This week in Camden:

• The Licensing Committee reviewed the Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030, considering feedback from a public consultation.
• Licensing Panel B discussed procedure rules for remote meetings and a premises licence review for Kiss the Sky.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) discussed a determination request from Richard Cobden Primary School regarding collective worship.
• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Staff Appeals) Sub-Committee considered an appeal against dismissal by a council employee.
• The Planning Committee discussed planning applications for 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue and 125 Shaftesbury Avenue.

Licensing Committee - Wednesday 30 April 2025

The Licensing Committee reviewed Camden’s draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030 and considered feedback from a public consultation. The committee was scheduled to hear deputations from the Covent Garden Community Association, the Charlotte Street Association, and the Tenants Residents Associations Camden Town. The committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes from a previous meeting.

Key areas of the policy that were scheduled for discussion included framework hours, women's safety, cumulative impact, and model conditions. The report pack noted that there were revisions to framework hours outlined in chapter five of the draft policy, and that there were concerns raised in the consultation about extending the framework hours. The report pack also noted that the draft policy included the addition of a section on women's safety, and that there was support for the adoption of the Women's Night Safety Charter, but that some respondents felt that more concrete action was needed. The Licensing Committee had previously resolved on 19 November 2024, that there was not sufficient evidence of cumulative impact in the Camden Town and Seven Dials areas to require a Cumulative Impact Assessment Statement. As a consequence, these cumulative impact policy areas have been removed from the draft Policy prior to consultation. The report pack noted that the model conditions had been revised following feedback from stakeholders.

The supplementary agenda included the written statements of the deputations. David Kaner, from the Covent Garden Community Association, was scheduled to say that while the policy before the committee was better and more balanced than the one considered in November, they were still concerned about the change in the extension by 30 minutes, and that they felt that framework hours have never been a cut off time. Clive Henderson, from the Charlotte Street Association, was scheduled to say that they objected to the proposal to increase the terminal hours for the Framework Hours, and that they were concerned about the detrimental impact this would have on many residents in Fitzrovia. Kate Gemmel, from the Tenants Residents Associations Camden Town, was scheduled to say that they welcomed the revisions that had been made during consultation and believed this was a better and more balanced policy as a result.

Licensing Panel B - Thursday 01 May 2025

Licensing Panel B discussed procedure rules for remote meetings and a premises licence review for Kiss the Sky, 11-13 Camden High Street. The panel was scheduled to agree on the procedure rules for remote meetings held under the Licensing Act 2003 and associated regulations. The Metropolitan Police had applied for the review citing concerns that the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder was not being upheld. The police were seeking revocation of the premises licence.

According to the report pack, the Metropolitan Police believed that the licensing objective, the prevention of crime and disorder, was not being upheld at Kiss The Sky, following a series of visits to the premises and intervention meetings with the licence holder and representatives. The police had submitted a statement including a timeline of visits and events, as grounds for the review. The Planning Authority noted that the premises had been operating without planning permission and had submitted a retrospective planning application for a material change of use from a restaurant to a drinking establishment.

A submission on behalf of Kiss The Sky stated that since a meeting with the Police and the Licensing Authority in November 2024, significant operational improvements had been made, and a new, highly experienced Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), Sonia De Leon, was appointed in January 2025. The submission stated that the allegations made did not reach the threshold of serious crime or serious disorder required to justify the revocation or suspension of the premises licence, and that all issues raised had been addressed robustly through management changes, operational improvements, and documented compliance.

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Thursday 01 May 2025

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) discussed a range of topics, including a determination request from Richard Cobden Primary School regarding collective worship, updates from the Faith Forum and NASACRE, Religious Education (RE) data from Camden secondary schools, and Camden SACRE priorities for 2024-25. The meeting also covered interventions and developments for RE in Camden, RE network meetings, and the SACRE annual self-evaluation toolkit.

The council was scheduled to discuss a determination request from Richard Cobden Primary School regarding the requirement for collective worship. Maintained schools in England and Wales are legally required to provide a daily act of collective worship for all pupils, but SACREs can grant exemptions to this requirement where it is deemed inappropriate or impossible to comply. The report pack includes the school's application, notes from the RE Professional Advisor, and the school's policy on collective worship and assemblies.

The meeting agenda included a discussion of RE data from secondary schools in Camden. The report pack includes data on RE provision in schools. This is likely to include information on the amount of time allocated to RE in the curriculum, the qualifications and training of RE teachers, and the attainment of pupils in RE. The council is scheduled to discuss the implications of this data for the provision of RE in Camden secondary schools.

Audit and Corporate Governance (Staff Appeals) Sub-Committee - Thursday 01 May 2025

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Staff Appeals) Sub-Committee considered an appeal against dismissal by a council employee. The meeting was held in private session because it considered exempt information relating to individuals.

The Sub-Committee considered a report regarding an appeal against dismissal by a council employee. The report pack states that the Sub-Committee may exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of this item, as it contains exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. This paragraph relates to information regarding individuals.

Planning Committee - Monday 28 April 2025

The Planning Committee discussed planning applications for 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue and 125 Shaftesbury Avenue. The committee was scheduled to review reports and recommendations from the Executive Director Supporting Communities regarding these applications.

Two applications concerning 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8AH were up for discussion: a planning permission application (2024/0993/P) and a listed building consent application (2024/1005/L). The proposal for the Grade II listed former Saville Theatre included partial demolition, restoration, and refurbishment, a roof extension, excavation of basement space, creation of a theatre at lower levels, ancillary restaurant/bar space at ground floor level, a 220-room hotel at upper levels, cycle parking, servicing, rooftop plant, and associated works. The Executive Director Supporting Communities recommended granting conditional planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London, finalisation of condition wording, and completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. They also recommended granting conditional listed building consent.

The committee was scheduled to discuss planning application 2024/5408/P for 125 Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8AD. The proposal sought permission for remodelling, refurbishment, and extension of the existing building, provision of Use Class E commercial and retail space, amenity terraces, a new public route, relocated entrances, cycle parking, servicing and rooftop plant, and associated highway, landscaping, and public realm improvements. The Executive Director Supporting Communities recommended granting conditional planning permission subject to a Section 106 legal agreement.

The report pack noted that the proposed development would result in a significant increase in employment floorspace, and that the applicant had agreed to make a payment in lieu of on-site housing of 50% of the full policy H2 compliant amount. The report pack noted that Historic England had stated that the amendments to massing at the upper levels on Shaftesbury Avenue satisfactorily addressed previous concerns about harm to the Seven Dials Conservation Area and the former Saville Theatre. The report pack noted that the Theatres Trust had welcomed that the delivery of a theatre had always been the primary cultural objective of the applicant.

This week in Camden:

• The Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel discussed the government's response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report¹, compliance performance, and the London Fire Brigade's annual report.
• Licensing Panel A considered new premises licence applications for New Milano Pizza & Gourmet Burgers and Sushi Serenade.
• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee discussed shortlisting candidates for the role of Chief Executive.
• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met to discuss the appointment of a new Director of Strategy, Design and Insight.

Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel were scheduled to discuss the London Fire Brigade's annual report, the government's response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report¹, and compliance performance. They were also scheduled to consider a proposal to change the panel's name to the Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel.

The panel was scheduled to review the government's response to the recommendations of the Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry report and its implications for the council’s ongoing Resident Safety Programme. The government accepted 49 recommendations in full and 9 in principle, all directed at government processes. The report also outlined a three-phase plan for reforming residential fire and building safety regulations.

The panel was also scheduled to receive an update on compliance across fire, legionella, asbestos, gas, electrics and lifts (FLAGEL) for the housing portfolio for Q3 2024/25. The report included updates on fire safety actions, delivery against the Voluntary Undertaking agreed with the Regulator in November 2023, and Q3 performance on safety-related Tenant Satisfaction Measures for 2023/24.

The Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel were scheduled to discuss the London Fire Brigade (LFB) Annual Report – Borough Risk Management Plan Camden 2025, which sets out risks for the borough and service objectives and priorities for the LFB in addressing those risks. The report noted that Camden has a large amount of residential high rise accommodation, including 34 where the fire risk assessment deems that the building safety features are not adequate and that a temporary simultaneous evacuation strategy is in place.

The Housing and Fire Safety Advisory Panel were scheduled to review the work programme for 2025/26 and consider if they would like to add anything to the programme. The panel was also scheduled to consider a recommendation to the Leader of the Council to update the name of the Panel to Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel.

Licensing Panel A - Thursday 24 April 2025

Licensing Panel A of Camden Council scheduled a meeting to address licensing concerns, including new premises licence applications for New Milano Pizza & Gourmet Burgers and Sushi Serenade. The meeting was also scheduled to cover remote meeting procedures and to approve the minutes from previous meetings.

The panel was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for New Milano Pizza & Gourmet Burgers, located at 128 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 9QB. The applicant sought permission for late night refreshment. The report pack stated that the Executive Director Supporting Communities received sixteen relevant representations, including objections from the Planning Authority and Environmental Health, eight individual residents, three resident associations, and three councillors. The report pack also stated that the premises are not situated in a cumulative impact policy area¹, but that the hours policy is engaged in relation to the proposed start times for licensable activities.

The panel was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Sushi Serenade, located at 78 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN. The applicant sought permission for the supply of alcohol (for consumption both on and off the premises). The report pack stated that the Executive Director Supporting Communities received two relevant representations, including objections from the Licensing Authority and a resident. The report pack also stated that the premises are situated in the Camden Town cumulative impact policy area, where there is a presumption to refuse all new or variation applications, and that the application does breach Camden’s adopted policy on Framework Hours².

The panel was also scheduled to approve the minutes of the meetings held on 13 February 2025 and 20 March 2025. The panel was also scheduled to agree the procedure rules for remote meetings, referring to the Guidance on Remote Meetings held under the Licensing Act 2003 and Associated Regulations.

Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee - Thursday 24 April 2025

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee meeting included a discussion on shortlisting candidates for the role of Chief Executive, as well as the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Due to the nature of the information to be discussed, part of the meeting was scheduled to be held in private.

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss the recruitment process for the Chief Executive position. According to the report pack, the role of Chief Executive operates as the Head of Paid Service, and Camden Council must approve any appointment following a recommendation from this sub-committee. The sub-committee was expected to assess applications and CVs, alongside officer feedback, against the job and personal specification. The aim was to decide which candidates should proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

The sub-committee was also scheduled to approve and sign the minutes of the meetings held on: Monday 22nd January 2024 and Tuesday 6th February 2024.

Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee - Friday 25 April 2025

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met to discuss the appointment of a new Director of Strategy, Design and Insight. The panel was scheduled to review the application of a single candidate and, if appropriate, recommend an offer of appointment. Some of the meeting was expected to be held in private, due to the confidential nature of the application.

The Director of Strategy Design and Insight Final Member panel report recommended that the Sub-Committee: notes the process for appointment to the post of Director of Strategy, Design and Insight, notes the job details for this post and the progress made to date, interviews the candidate and if appropriate recommends an offer of appointment, subject to there being no well-founded objections.

The report pack noted that the role of Director of Strategy, Design and Insight was advertised internally on 28 March 2025, with a closing date of 7 April 2025 and that there were two applications. It was recommended that one applicant be interviewed, combining the shortlisting and the interview panel into one. The report stated that this recommendation was made because of the strength of the applicant who has been performing well and making a significant impact whilst acting-up into the role over the past 6 months, with a high level of confidence in their abilities in this role. The report also noted that this approach would avoid the expenditure of an external campaign, which would cost around £20,000.

This week in Camden:

• The Council was scheduled to discuss homelessness, temporary accommodation, and the Camden Local Plan.
• The Licensing Panel D held a meeting, but no video or transcript was provided.

Council - Monday 07 April 2025

The Council of Camden Council scheduled a meeting for 7 April 2025, to discuss topics ranging from homelessness to the Camden Local Plan. The meeting was also scheduled to include a statement by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Olszewski, and a themed debate.

Here's a breakdown of the key items on the agenda:

• Minutes: The meeting was scheduled to begin with approving the minutes from the previous meeting held on 3 March 2025.

• Themed Debate - Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation: Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, was expected to introduce a discussion on homelessness and temporary accommodation in Camden. The report pack included background information on the challenges, current support systems, and future strategies, including the Temporary Accommodation Taskforce and the Community Investment Programme¹.

  The report covers existing challenges for this important issue including current support for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Report of the Cabinet Member for Better Homes

• Statement by the Leader of the Council and Questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members: Councillor Richard Olszewski, the Leader of the Council, was scheduled to make a statement, followed by responses from the Leaders of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative Groups, Councillor Tom Simon and Councillor Steve Adams respectively. Members were then expected to ask questions of the Leader and Cabinet Members.

• Business from the Ordinary Council Meeting of 3rd March 2025: The council was scheduled to consider a report from the Borough Solicitor regarding unanswered motions and written questions from the previous meeting. The report pack included copies of the motions and questions, along with responses from the relevant cabinet members.

  • One motion, raised by Councillor Steve Adams and seconded by Councillor Andrew Parkinson, concerned the council's use of agency staff. > The Council notes that Camden staff levels rise yearly and further, that over 10% of employment is through agencies. The cost of this to the borough is over £2.2M per year. In times of financial structure, it cannot be good practice for this to continue unchecked. > Motion from Councillor Steve Adams
  • Another motion, raised by Councillor Patricia Leman and seconded by Councillor Tommy Gale, concerned the council's financial stewardship and investments in various services. > This Council notes that: > * Since 2010, successive coalition and Conservative governments have slashed Camden’s core funding, requiring us to deliver savings of more than £220 million. In recent years, councils have been pushed into financial crisis across the country, issuing Section 114 bankruptcy notices and cutting essential services. > * Due to Camden’s strong financial management, we are not at risk of bankruptcy. We have balanced our budget while continuing to invest in vital frontline services, public spaces, and support for all residents. > * The new Labour government has inherited a funding system that has left councils struggling, but Camden welcomes the commitment to a multi-year funding settlement from next year. > Motion from Councillor Patricia Leman
  • A third motion, raised by Councillor Judy Dixey and seconded by Councillor Tom Simon, concerned support for young carers. > This Council notes that: > * Carers Trust estimates that there are at least one million young carers aged 17 and under in the UK and over 600,000 young adult carers between the ages of 18 and 25; > * In Camden, 23 young carers are formally identified by the Department for Education, but the true number of young carers in Camden is likely to be far higher; > * Young carers miss an average of 23 school days per year and young adult carers are four times more likely to drop out of college or university; > * Caring responsibilities can affect young carers' readiness to engage fully in school life, adding barriers to punctuality, their capacity to complete homework, and their ability to focus and participate effectively in lessons. > Motion from Councillor Judy Dixey
  • The report pack also included the responses to written questions from councillors, including questions about the Community Champions Programme, homelessness, Progress 8 scores, the Cost of Living Fund, and the Camley Street development.

• Appointments to Formal Council Bodies: The council was scheduled to consider a report from the Borough Solicitor regarding appointments to various council bodies, including the Pension Committee and the Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee.

• Reports from the Cabinet, the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, the Scrutiny Committees and Other Council Committees: The council was scheduled to consider three reports:

  • Corporate Parenting Strategy: The council was scheduled to consider a new Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2025-2028, outlining plans to support children in care and care-experienced young people. The strategy focuses on belonging, rights, wellbeing, interests, and housing. > Our Corporate Parenting Strategy (at Appendix 1) outlines our plans for the next three years, from 2025-2028. It focuses on the areas we need to improve and builds on our strengths to ensure that every child and young person in our care feels safe, supported, and proud of who they are. > Report of the Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families
  • Camden Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft: The council was scheduled to consider the Camden Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft, a document that will guide development in the borough until 2041. The report pack included the draft plan itself, along with summaries of consultation responses and sustainability appraisals. > The new Local Plan will be a key delivery mechanism for achieving the Council’s priorities as set out in We Make Camden. It will ensure that Camden continues to have effective, up-to-date planning policies that will allow the Council to make planning decisions that contribute towards addressing the borough’s need for homes, jobs and infrastructure and ensure that development is delivered in a way that is socially and economically inclusive, responds to the climate and ecological emergency and brings benefits to Camden and its residents. > Report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden
  • Annual Joint Report of the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees 2024-25: The council was scheduled to consider a report summarising the activities and achievements of Camden's five scrutiny committees over the past year. > Scrutiny plays an important role in improving outcomes for residents – making sure services meet residents’ needs, exploring issues which impact the wellbeing of the borough and providing improvement recommendations to the Council. > Annual Joint Report of the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees

• Motions: The council was scheduled to consider motions relating to agency staff, council funding, and young carers.

Please note that this summary is based solely on the provided documents and does not reflect what was actually discussed or decided during the meeting.

Licensing Panel D - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Licensing Panel D held a meeting, but no video or transcript was provided.

This week in Camden:

• The Cabinet discussed the Camden Local Plan, Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Funding, the Corporate Parenting Strategy, the Commissioning Strategy for Mental Health Supported Living, and the Leader’s Annual Report.
• The Planning Committee considered applications for a change of use on Kentish Town Road, alterations and extensions on High Holborn, a temporary retail food store on Chalk Farm Road, and a variation of condition on High Holborn.
• The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee discussed increasing homelessness risk, principal risks, the internal audit plan, the auditor’s annual report, and accounting policies.
• The Licensing Panel C considered a renewal application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue licence for The Griffin on Clerkenwell Road, and approved the minutes of previous meetings.

Cabinet - Wednesday 02 April 2025

The Cabinet convened to discuss a range of issues, including the Camden Local Plan, funding for youth employment, corporate parenting strategies, and mental health supported living.

The Cabinet considered the Camden Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft, which aims to deliver a minimum of 11,550 additional homes by 2041 and address the climate and ecological emergency. The plan proposes new open spaces at Princes Gardens, St Giles High St, Centrepoint, Alfred Place, King’s Cross Central, and Hawley Wharf, and a new Local Green Space at St John’s Churchyard, Hampstead. It also proposes two new Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation - Talacre Gardens and Tavistock Square. The Cabinet approved the publication of the Camden Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft for resident comment, before it is submitted to the government for public examination.

The Cabinet also discussed Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Funding 2025-2026, approving the council to act as the lead administration authority for a £4.9 million programme focused on pathways to employment, education, and training for care experienced young people aged 18-24 across central London. This project aims to support care leavers in central London to progress toward and move into employment, education and training, and to build capacity through helping boroughs and other stakeholders to innovate, to work together, and to learn from each-other.

The Cabinet also considered the Corporate Parenting Strategy, outlining the council's plans for 2025-2028 to ensure that every child and young person in care feels safe, supported, and proud. The strategy sets out how the council will communicate with care-experienced young people about plans to provide them with a stable and loving home, as well as the steps it will take to enhance their education, training, and life opportunities.

The Cabinet also discussed the Commissioning Strategy for Mental Health Supported Living, which will provide accommodation-based support to up to 199 people with serious mental illness in Camden. The estimated total value of all contracts, including extension, is £32,734,520.

Finally, the Cabinet received the Leader’s Annual Report 2024-2025, a summary of the Leader's activities and achievements over the past year.

Planning Committee - Thursday 03 April 2025

The Planning Committee reviewed several planning applications, including a change of use proposal on Kentish Town Road, alterations and extensions on High Holborn, a temporary retail food store on Chalk Farm Road, and a variation of condition on High Holborn.

The committee considered an application to change the use of part of the ground and first floors, as well as the entirety of the second and third floors, of 293-299, 301-305 Kentish Town Road and 8 Holmes Road, from office space (Class E¹) to hotel accommodation (Class C1²). The committee voted to grant conditional planning permission subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement³.

The committee also considered an application for alterations and extensions to the existing building at 212-214 High Holborn. The proposal included demolition at mezzanine and fourth floor levels, removal of modern additions, and construction of a six-storey rear extension to increase office floorspace (Class E). The committee voted to grant conditional planning permission subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement, and to grant conditional listed building consent.

The Planning Committee also considered an application regarding Camden Goods Yard, Morrisons Superstore and Petrol Filling Station, Chalk Farm Road. The proposal sought permission for the continued use of a temporary retail food store (Use Class E(a)⁴) for a total duration of up to 75 months. The committee voted to grant conditional planning permission.

Finally, the Planning Committee considered an application regarding Selkirk House, 166 High Holborn, 1 Museum Street, 10-12 Museum Street, 35-41 New Oxford Street and 16A-18 West Central Street. The proposal sought variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning permission reference 2023/2510/P dated 07/03/24, namely: to reflect proposed changes to the ground floor and basement (levels 1 and 2) layout, including a revised servicing strategy and associated alterations to entrances; alterations to core layout at upper floors; and changes to the elevations across the upper floors of 1 Museum Street including changes to the floor levels, additional glazing to the facade, introduction of inset terraces at levels 7, 10 and 15 and openable vent panels and revised BMU layout at roof level. The committee voted to grant conditional planning permission subject to a Section 106 deed of variation.

Audit and Corporate Governance Committee - Thursday 03 April 2025

The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee discussed principal risks, the internal audit plan, and the annual accounting policies. The committee also reviewed the auditor's annual report and considered a deep dive into the increasing risk of homelessness in the borough.

The committee discussed a report providing an overview of the principal risk of increasing homelessness in Camden. The report notes that homelessness is rising nationally and in London, with over 183,000 Londoners estimated to be homeless and living in temporary accommodation. In Camden, there are approximately 400 approaches for homelessness assistance each month, up almost 40% from last year. The allocated budget for temporary accommodation for 2024/25 is £6.6 million, but the forecasted overspend is estimated to be £13 million, with the overall net spend forecasted to be £19.6 million.

The committee also received an update on the actions being taken to mitigate key principal risks facing Camden Council. These risks include financial resilience, housing revenue account financial resilience, increasing homelessness, financial resilience of residents, delivering net zero carbon, High Speed 2 and Euston, safeguarding adults and children, cyber and data security, breakdown in community cohesion, and compliance with consumer standards.

The committee was asked to approve the Annual Internal Audit and Investigations Plan for 2024-25, detailing the work to be undertaken by Internal Audit in 2025-26. The plan includes proactive anti-fraud reviews, fraud awareness training, anti-fraud initiatives such as the National Fraud Initiative, and corporate communications and e-learning.

The committee also received the Auditor’s Annual Report for the 2023/24 financial year, summarising the work undertaken by the council’s external auditor Forvis Mazars for the year ended 31 March 2024, following the completion of that year’s audit. The report notes that Forvis Mazars are satisfied that the Council has the expected arrangements in place to secure value for money (VFM)⁵ through the economic, efficient and effective use of its resources, and have identified no significant weakness.

Finally, the committee reviewed and approved the accounting policies that will be applied to the council's financial statements for 2024/25, including the mandatory adoption of IFRS 16⁶, an accounting standard which updates the rules regarding the accounting treatment of leases.

Licensing Panel C - Thursday 03 April 2025

Licensing Panel C met to consider a renewal application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for The Griffin, 125 Clerkenwell Road.

The panel considered an application made by Wayne Edward Chandler to renew the SEV licence for The Griffin, 125 Clerkenwell Road, EC1R 5DB. The application requests permission to continue operating as an SEV at the following times: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 until 00:00, Friday to Saturday: 11:00 until 01:00, Sunday: 11:00 until 00:00.

The panel considered an objection that had been received from a member of the public in relation to the renewal for 2024 to 2025. The objection stated that the club attracts dozens of pimps outside on weekends, and that the reviews of women would be sex discrimination & sexual harassment in any other context.

The panel was also scheduled to approve the minutes of the meetings held on 19 December 2024 and 23 January 2025.