This week in Camden:

• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met to discuss the recruitment process for the new Chief Executive.
• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Performance Review) Sub-Committee met to review the performance of the Chief Executive.

Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 07 May 2025

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met to discuss the recruitment process for the new Chief Executive. The sub-committee was scheduled to interview shortlisted candidates and potentially make a recommendation to the full council. Part of the meeting was not open to the public and press, as it involved consideration of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972.

Chief Executive Recruitment

The sub-committee was scheduled to discuss the process of appointing a new Chief Executive for Camden Council, a role described as the Head of Paid Service. According to the report pack, the full council can only approve the appointment if no member of the Cabinet objects.

The report pack included a summary of the recruitment process so far:

• The role of Chief Executive was advertised, with a closing date of 30 March 2025.
• The Leader of the Council undertook 'longlisting' on 3 April 2025.
• Each longlisted candidate had a 'technical' interview on 7 and 14 April 2025.
• The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee created a shortlist on 24 April 2025.
• An assessment centre was held on 29 April 2025.

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee was scheduled to interview the shortlisted candidates. If deemed appropriate, they would recommend a candidate to the full council, and agree on a starting salary within the target range, subject to references and pre-employment checks.

The report pack included the job description and person specification for the role of Chief Executive. According to the report pack, the Chief Executive is expected to:

BetheprincipaladvisertotheelectedleadershipoftheCouncilontheir strategic policy direction and forward planning of services and resources to support elected leaders to deliver on their political ambitions included in We Make Camden and Camden Missions.

The successful candidate will also be expected to create an inclusive organisation, lead by example to support diversity, and foster a culture of continuous learning. They should also be able to demonstrate effective systems leadership beyond organisational boundaries.

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee was also scheduled to note the process for appointment to the post of Chief Executive and the details of the job description and personal specification.

Confidential Information

The agenda noted that the report pack contained information that was exempt from disclosure under the Local Government Act 1972. Specifically, the shortlist of candidates, candidate CVs, and the results of assessments were to be considered in private. The reason given was that:

Publicity in respect of Item 8 would be likely to lead to the disclosure of information relating to any individual or information which is likely to reveal the identity of any individual, by virtue of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006.

Audit and Corporate Governance (Performance Review) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 07 May 2025

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Performance Review) Sub-Committee of Camden Council met on 7 May 2025 to review the performance of the Chief Executive. The agenda for the meeting included the election of a chair, approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, and a discussion of the Chief Executive's performance. Due to the confidential nature of the performance review, the public and press were excluded from that portion of the meeting.

Chief Executive Performance Review

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the performance of the Chief Executive, providing feedback to Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of the Council, for consideration in the Chief Executive's pay review and objective setting for the following year. According to the report, this review is a yearly opportunity for the Sub-Committee to provide input on a cross-party basis.

The report notes that the Chief Executive may, at their discretion, provide a confidential personal review of their performance to the Members.

The Local Government Act 1972 allows for the exclusion of the press and public from meetings where exempt information, such as information relating to an individual, is discussed. The report stated that:

Publicity in respect of Item 8 would be likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Category 1 – information relating to an individual. The reasons why the public interest favours withholding the information are that the release of such information discloses personal information to the public and could constitute or facilitate an interference with the individual’s right to respect for private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

Approval of Previous Minutes

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to approve and sign the minutes from the meeting held on 22 April 2024¹.

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.