The Gospel Oak District Management Committee meeting scheduled for 16 July 2026 was set to cover a range of housing and resident engagement matters. Key discussions were anticipated regarding the council's housing investment strategy, progress on Awaab's Law, and the operational procedures for the Housing Investigations team. Additionally, the committee was expected to review the refreshed funding and bidding process for resident-led projects.

Housing Investment Strategy Update

A report on the Housing Investment Strategy update was scheduled for discussion. This strategy, approved in January 2025, outlines the council's approach to investing in and growing its housing stock between 2025 and 2030. The broad aim is to ensure the borough has sufficient decent, safe, warm and family-friendly housing to support our communities. The strategy details plans to invest £670 million in existing homes over the next five years, with expected outcomes by 2030 including the completion of all fire risk actions, ensuring all tenanted homes meet the Decent Homes standard, and making suitable investments in mechanical and electrical systems, particularly communal heating. The report was expected to provide updates on the delivery of the council's Housing Asset Management Strategy at the end of the 2025-2026 financial year. It was also to detail the capital investment programme, including new projects commissioned and the delivery of programmes such as external works and district heating upgrades. Significant completed projects were to be highlighted, such as works at Derby Lodge, Clevedon & Parliament Hill Mansions, and the Bourne Estate (Phase 3). The report also aimed to provide key performance information regarding the council's stock, including the percentage of homes not meeting the Decent Homes standard and progress on fire safety actions.

Awaab's Law - Phase 1 and 2 Progress Report

An update on Camden's delivery against Awaab's Law was scheduled for discussion. This law introduces a strengthened statutory framework requiring social landlords to investigate hazards within defined timeframes, complete remediation within prescribed periods, maintain robust records, and provide timely communication to residents. The report was to cover both Phase 1 implementation, which commenced in October 2025 and focuses on damp and mould hazards, and Phase 2 readiness and mobilisation. Phase 1 implementation was described as embedded and operating effectively, with full compliance achieved across the majority of statutory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). However, performance challenges remained in emergency response within 24 hours and significant hazard investigations within 10 days, primarily attributed to resident no-access and engagement issues. Phase 2 was noted to represent a significant expansion in statutory scope and complexity, requiring the council to move from a damp and mould-focused model to a broader, risk-based compliance framework across multiple housing hazards. The report was expected to detail the programme delivery approach for Phase 2, outlining four core workstreams: operational delivery and processes, systems and digital enablement, user experience and communications, and data and performance management. Key challenges for Phase 2, including increased demand, cross-service coordination, data quality, resident access, and workforce capacity, were also to be addressed.

Refreshed DMC Funding and Bidding Process

The committee was scheduled to consider a refreshed process for bidding for DMC funding. This initiative, developed in collaboration with officers and DMC Chairs, aimed to refine the application process while maintaining familiarity for experienced representatives. Key changes included the introduction of separate Terms of Reference (TOR) and Bidding Guidance documents. The TOR would formalise the rules and requirements, to be reviewed regularly with DMC Chairs, while the Guidance document would serve as an accessible, plain-English guide. The refreshed process also aimed to encourage partnership working with Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations, though bids would still need to be submitted via a registered Tenant and Residents' Association (TRA), Tenant Management Organisation (TMO), or similar body. The report was to include the proposed Terms of Reference and Guidance for information and discussion.

Housing Investigations

A report on the work of the Housing Investigations team (HIT) was scheduled for consideration. This team works to ensure that individuals living in or applying for council homes are entitled to do so. The report was expected to provide an update on the team's activities in investigating tenancy fraud and related breaches, such as illegal subletting, non-occupation, undeclared property ownership, and fraudulent applications. The report was to detail the number of homes recovered during the 2025-2026 period, including breakdowns by the type of fraudulent activity. It was also to highlight the financial impact of recovered homes, referencing estimates of the cost of tenancy fraud per home. The report was to mention the team's role in facilitating successors downsizing, freeing up homes for families.

Gospel Oak DMC Budget

The committee was to receive a report detailing the Gospel Oak DMC budget allocation for 2026-2027, progress on approved bids, and any new bids submitted for consideration. The report was to outline the minor and major revenue works budget for the financial year, which stood at £154,060.00. It was to encourage TRAs to submit bids early to allow for assessment before DMC consideration, with all expenditure to occur within the current financial year. The report was to reiterate that unspent budget generally cannot be carried forward, with provisions for exceptional circumstances requiring specific approval. TRAs were to be advised to use the Special Projects Grant (SPG) for social activities, with a £750 limit. The report was to confirm that there were no new bids for consideration at the June 2026 meeting and that no bids had been approved to date for the Gospel Oak DMC for the financial year.

Constitution and Code of Conduct

The committee was scheduled to consider the DMC Constitution and Code of Conduct for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Proposed amendments to the constitution, put forward by Terence Ewing, were also to be discussed. The constitution outlines the purpose, membership, and operational procedures of the DMC, including members' voting rights, attendance, the role of the Chair, and requirements for membership. The Code of Conduct sets out expected standards of behaviour for all participants in resident involvement activities.

Registration of Tenants' Associations and Co-option of Tenant Representatives

The meeting was to address the registration of Tenants' and Residents' Associations (TRAs) and the co-option of tenant representatives onto the DMC. Appendix A of the report pack listed TRAs that had successfully completed the registration process, along with details of their nominated representatives and substitutes. Appendix B listed TRAs whose registrations had lapsed, with a note that the Tenant Participation Service would refer these groups to their Housing Officer for support in re-registering.

Minutes and Action Points

The committee was scheduled to approve and sign the minutes of the previous Gospel Oak DMC meeting held on 5 March 2026 and to consider the associated action points. The action points from the March meeting were to be reviewed, with updates provided on progress.

Local Issues

The agenda included an item for considering any local issues raised by DMC members.

Any Other Business

The meeting was to conclude with any other business that the Chair considered urgent.