for care leavers and the significant help provided by the Council Tax support scheme in Camden.  

RESOLVED –

THAT, having had due regard to the obligations set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, and having considered the results of the equalities impact assessment at Appendix C:

(i)             The Shared Lives Camden’ policy on eligibility for support towards Council Tax due for both in borough and out of borough placements as set out in appendix A with effect from 1 April 2024 be approved.

(ii)            The revised Council Tax Discretionary Reductions policy as set out in appendix B with effect from 1 April 2024 be approved.

(iii)          Decisions on individual applications for a reduction in the amount of Council Tax under Section 13A(1)(C) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 be delegated to the Council Tax and Council Tax Support Service Manager, with reviews (appeals against decisions) being undertaken by the Head of Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits. As reflected in the policy at Appendix B.

(iv)          Authority be delegated to the Head of Adult Social Care Strategy and Commissioning to make minor changes of clarification and improvement to the Shared Lives Camden Council Tax assistance eligibility policy at Appendix A which do not impact the eligibility or ineligibility criteria of a Shared Lives Camden placement provider. 

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Camden

The Environment Services contract with Veolia ES (UK) started on 1 April 2017 for an initial period of 8 years to March 2025. The 2017 contract met a £5m savings target in line with Camden’s Financial Strategy 2015-2018 and provided additional savings of £495k. This paper reviews the options now available for the Council from April 2025 which are to either extend with Veolia, procure or insource.

At the heart of the report is our commitment to delivering high-quality services to Camden’s communities. Residents’ and councillors’ views on the services delivered over the last seven years has been fundamental in shaping the future contract.

We propose to invest further resources into services in order to keep Camden as clean as possible within the financial constraints currently imposed on local authorities.

Independent benchmarking shows that collections, street cleaning and other services delivered via the contract have performed well overall when compared to six other local authorities.

Camden and Veolia have over the seven years used the flexibility built into the contract to adapt to meet challenges such as extreme weather, the covid-19 pandemic and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver shortage. Inflationary pressures and long-running uncertainty around Government legislation create risk and increase costs.

Community feedback, contract performance and benchmarking report findings meet our We Make Camden ambitions and highlighted areas for improvement and investment.

This investment will make sure Council services deliver for the people of Camden by keeping our streets clean, taking action against littering and fly-tipping, improving collections, and bringing forward electrification of contract vehicles. The proposals will provide an initial boost of 14 electric collection vehicles that will reduce the impact of operations on the local environment and contribute to the outcomes in the Clear Air Action Plan. V

Part II: Exempt from Publication

This report has an appendix which contains information exempt within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is not for publication. The appendix has therefore been circulated to Cabinet Members only.

If the Cabinet wishes to discuss the contents of a closed exempt appendix it may pass the proposed resolution identified at the end of the document to exclude members of the public and the press from the proceedings for that discussion. 

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Camden.        

Members paid tribute to the work of Environmental Services in Camden, the work of Councillors in West Hampstead and the sound financial management that had secured improvements to the service that would enable this much needed investment to take place. Members welcomed the significant benefits that the investment would provide for the borough.      

RESOLVED –

(i)             THAT the extension of the existing Environment Services contract for 8 years from 1^st April 2025, as permitted under the original terms of the contract, be agreed.

(ii)            THAT authority be delegated to the Executive Director Supporting Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Camden, to approve any final minor amendments to the contract extension.

(iii)          THAT an increase in the annual budget of £3.025m from 2025/26 to fund the contract extension be approved.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living

The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) agreed by Cabinet in January 2023 not only took steps to ensure that the Council could continue to operate on a sound financial footing over the medium term, but also to align the Council’s limited resources to achieving the ambition for our borough, residents and communities.

The recommendations in the report build on the Council’s new Medium Term Financial Strategy and will support the vision of We Make Camden to make Camden a place where everyone has a chance to succeed, where nobody gets left behind, and where everybody has a voice.

In summary the report:

•         Presents budget and funding proposals that will enable the Council to balance its budget in 2024/25 and utilise available resources towards the achievement of We Make Camden outcomes, including investment in key areas of support for residents across the borough.

•         Provides an update on the overall medium-term financial position for the Council, including detail from the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024/25, and updates on other government announcements and the main areas of financial risk.

•       Recommends a council tax increase of 4.99%, made up of:

o  A rise of 2.99% in the 2024/25 core council tax level to support council funding at large, and;

o  A rise of 2% from the levying of an Adult Social Care Precept to support the Council in its response to the unprecedented demographic and demand pressures facing adult social care.

•         Sets out the required level of council tax income to balance the budget as:

o  £141,130,750 which equates to a proposed Camden element of council tax of £1,539.17 at the Band D level for residents not in garden squares.

•         Sets out the Garden Squares Levies for 2024/25.

•         Sets out the proposed Greater London Authority precept at £471.40, for Band D properties, an increase of 8.58% on last year (subject to Greater London Authority approval of the budget), making the total council tax charge at Band D £2,010.57.

•         Includes the Executive Director Corporate Services’ assessment of the adequacy of general balances available to manage financial risk and the robustness of the budget.

•             Recommends fees and charges for approval by Cabinet and by Council where required.

•             Recommends that the Council implement the 100% Council Tax premium for second homes.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, that was introduced by Councillor Olszewski.  Members noted the report and it was,

RESOLVED –

THAT the Council be recommended:

1.          To note the information set out in the report.

2.          To note that the Council has not received any feedback following the consultation with Non-Domestic Ratepayers, and have due regard to the results of the equality impact assessment in Appendix G.

3.          To agree:

(a)  That the council tax requirement for the year 2024/25 of £141,130,750 be approved.

(b)  That the calculations for determining the council tax requirement for the year  2024/25 in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as set out in Appendix B be approved.

(c)  To note that the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept set out in this report is £471.40 for Band D and as shown for all bands in Appendix B and is subject to Greater London Authority approval of the budget on 27 February 2024.   

(d)  That the Council sets the amount of council tax for 2024/25 as detailed in Appendix B and notes that this will mean a Camden element of council tax of £1,539.17 (4.99% increase) for Band D residents not in Garden Squares be approved.  

(e)  That the Council hereby determines that its basic amount of council tax for the financial year 2024/25 is not excessive as outlined in paragraph 2.39 be approved.

               (f)   That the budget summary as set out in Appendix C be approved.

(g)  That the budget investments included in paragraph 2.18 to 2.36. including the continuation of the Cost-of-Living Crisis Fund be approved.

(h)  To note that the Section 25 notice detailed in paragraphs 7.1 to 7.20 summarising the assurance that the budget is set using sound assumptions and the level of reserves is deemed adequate.

(i)   That the Garden Squares levy requirement received for each Garden Square Committee for 2024/25 as shown in Appendix B be approved.

4.     In relation to fees and charges;

(a)  That the new fees and charges and those increasing above 7% discussed in paragraphs 2.48 to 2.49 and in Appendix D1 and listed in Appendix D2 be approved.

(b)  Authority be delegated to the relevant Executive Director to decide increases to existing fees and charges up to a maximum of 7%, in consultation with the relevant portfolio holders.

5.          That Council notes in paragraphs 2.55 to 2.62 the planned use of reserves, and in Paragraph 7.20 the adequacy of reserves as stated, and that no major allocations of general balances are being considered at this stage.

6.          That having due regard to the obligations set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 and having considered the results of the equalities impact assessment at Appendix F1:

(i)  That the new Council Tax second home 100% premium is chargeable on qualifying properties from 1 April 2025 and supersedes the 0% discount currently in place as detailed in paragraphs 2.63to 2.64 and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living

This report sets out the annual update of the Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/25 including the Borrowing and Investment Strategies and provides a perspective on the management of investments of £592m (£407m Council related funds and £185m North London Waste Authority (NLWA) balances). The NLWA also have earmarked Euro investments of €214m.

Council debt stands at £314m. The report also updates on the market environment that impacts on future treasury management plans.

In summary the report:

•      Presents the current economic background and outlook for interest rates which inform the operating environment for the Council’s investment and borrowing strategies.

•      The investment strategy has been reviewed in light of the evolving investment environment and the proposed investment strategy for 2024/25. The strategy lengthens the maximum duration to 2 years (from 1 year) for banks which meet the Council’s high credit rating criteria.

•      Summarises the Council’s capital expenditure plans and forecast capital financing   requirements and considers long-term borrowing needs.

•      Proposes a continuation of the existing borrowing strategy using internal borrowing to reduce costs. There is one loan of £20.7m from the existing debt maturing in 2024/25 and the Council does not plan to take on any new borrowing in the immediate future. This will minimise debt costs and is the most efficient way to approach borrowing.

•      Proposes the investment strategy for the coming year, with no change to the minimum credit rating criteria for investments, maintaining the focus on investment security and very high credit quality.

The report is coming to Cabinet and Council because it is a Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) requirement for the Treasury Management Strategy to be agreed by those committees.

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

Members noted the report and the information regarding the stability of the Council’s financial management.

RESOLVED –

THAT the Council be recommended to approve:

(i)         The Borrowing Strategy as set out in section 3 and Appendix 2 of the report.  

(ii)        The operational boundaries and authorised limits in Appendix 2 of the report (treasury indicators 1 and 2).    

(iii)       The prudential and treasury management indicators set out in the tables presented in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the report.  

(iv)      The Investment Strategy as set out in section 4 and Appendix 3 of the report. 

(v)        The creditworthiness policy and credit rating criteria as set out in Appendix 3 (Table 1) of the report.  

(vi)      The investment instruments categorised as specified and non-specified in Appendix 4 of the report, and

(vii)     The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for depreciating assets set out in Appendix 6 of the report.     

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living

This report sets out Camden’s procurement strategy for Microsoft products and services used by Digital & Data Services (DDS) to provide infrastructure and productivity tools for Camden Council and Camden Schools. A preferred procurement route taking advantage of a further competitive process led by Crown Commercial Services (CCS) is recommended.

The report is coming to the Cabinet because the estimated aggregated contract value is £8m, and the Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) require contracts over £5m in value to be approved by the Cabinet.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)         THAT the procurement strategy set out in the report for a contract for Microsoft Subscriptions and Associated Services for three years with an estimated aggregate value of £8M through undertaking a further competitive process using a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) framework: Technology Products & Associated Services 2 Products & Associated Services, Lot 3: Software be approved.

(ii)        THAT authority be delegated to the Executive Director Corporate Services to award the contract to the License Service Provider selected through the approved procurement strategy.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

This report sets out a proposed procurement strategy for two contracts to cover Camden’s Water Services and Fire Protection requirements for Council owned housing. The Council as Landlord has statutory obligations to service, maintain and replace mechanical and electrical equipment associated with the properties it owns. For water systems this includes water tank servicing, connections and liaison with Thames Water and risk assessments. For fire protection this includes fire alarms, automatic opening vents and remote monitoring.

These are important areas of compliance for the Council to manage and performance is reported in our Fire and Building Safety Charter to residents, it will also form part of our regular and constructive dialogue with the Regulator of Social Housing. For our tall buildings, management of these assets will form part of the Building Safety Case that will be shared with residents and reported to the Building Safety Regulator.

The report is coming to Cabinet because based on 2024/2025 budget forecast figures the total value for Water Services is £12m and the total value for Fire protection £17m over a proposed 10-year contract period.A Cabinet decision is required because of the value and proposed lengths of these contracts.

Consideration as given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes, that was introduced by the Cabinet Member for New Homes, Jobs and Community Investment. Councillor Beales provided a brief summary of the report and it was,   

RESOLVED –

1.          THAT having had due regard to the equalities impact assessment (Appendix 1 of the report), and the obligations in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, procurement strategies for two contracts, (i) for the provision of Water Services and (ii) for the provision of Fire Protection Services be approves in principle (subject to consideration of  leaseholder consultation), each contract to be for 5 years with an option to extend by up to 5 additional years in increments through a  two-stage tender process, using the Restricted Procedure under Regulation 28 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 based on 60% on price and 40% on service delivery and quality assessment including 10% social value. 

2.          THAT authority be delegated for formal approval of each procurement strategy referred to in Recommendation 1 to the Director of Property Management having regard to the outcome of Section 20 leaseholder consultation.

3.          THAT authority be delegated for each contract award in accordance with the approved procurement strategy to the Executive Director Supporting Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Better Homes and the Executive Director Corporate Services.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.

There was no urgent business.