The 27 November 2024 meeting of Camden Council's Camden Town District Management Committee (DMC) included updates on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, housing transformation, the Regis Road regeneration, and other local issues. Attendees were provided with information packs, but what was actually discussed at the meeting is not publicly available. This summary is based on the information provided to attendees.

Housing Revenue Account Budget

The DMC was scheduled to discuss the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2025/26. The report pack explained that the budget was under significant pressure from a number of factors, including inflation, increased depreciation costs, and the cost of complying with new regulations. The report also noted that the HRA had lost £168 million in rental income since 2016 due to government policies, including the four-year rent reduction from 2016 to 2020. To address the shortfall, the council proposed a rent increase of 2.7%, the maximum allowed under the government's rent standard. The report also outlined proposed increases to tenant service charges. DMC members were asked to provide feedback on these proposals at a joint DMC meeting in January.

Housing Transformation

The meeting was also scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Housing Transformation programme. The report provided in the information pack explained that the programme aims to transform the council's housing and repairs services in response to a number of challenges, including the ongoing housing crisis, the need to comply with new regulations, and the need to improve the quality of the council's housing stock.

The report set out a number of key priorities for the programme, including:

• Ensuring that homes are safe, warm, dry, and compliant.
• Providing high-quality housing services.
• Working with residents in a way that is transparent, accountable, and empowering.
• Ensuring the long-term financial stability of the HRA.

The report also outlined the proposed new structure for the housing services, which was subject to consultation with staff and unions.

Regis Road Regeneration Strategy

The meeting was scheduled to receive an information report on progress on the Regis Road Regeneration Strategy. The report explained that Yoo Capital, the council's development partner, had submitted its masterplan vision for the Camden Film Quarter to Camden Planning. The masterplan includes the re-provisioning of the council's Holmes Road Depot. The report said that the council's area regeneration team is working with Yoo Capital and the relevant council services, including the Housing Repairs Service, to ensure that the specifications for replacement facilities meet both current and future needs.

Camden Town DMC Budget

The DMC was also scheduled to receive a report on the progress of agreed bids from Tenant and Resident Associations (TRAs) for funding from the Camden Town DMC budget. The report noted that there were three new bids for consideration at the November meeting:

• Ampthill Square TRA requested £5,000 for the supply and installation of seven Gerda H36 locks and seven MDP Lockable Fire Switch Boxes. The TRA had agreed to meet any costs above the £5,000 threshold.
• Walker House TRA requested £3,000 for the supply of two park benches.
• Ossulston TRA requested £18,212 for the second phase of its planter and community garden project at Levita House.

Update from the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

The final item on the agenda was scheduled to be an update from Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, the Cabinet Member for Better Homes. The report submitted to attendees for the meeting covers a range of issues, including the financial pressures facing the HRA, the progress of the Housing Transformation programme, the council's efforts to tackle damp and mould, and the challenges facing the private rented sector.

The report explains that the HRA is facing substantial financial strain, driven by historic funding cuts and insufficient national support. It also notes that the cost of repairs and maintenance is increasing, and that demand for temporary accommodation is rising. The report highlights the council's work to improve the quality of its housing stock, including its efforts to tackle damp and mould. It also outlines the council's plans to improve the private rented sector, including the introduction of a new licensing scheme.