This meeting of the Camden Town District Management Committee will feature discussion on several significant topics, including updates on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2025/26, the ongoing Housing Transformation programme, and the potential installation of CCTV on estates that are not currently part of the network. The committee will also hear updates on the Regis Road Regeneration Strategy, specifically regarding the re-provision of the Holmes Road Depot, and will consider several new bids for funding from local Tenant and Resident Associations.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget

The report pack for the meeting contains a detailed report on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2025/26. The report highlights a projected overspend of £3.5m in the current financial year (2024/25) due to several factors including increased repair costs, high interest rates, and the need for a higher contribution to the Major Repairs Reserve.

The report states that the main source of income for the HRA is social rents, and the maximum permitted rent increase for 2025/26 is 2.7% under the current Rent Standard. This would generate an additional £3.7m for the HRA.

The report also notes that the government is currently consulting on a possible five-year extension of the Rent Standard at CPI +1%, with the possibility of a ten-year agreement. The committee will be asked to consider various proposals related to rent increases and service charges, as well as options for cost savings, and will be expected to provide feedback on the Council's strategy at a joint DMC meeting in January 2025.

The report emphasizes that:

The 2025/26 budget must focus on the financial sustainability of the HRA, eradicating overspends, delivering on MTFS (medium term financial strategy) savings and replenishing the reserves.

Housing Transformation Programme

The report pack contains an update on the progress of the Housing Transformation Programme, a wide-ranging effort to improve Camden's housing services amidst financial and regulatory challenges. The report states that the programme aims to deliver a more resident-centered approach to housing services, with a focus on improved communication, accessibility, and data-driven decision-making.

The report highlights several recent achievements of the programme, including:

• Streamlining housing service areas and appointing new Heads of Service
• Slowing the increase in rent arrears
• Improving services for victims of domestic violence and abuse
• Establishing Resident Panels for feedback on service delivery
• Developing a borough-wide approach to tackling anti-social behavior
• Holding a successful Resident Action Day¹

Camden Council held a Resident Action Day on the 10th of September 2024. This event was an opportunity for tenants and leaseholders to provide feedback on their experience as tenants and learn about the ongoing efforts to improve housing services. The success of the event is seen as a positive sign for the Council's commitment to greater tenant and leaseholder engagement.

The report also outlines upcoming priorities for the programme, including:

• Ensuring regulatory compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing's Consumer Standards
• Transforming the front door of housing services to make them more accessible and user-friendly
• Developing a new Asset Management Strategy
• Implementing a Relational Practice Model to improve communication and build stronger relationships with tenants
• Improving data services to support better decision-making and service delivery
• Working with the Neighborhoods Programme to align approaches to place-based services
• Developing a new Tenant Participation Model
• Improving the Voids service to reduce turnaround times for empty properties

The report also discusses the recent restructure of Housing Services, which was designed to improve service delivery and address staff turnover.

CCTV Programme

The report pack includes a discussion paper on the Council's CCTV programme, which is funded by tenant and leaseholder service charges. The paper states that 42% of the 55 estates identified for upgrades have been completed, and 77% of the old cameras have been replaced with new high-definition cameras.

The paper notes that DMC Chairs have asked about the possibility of adding estates that are not currently on the CCTV network, and it sets out the considerations that would need to be taken into account, including:

• Whether other, less intrusive methods are available
• Whether the use of CCTV would be proportionate and justifiable
• Whether it is technically and logistically possible to install cameras
• Whether there is community support for the installation

The paper states that funding would also need to be secured, and tenants and leaseholders would need to be consulted on any proposed service charges.

Regis Road Regeneration Strategy

The report pack includes an information report on the progress of the Regis Road Regeneration Strategy, specifically regarding the re-provision of the Holmes Road Depot. The report states that Yoo Capital, the Council's development partner, has prepared a masterplan for the regeneration area, which includes new film studios, workspaces, homes, and community spaces.

The report notes that Yoo Capital has conducted extensive public engagement, and a draft Camden Planning Guidance (CPG) document is currently being developed. The CPG will undergo statutory public consultation, and the Council will decide in early 2025 whether to adopt the masterplan.

The report states that Yoo Capital is required to seamlessly re-provide the Council's existing facilities at Holmes Road, including the 25 homes attached to the depot. The report notes that the Council's repairs service is involved in the planning process to ensure that the new facilities meet its current and future needs.

Camden Town DMC Budget

The report pack includes a budget report for the Camden Town DMC, which outlines the current budget allocation, progress on approved bids, and any new bids submitted for consideration. The report states that the total budget for the financial year 2024/2025 is £155,380.00, and £11,927.00 has been allocated to approved bids to date.

The report notes that there were no new bids for consideration at the September meeting, but there are three new bids for consideration at the November meeting. These bids are:

• Ampthill Square TRA: Supply and install 7 Gerda H36 locks and 7 MDP Lockable Fire Switch Boxes (£6,000.00).
• Walker House TRA: Supply 2 park benches (£3,000.00).
• Ossulston TRA: Levita House North Yard new planter and community garden project (£18,212.00).

The report also provides an update on the progress of previously approved bids.

Update from Cabinet Member for Better Homes

The report pack includes an update from Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, the Cabinet Member for Better Homes. The report discusses several key areas of the Better Homes portfolio, including financial pressures on the HRA, repairs and maintenance, fire safety, temporary accommodation, anti-social behavior, and resident engagement.

The report highlights the following:

• Financial Pressures on the HRA: The HRA is facing significant financial strain due to historic funding cuts, rising costs, and increasing demand for temporary accommodation. Camden is working with London Councils to lobby for a long-term rent settlement and comprehensive debt review.
• Repairs and Maintenance: The Housing Transformation Programme is focused on improving the repairs service, with a focus on increased resource allocation, process refinement, and staff training.
• Fire Safety: Camden is committed to high fire safety standards and has made significant progress in recent years.
• Temporary Accommodation: Homelessness rates are rising, and the demand for temporary accommodation is putting pressure on Camden’s services. Camden has secured £20 million to increase the availability of temporary accommodation.
• Anti-Social Behavior: Camden has a new ASB policy that takes a victim-centered approach. The council has established an ASB Taskforce that works with local law enforcement and community groups.
• Resident Engagement: Camden is investing in resident engagement through digital channels and in-person outreach. The Council has established several resident panels to provide feedback on service delivery.

The report also discusses the challenges facing the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Camden, including high rental costs, substandard property conditions, and overcrowding. The report outlines Camden's efforts to improve the PRS through licensing schemes, housing enforcement, and tenant support.