This week in Camden:

School Closures Loom as Falling Pupil Numbers Strain Budgets

Four Camden schools are facing potential structural changes, including possible closure, due to sustained declines in pupil numbers and mounting financial deficits. La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School, St Alban's Church of England Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School are all experiencing significant pressure, with falling birth rates and migration contributing to a surplus of school places and a pupil-led funding model that is no longer sustainable.

The council is proposing a public consultation to gather views on a range of options for each school. These could include reducing the number of places offered, amalgamating schools, forming federations, or outright closure. This decision will have a profound impact on the educational landscape for thousands of children and the communities surrounding these schools. The consultation is scheduled to run from November 2nd to December 14th, 2026.

Link to the Cabinet meeting

Housing Safety Under the Spotlight: Grenfell Inquiry and Evacuation Plans

The Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel is set to meet on Tuesday, October 20th, to address critical safety measures for residents. The meeting will focus on the implementation of recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, particularly concerning the regulation of the construction industry and the establishment of a new construction products regulator.

A key discussion will be the rollout of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents in high-rise buildings who may need assistance to evacuate during a fire. The council is working to identify residents requiring support and develop person-centred plans, acknowledging the increased demand generated by proactive engagement with disabled residents. The panel will also review the council's performance in fire safety, legionella, asbestos, gas, electrics, and lifts for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. This focus on safety is paramount, especially for vulnerable residents who rely on these measures for their well-being.

Link to the Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel meeting

Pension Fund Performance and Responsible Investment Strategies

The Pension Committee will convene on Wednesday, October 21st, to review the performance of the Camden Pension Fund's investments. The committee will examine financial market returns and asset allocation for the quarter ending June 30th, 2026, comparing performance against industry benchmarks.

A significant part of the meeting will be dedicated to responsible investment. The committee will receive updates on preparations for a consultation on the Fund's Responsible Investment Policy and Investment Strategy Statement. This includes ongoing work on monitoring and reporting, as well as a summary of engagement activities with companies on issues such as climate transition, modern slavery, and conflict-affected areas. The committee will also consider new statutory guidance on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund governance and asset pooling, which will necessitate revisions to the committee's terms of reference and the development of a new training strategy for its members. This ensures that the fund is not only financially sound but also ethically managed.

Link to the Pension Committee meeting

Other Matters

Planning Committee Considers Garden Outbuildings and High Holborn Development

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 22nd. The agenda includes proposals for new outbuildings in residential gardens at 64 Canfield Gardens and 10 Lyndhurst Road. These applications will be assessed for their impact on neighbouring amenity and conservation areas. A significant mixed-use development at 212 High Holborn is also on the agenda, proposing a hotel with 75 guest rooms, a ground-floor restaurant, and a co-working space. This development aims to restore a vacant Grade II listed building and contribute to the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, with a focus on economic benefits and sustainable transport.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) to Discuss RE and Collective Worship

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) will meet on Wednesday, October 21st. The council will discuss local and national updates on Religious Education (RE) and collective worship, including the Curriculum & Assessment Review and the Department for Education's review of collective worship. Members will also engage in a self-evaluation activity to assess SACRE's current standing and identify priorities for the upcoming year.

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting

Licensing Panel D Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Panel D meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 22nd, has been cancelled.

This week in Camden:

Late-Night Licensing Applications for Fumi and SoBe Burger Face Scrutiny

Two applications that could impact late-night activity and the sale of alcohol were scheduled for discussion by Licensing Panel A on Thursday 1 October 2026. The panel was due to consider new premises licences for Fumi, a Japanese restaurant on Leather Lane, and SoBe Burger on Kentish Town Road. Both applications attracted objections from residents and authorities, highlighting concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.

Fumi: Alcohol Sales and Nuisance in Leather Lane

The application for Fumi at 90 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TT sought permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises until 11:30 PM daily, with late-night refreshments until midnight.

• Environmental Health and Resident Objections: Environmental Health raised concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, noting the premises' location in a mixed commercial and residential area and the potential for increased noise and odour, particularly from a charcoal grill. Residents also objected on the grounds of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, citing previous issues with late-night establishments in the area.
• Proposed Conditions: The applicant's operating schedule included conditions related to CCTV, waiter service for alcohol, an incident log, staff training, and measures to prevent public nuisance and protect children.

The panel's decision on this application will have a direct impact on the late-night economy and the quality of life for residents in this area.

SoBe Burger: Extended Hours and Noise Concerns on Kentish Town Road

The application for SoBe Burger at 206 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2AD sought permission for late-night refreshments until 1:00 AM daily. This proposed operating schedule, extending beyond the council's framework hours, raised alarms.

• Environmental Health Concerns: The Environmental Health team focused on the potential for public nuisance, particularly concerning noise and odour from cooking activities. They recommended reducing the hours or imposing further noise-related conditions.
• Councillor and Resident Objections: Councillor Meric Apak, the ward councillor for Kentish Town South, raised concerns about public nuisance and crime and disorder, highlighting the residential nature of Kentish Town Road and the potential for disproportionate impact from late-night activity. A resident association also objected, citing the potential for increased public nuisance and crime.

The applicant's operating schedule outlines measures to prevent crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and protect children from harm, including CCTV, staff training, and odour control. The panel's decision will directly affect the local environment and the quality of life for residents in this area.

Link to the Licensing Panel A meeting

This week in Camden:

Housing Crisis Looms as Council Faces £8-£12 Million Savings Target

Camden Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge that could impact the quality and availability of social housing. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) faces a daunting savings target of £8 million to £12 million over the next three years. This shortfall is driven by rising costs for essential repairs, property maintenance, fire safety improvements, and an increasing number of housing disrepair cases.

The council is proposing a new approach to tenant engagement for budget setting, moving away from traditional District Management Committee (DMC) meetings to a more accessible, multi-channel consultation process. This aims to ensure all tenants have a meaningful say in decisions that directly affect their homes. The proposed changes are designed to be more open and accessible, offering online and offline participation options.

This financial pressure comes at a time when demand for housing services is high, with an increasing number of households in temporary accommodation. The council's Homes & Communities Performance Report for Quarter 1 2026/27 highlights this mixed picture, with strong rent collection and building safety compliance but challenges in areas like gas certification and reducing overdue fire and building safety actions.

The implications for residents are significant. Without adequate funding, essential maintenance and safety upgrades could be delayed, potentially impacting the quality of life and safety for thousands of council tenants. The council's commitment to providing safe and decent homes is being tested by these financial realities.

Link to the Hampstead District Management Committee meeting Link to the Holborn District Management Committee meeting

Late-Night Licensing Applications for Restaurants Spark Resident Concerns

Two applications that could impact late-night activity and the sale of alcohol were scheduled for discussion by Licensing Panel A on Thursday 1 October 2026. The panel was due to consider new premises licences for SoBe Burger on Kentish Town Road and Fumi on Leather Lane. Both applications attracted objections from residents and authorities, highlighting concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.

SoBe Burger: Extended Hours and Noise Concerns

The application for SoBe Burger at 206 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2AD sought permission for late-night refreshments until 1:00 AM daily. This proposed operating schedule, extending beyond the council's framework hours, raised alarms.

• Environmental Health Concerns: The Environmental Health team focused on the potential for public nuisance, particularly concerning noise and odour from cooking activities. They recommended reducing the hours or imposing further noise-related conditions.
• Councillor and Resident Objections: Councillor Meric Apak, the ward councillor for Kentish Town South, raised concerns about public nuisance and crime and disorder, highlighting the residential nature of Kentish Town Road and the potential for disproportionate impact from late-night activity. A resident, Kate Tract, requested specific conditions regarding delivery vehicles and facilities for delivery operatives.

The applicant's operating schedule outlines measures to prevent crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and protect children from harm, including CCTV, staff training, and odour control. The panel's decision will directly affect the local environment and the quality of life for residents in this area.

Fumi: Alcohol Sales and Nuisance in Leather Lane

The panel was also scheduled to consider a new premises licence for Fumi at 90 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TT. This application requested the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises until 11:30 PM daily, with late-night refreshments until midnight.

• Environmental Health and Resident Objections: Environmental Health raised concerns about the prevention of public nuisance, noting the premises' location in a mixed commercial and residential area and the potential for increased noise and odour, particularly from a charcoal grill. Residents also objected on the grounds of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, citing previous issues with late-night establishments in the area.

The applicant's operating schedule includes conditions related to CCTV, waiter service for alcohol, an incident log, staff training, and measures to prevent public nuisance and protect children. The panel's decision on these applications will have a direct impact on the late-night economy and the quality of life for residents in these busy areas.

Link to the Licensing Panel A meeting

Leaseholders' Forum Discusses Service Charges and Energy Procurement

The Leaseholders' Forum met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, to discuss ongoing issues affecting leaseholders, including progress on recommendations from a former Cabinet Advisor's report, leaseholder satisfaction surveys, and the council's energy procurement strategy.

Improving Services for Leaseholders

A significant part of the discussion focused on progress made on recommendations from a report by the former Associate Cabinet Member for Leaseholders, Councillor James Slater. This report aimed to improve services and advocacy for Camden leaseholders. Discussions were expected to cover communication, contractor quality, and the coordination between different council departments. Transparency regarding service charges and major works bills was also a key area for review.

Leaseholder Satisfaction and Energy Strategy

The Forum was set to receive an update on leaseholder satisfaction surveys, including plans for the upcoming Summer 2027 survey and the potential for online methods. A working group of volunteers was expected to review the survey questionnaire. Additionally, an update was scheduled from Camden Council's Energy Procurement Team concerning the council's strategy for procuring energy. This included the necessity of seeking dispensation from statutory consultation procedures for energy contracts, aiming to mitigate exposure to energy market volatility.

Link to the Leaseholders' Forum meeting

Audit and Corporate Governance Committee Reviews Reward Strategy and Treasury Management

The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026, to discuss the council's reward strategy, including pay and benefits, and to review its policies on complaints and remedies. The committee also received an update on the council's treasury management, specifically concerning Lender Option Borrower Option (LOBO) loans.

Annual Reward and Terms and Conditions Update

The committee reviewed an update on Camden's Reward Strategy, which aims to maintain a competitive employment offer and address recruitment and retention challenges. A key point was the proposed reduction of the standard probationary period from six months to four months, effective from 1 July 2026, as part of wider revisions to strengthen early performance management. The report highlighted Camden's commitment to fair pay, noting its accreditation as a Living Wage employer since 2012 and investments in its lowest-paid employees. Enhancements to the employee offer in April 2026 included a revised appointment pay framework, a refreshed performance framework, and an enhanced recognition scheme.

Treasury Management: LOBO Loans

The committee received an update on the Council's LOBO loan portfolio. This included the repayment of a £29 million LOBO loan from FMS Wertmanagement after the lender proposed an interest rate increase. The council exercised its right to repay the loan rather than accept the higher rate, subsequently securing a replacement loan from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB). The report also provided an update on the council's wider borrowing position and future lender option dates.

Link to the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee meeting

Other Matters

Licensing Panel E Considers Premises Licence Variations

Licensing Panel E met on Thursday 24 September 2026, to consider applications to vary premises licences for Tesco on Camden High Street and Harleys of Hampstead.

• Tesco, Camden High Street: The application sought to extend the hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises and to extend opening hours. Representations opposing the application were received from the Police, the Licensing Authority, the Public Health Strategist, and Councillor Patricia Callaghan, citing concerns about cumulative impact, crime and disorder, and public nuisance.
• Harleys of Hampstead: The application sought to add 'on sales' of alcohol, extend permitted hours for both on and off sales, and extend opening hours. Councillor Stephen Stark objected to the extension of off-sales hours and raised concerns about the use of an unlicensed barbecue.

Link to the Licensing Panel E meeting

This week in Camden:

Housing Crisis Looms as Council Faces £8-£12 Million Savings Target

Camden Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge that could impact the quality and availability of social housing. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) faces a daunting savings target of £8 million to £12 million over the next three years. This shortfall is driven by rising costs for essential repairs, property maintenance, fire safety improvements, and an increasing number of housing disrepair cases.

The council is proposing a new approach to tenant engagement for budget setting, moving away from traditional District Management Committee (DMC) meetings to a more accessible, multi-channel consultation process. This aims to ensure all tenants have a meaningful say in decisions that directly affect their homes. The proposed changes are designed to be more open and accessible, offering online and offline participation options.

This financial pressure comes at a time when demand for housing services is high, with an increasing number of households in temporary accommodation. The council's Homes & Communities Performance Report for Quarter 1 2026/27 highlights this mixed picture, with strong rent collection and building safety compliance but challenges in areas like gas certification and reducing overdue fire and building safety actions.

The implications for residents are significant. Without adequate funding, essential maintenance and safety upgrades could be delayed, potentially impacting the quality of life and safety for thousands of council tenants. The council's commitment to providing safe and decent homes is being tested by these financial realities.

Link to the Kentish Town District Management Committee meeting Link to the Camden Town District Management Committee meeting Link to the Hampstead District Management Committee meeting Link to the Holborn District Management Committee meeting Link to the Gospel Oak District Management Committee meeting

Planning Committee Approves New Developments Amidst Affordable Housing Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026, to consider a range of planning applications, including proposals for new residential developments and extensions to existing buildings. While the committee aims to facilitate much-needed housing, concerns were raised about the provision of affordable housing and the impact on local areas.

Holy Trinity Church, Finchley Road: Extension and Refurbishment

Plans for an extension and refurbishment of Holy Trinity Church, Finchley Road, London NW3 5HT, including an ancillary café and new level access, were recommended for conditional planning permission. This development could improve accessibility and community facilities.

14 Blackburn Road: Student Accommodation and Affordable Housing

A mixed-use scheme at 14 Blackburn Road, London NW6 1RZ proposed student accommodation and affordable housing. The recommendation was for conditional planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London and finalisation of conditions. The balance between student housing and affordable homes is a critical consideration for the borough's housing needs.

Land at Hadley Street: New Residential Units

The erection of two buildings to provide residential units at Land at Hadley Street, Castle Road Estate, London NW1 8TE was also recommended for conditional planning permission. The provision of new homes is essential, but the committee's decisions will shape the character and affordability of these new communities.

Hylda Court: Dwellings and Roof Extensions

Two related applications at Hylda Court, 3 - 5 St Alban's Road, London NW5 1RE proposed new dwellings through demolition and roof extensions. The recommendation was for conditional planning permission, subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

4 Edis Street: Rear Extensions and Alterations

Plans for extensions and alterations at 4 Edis Street, London NW1 8LG were recommended for conditional planning permission.

The committee's decisions on these applications will contribute to the ongoing development of Camden, with a focus on balancing housing needs with community impact.

Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee Reviews Safeguarding and Heatwave Response

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, to examine critical issues affecting vulnerable residents. Discussions focused on safeguarding adults, the council's response to extreme heat, and the performance of Healthwatch Camden.

Safeguarding Adults: A Growing Concern

The Camden Safeguarding Adults Board (CSAB) Annual Report for 2025-26 highlighted an increase in safeguarding concerns and enquiries. Neglect and Acts of Omission were identified as the most common types of abuse investigated. The Board's priorities for the coming year include amplifying individual voices, strengthening prevention efforts, and improving accountability. This focus is vital for protecting adults with care and support needs from harm.

Extreme Heat Preparedness and Response

In light of the unprecedented hot weather experienced during Summer 2026, the committee reviewed the council's heatwave preparedness and response activities. Measures included a dedicated webpage, the Cool Spaces programme, and a Cool Kits initiative. Support for vulnerable groups, including rough sleepers and those in adult social care, was detailed. This highlights the council's efforts to protect residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, from the dangers of extreme temperatures.

Healthwatch Camden's Role

The committee received Healthwatch Camden's annual report, which detailed their activities in advocating for residents' health and social care needs. With potential changes to Healthwatch's future, the report emphasised the importance of ensuring their final year of operation is impactful. Their work in sharing under-represented experiences and generating social value is crucial for ensuring services meet the diverse needs of Camden's population.

Link to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting

Other Matters

Licensing Panel D Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Panel D meeting scheduled for Thursday 17 September 2026 was cancelled.

Schools Forum Discusses Funding and Energy Procurement

The Schools Forum met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss crucial financial matters affecting Camden's schools. Key agenda items included an update on Camden's energy procurement strategy, proposed amendments to the Forum's terms of reference, and a detailed look at school funding for the 2027/28 academic year. The forum also received an update on the High Needs Block and reviewed its work programme. The projected outturn for the High Needs Block for 2026/27 indicated an increase in the deficit, attributed to rising numbers of children with Education Health and Care plans (EHCPs) and out-of-borough placements. This highlights the ongoing pressure on resources for SEND provision.

Link to the Schools Forum meeting

Council Debates Adult Social Care and Euston Area Plan

The Council met on Monday 14 September 2026. A significant themed debate focused on adult social care, building on the findings of the 'Who Cares?' borough-wide conversation. The Euston Area Plan update was also a key item, with the Council asked to approve the Proposed Submission Draft for submission to the government. Motions were also considered on ethical investment, proportional representation, and street cleanliness. The deputation request from the South Hamstead Flood Action Group underscored ongoing concerns about flooding in the borough, highlighting the need for robust action from both Thames Water and Camden Council to protect residents.

Link to the Council meeting