The Constitution of the London Borough of Camden was scheduled for review at a meeting on Thursday, 26 March 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was the comprehensive review and potential amendment of the Council's Constitution, which outlines the operational framework, decision-making processes, and procedural rules governing the Council's activities.

The Council's Constitution

The meeting's agenda centred on the Constitution of the London Borough of Camden. This foundational document, last revised on 26 March 2026, details how the Council operates, makes decisions, and ensures accountability to its residents. The Constitution is structured into articles, rules, and protocols, covering a wide range of governance aspects.

Key Areas for Discussion within the Constitution:

• Articles of the Constitution: The report pack indicated that the meeting would cover various articles of the Constitution, including:

  • Article 1: The Constitution: Outlining the purpose and principles of the Constitution, such as openness, responsiveness, representativeness, stewardship, and integrity.
  • Article 2: Members of the Council: Detailing the composition, eligibility, roles, functions, rights, duties, and conduct of councillors.
  • Article 3: Citizens and the Council: Explaining citizens' rights to vote, access information, participate in decision-making, and make representations, as well as their responsibilities.
  • Article 4: The Council: Defining the policy framework, budget, and housing land transfer processes, and outlining the functions reserved for the full Council.
  • Article 5: The Mayor: Describing the responsibilities of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in presiding over Council meetings and civic functions.
  • Article 6: Scrutiny: Detailing the structure and general role of the five Scrutiny Committees, including policy development, review, and scrutiny of decisions.
  • Article 7: The Cabinet: Outlining the role, form, composition, and proceedings of the Cabinet, including the responsibilities of the Leader and Deputy Leader.
  • Article 8: Planning, Licensing, Pensions, Audit and Other Non-Executive Functions: Specifying the committees responsible for these non-executive functions.
  • Article 9: The Standards Committee: Describing the role and procedures of the Standards Committee in promoting high standards of conduct among councillors.
  • Article 10: The Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB): Detailing the purpose, vision, legal duties, approach, membership, and operational procedures of the HWB.
  • Article 11: Pension Board: Outlining the establishment and responsibilities of the Pension Board in accordance with relevant legislation.
  • Article 12: Joint Arrangements: Describing how the Council may establish joint arrangements with other authorities or organisations.
  • Article 13: Officers: Detailing the management structure, statutory officers, and the functions of the Head of Paid Service and Monitoring Officer.
  • Article 14: Decision Making: Explaining the principles and types of decision-making processes within the Council.
  • Article 15: Finance, Contracts and Legal Matters: Setting out the standing orders for financial management, contracts, and legal proceedings.
  • Article 16: Review, Suspension and Publication of the Constitution: Outlining the process for monitoring, reviewing, changing, suspending, and publishing the Constitution.

• Procedure Rules and Standing Orders: The meeting also included discussions on various procedural rules and standing orders, such as:

  • Council Procedure Rules: Governing the conduct of Council meetings, including annual and ordinary meetings, questions, motions, and voting.
  • Cabinet Procedure Rules: Detailing how Cabinet functions are discharged and how Cabinet meetings are conducted.
  • Scrutiny Procedure Rules: Including the call-in procedure for scrutinising decisions made by the Cabinet.
  • Committee Procedure Rules: Governing the operation of various committees and sub-committees.
  • Access to Information Procedure Rules: Outlining the public's rights to access information and attend meetings.
  • Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules: Detailing the process for developing and adopting the Council's budget and policy framework.
  • Financial Standing Orders: Setting out rules for the proper administration of the Council's financial affairs.
  • Contract Standing Orders: Establishing procedures for the procurement of goods, services, and works.
  • Officer Employment Procedure Rules: Governing the recruitment, appointment, and dismissal of officers.

• Codes and Protocols: The agenda also included various codes and protocols designed to ensure ethical conduct and transparent operations:

  • Protocol for Key Decisions: Defining what constitutes a key decision and the procedures for making and publishing them.
  • Planning and Licensing Protocols: Setting out specific conduct and procedures for planning and licensing matters.
  • Camden Code of Conduct: Detailing the expected standards of behaviour for councillors.
  • Code of Conduct for Officers: Outlining the expected standards of behaviour for council employees.
  • Ministerial and Political Visits to Council Services Guidance: Providing guidance on managing visits from government ministers and political figures.
  • Petition Scheme: Establishing the process for receiving, considering, and responding to petitions from residents.
  • Pension Board: Detailing the terms of reference and functions of the Pension Board.

• Members' Allowance Scheme: The scheme for the payment of allowances to councillors was also scheduled for discussion, outlining basic and special responsibility allowances, as well as provisions for travelling, subsistence, and dependent carers' allowances.

• Management Structure: Finally, the meeting was set to review the Camden Council Top Level Structure Chart and the delegation schemes for various Executive Directors and officers, ensuring clarity on responsibilities and decision-making authority within the Council's management structure.

The report pack provided a comprehensive overview of the Council's governance framework, indicating that the meeting was focused on ensuring the Constitution remained current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practices in local government. However, the available documentation does not provide information on any discussions that took place or any decisions that were made during the meeting.