The Housing Scrutiny Committee of Camden Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss updates on the private sector housing service and the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, as well as the council's policies and procedures for dealing with anti-social behaviour. The committee also reviewed void property performance, received an update from the Cabinet Member for Better Homes and Homelessness Prevention, and considered the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Update on Private Sector Housing Service and Implementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the council's efforts to improve standards within the private rented sector, with a particular focus on the planning and implementation of new responsibilities arising from the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This legislation aims to enhance tenant protections, introduce new duties for landlords and letting agents, and strengthen enforcement powers for local authorities. The report was expected to detail the governance arrangements for implementation, operational impacts, data requirements, and workforce implications. It was also anticipated that the report would cover the council's communications and engagement strategies to inform private renters and landlords about the Act, as well as the emerging resource implications for the council's enforcement and reporting duties. The report recommended that the committee note the impacts of the Act and the ongoing development of communications, engagement, and workforce plans.

Anti-Social Behaviour - Update on Policy and Procedures for Council Tenants and Leaseholders

A report was scheduled to update the Housing Scrutiny Committee on the progress of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and community safety work across the borough. The report was expected to outline next steps to strengthen the council's approach to ASB, in line with its We Make Camden pledge to ensure residents are safe in their homes and communities. The council's ASB Policy and Procedure, published in September 2024, and the Good Neighbourhood Management Policy, published in April 2026, were to be discussed. The report was also to detail the outcomes of a commissioned ASB review, which aimed to address concerns about the council's ability to manage complex ASB cases. Key successes from this review, including increased use of enforcement tools, the recruitment of new ASB Officers, and the development of a dedicated ASB dashboard, were to be highlighted. The report also indicated an upcoming housing and ASB deep dive to further analyse ASB information and support data-driven service improvements.

Void Property Performance

The committee was scheduled to review Camden's void property performance and the progress of the Voids Improvement Programme. This programme aims to reduce turnaround times for empty properties, improve oversight, strengthen accountability, and bring more homes back into use more quickly. The report was expected to set out the current performance position, progress made since the previous report, and the key risks and challenges affecting performance. It was also to detail the actions being taken to improve the entire process from a property becoming empty to a new tenant occupying it. The report noted that as of 30 June 2026, there were 327 active voids, a reduction from a previous peak, and that average overall key-to-key routine turnaround times had decreased. The Voids Improvement Programme has set targets to reduce routine turnaround times to consistently below 100 days, with a stretch target of 50 days.

Update from Cabinet Member for Better Homes and Homelessness Prevention

Councillor Anna Wright, Cabinet Member for Better Homes and Homelessness Prevention, was scheduled to provide an update on several key areas within her portfolio. This update was expected to cover improvements to housing IT systems, including work on temporary accommodation, Awaab's Law, resident interaction systems, and compliance management. The report was also to highlight the new in-house gas boiler team, the lift repair SMS update service, preparations for the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), and winter preparedness for heating and hot water systems. Additionally, an update on the progress of safety works at the Chalcots Estate and the wider building safety programme was anticipated.

Work Programme and Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider its work programme and forward plan for 2026/27. This report was to suggest a possible work programme for the scrutiny committee and provide an update on actions requested at previous meetings. The committee would have the opportunity to make further suggestions or amendments to the proposed workplan and consider any forthcoming key Cabinet decisions within its remit. The report also reminded members of the constraints on council resources and the approach to running Member-led panels with limited officer support.