The Council meeting on Monday 13 July 2026 was scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution to align with a new national scheme for the delegation of planning functions. Additionally, the meeting was set to consider several motions, including those addressing the borough's commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary, the implications of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's draft Code of Practice, climate change resilience, the conduct of the Planning Committee, and the pay and conditions of education workers.

Amendments to the Constitution Arising from the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions

The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee had referred a report to the Council concerning proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution. These amendments are necessary to align with the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which are due to come into effect on 31 October 2026. The report outlined a two-tier approach to planning decisions: Schedule 1 applications must always be delegated to officers, while Schedule 2 applications are presumed to be delegated unless a nominated officer and nominated member agree they should be referred to the Planning Committee. The report recommended that the Head of Development Management be the nominated officer and the Chair of the Planning Committee be the nominated member. It was also proposed to carve out certain applications from Schedule 2, such as listed building consents and advertisement consents not connected to a Schedule 2 planning application, to align with existing delegated powers. The report recommended that the Council approve these amendments to ensure compliance with the new regulations and avoid potential legal challenges.

Motions

The Council was scheduled to consider several motions, each addressing significant local issues:

Motion 1: Borough of Sanctuary

This motion, proposed by Councillor Sabrina Francis and seconded by Councillor Suleiman Osman, aimed to congratulate Camden Libraries, council staff, community organisations, volunteers, and residents for Camden's recognition as a Borough of Sanctuary and for Camden Libraries becoming the first library service in London to achieve Libraries of Sanctuary accreditation. The motion also sought to reaffirm the Council's commitment to the principles of being a Borough of Sanctuary and to continue supporting partnerships that assist refugees and asylum seekers. It highlighted the ongoing funding of £370,000 for the Borough of Sanctuary programme in 2026/27.

Motion 2: Trans-Inclusive Borough and EHRC Code of Practice

Proposed by Councillor Lilac Carr and seconded by Councillor James White, this motion addressed concerns regarding the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) new draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations. The motion noted that the Code was seen to misinterpret a Supreme Court ruling and negatively impact trans people's rights. It highlighted condemnation from various organisations and MPs, and expressed belief that the Code was unjust and unworkable. The Council was asked to reaffirm its commitment to being a trans-inclusive borough, direct departments to apply the EHRC Code of Practice in a trans-inclusive manner, and call on the Prime Minister and Minister for Women and Equalities to withdraw the Code and introduce legislation to strengthen trans people's rights.

Motion 3: Climate Change Resilience

Proposed by Councillor Nancy Jirira and seconded by Councillor Matthew Kirk, this motion acknowledged the record-breaking heatwaves and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. It noted the Council's 2019 declaration of a climate and ecological emergency and the actions taken since then. The motion expressed belief that current steps have not gone far enough and called on the administration to produce a plan for installing solar panels and heat pumps on council buildings by 2030, review and enhance support for property owners, report on greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritise climate action in procurement and planning policies. It also called for climate change to be a leading ESG consideration for pensions and for provisions to be made for 'cool spaces' and severe weather emergencies.

Motion 4: Planning Committee Independence

Proposed by Councillor Steve Adams and seconded by Councillor Juliette Graham, this motion expressed concern about the perceived politicisation of planning decisions, particularly in relation to the redevelopment of the Regis Road area. It noted the mandatory planning training received by committee members and the importance of councillors being responsible in their comments to maintain public trust. The motion resolved to reaffirm the principle that members of the Planning Committee must act independently, not be whipped, and determine applications solely on their planning merits. It also called for a review of the composition and operation of the Planning Committee to strengthen public confidence in its independence.

Motion 5: Pay and Conditions for Education Workers

Proposed by Councillor Shah Bakth and seconded by Councillor Jim Monahan, this motion highlighted the vital role of education workers and the need for them to be treated with dignity and paid fairly. It specifically mentioned the dispute involving Teaching Assistants (TAs) at Richard Cobden and Primrose Hill Primary Schools seeking regrading to Scale 4, and the situation at the Great Ormond Street and University College Hospital School concerning alleged victimisation of trade unionists. The motion also noted disputes at SOAS University of London and Capital City College regarding pay offers and proposed cuts to teaching posts. The Council was asked to express solidarity with striking workers, call for specific actions from Camden Council and the management of the schools involved, and affirm that education workers deserve pay, security, and respect reflecting their value. It also called on the Government to provide adequate funding for schools and colleges.

We Make Camden: State of the Borough 2026 Report

The Council was also scheduled to consider the We Make Camden: State of the Borough 2026 Report . This annual report provides an update on the borough's outcomes, structured around the We Make Camden ambitions and aligned with the Good Life Camden wellbeing measurement framework. It includes a dedicated section on the four We Make Camden Missions, presenting progress and learning. The report aims to serve as a shared evidence base for the Council, partner organisations, communities, and residents to enhance understanding of wellbeing in the borough. The report was noted to have been published earlier than usual due to local elections.

Amendments to the Constitution Arising from the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions

This item, referenced from the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, concerned proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution. These changes are required to align with the National Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions, which is being introduced by the Government and will come into effect on 31 October 2026. The report detailed the two-tier system outlined in the new regulations, where Schedule 1 applications must be delegated to officers, and Schedule 2 applications are presumed to be delegated unless specific criteria are met for referral to the Planning Committee. The report recommended that the Head of Development Management be the nominated officer and the Chair of the Planning Committee be the nominated member for these referrals. It also proposed to carve out certain applications from Schedule 2, such as listed building consents and advertisement consents not connected to a Schedule 2 planning application, to maintain existing delegated powers. The amendments to Part 3 (Responsibility for Functions) and Part 5 (Planning Protocol) of the Constitution were presented for approval.

Appointments to Formal Council Bodies

A report from the Borough Solicitor was scheduled for consideration regarding appointments to various formal Council bodies. This included changes to committee memberships, such as Councillor Steve Adams being nominated to replace Councillor Stephen Stark on the Pension Committee, and Councillor Lotis Bautista filling a vacancy on the Standards Committee. The report also noted that following the Regent's Park by-election on 9 July 2026, officers would apply legislation to allocate committee and sub-committee places between political groups, with any resultant changes to be reported.

Business from the Ordinary Council Meeting of 2nd March 2026

This item related to unconsidered motions and responses to written Council questions from the meeting held on 2 March 2026. As per the Constitution, motions not dealt with due to lack of time were passed to the relevant Cabinet Member or Committee Chair for a response to be provided at the next Council meeting. Responses to written questions were also to be circulated for information and noted without debate. The report attached copies of the unconsidered motions and the responses from Cabinet Members.

Open Session

This part of the meeting was scheduled to allow any Member to make a contribution of up to two minutes, primarily on matters affecting their ward.

Any Other Business That the Mayor Considers Urgent

This item was reserved for any urgent business that the Mayor deemed necessary to bring before the Council.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 14 September 2026.