The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on 15 September 2025 to discuss resident engagement on anti-social behaviour, the Green Space Investment Programme, and the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities, and Cohesion. The committee was also expected to review its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year.

Camden Green Space Investment Programme

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Camden Green Space Investment Programme (GSIP) 2026-2030. According to the report pack, the GSIP has been developed to ensure that future capital investment in Camden's parks and green spaces aligns with the council's 'We Make Camden' objectives¹ and Camden Missions², and delivers investment within available funding. The report pack states that the five-year programme is reviewed and updated annually.

The report pack notes that investment in parks and green space is seen as a cost-effective way to promote health and wellbeing. It states that access to green space in Camden is not equal, with 39% of residents not having access to a shared or private garden, highlighting the importance of high quality public green space within the borough.

The report pack states that the GSIP identifies the areas of Camden in greatest need, then matches available funding to deliver specific projects and profiles their implementation over the programme period. This funding includes Section 106³, Local Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), external funding, as well as projects funded through capital receipts.

The report pack identifies three key priorities in the GSIP 2026-2030:

1. Encourage healthy lifestyles and outdoor activity
2. Promote inclusivity and accessibility
3. Deliver climate resilience

The report pack also includes a draft of the Green Space Investment Programme 2026-2030, a summary of the Camden Parks Survey, and a play and informal sports quality assessment.

The report pack states that the Green Space Investment Programme 2026 - 20230 will continue allocate open space section 106 funding to green space investment based on five catchment areas to ensure funds are distributed effectively and to where they will achieve the greatest impact.

The report pack also states that the five neighbourhood areas have been chosen based on the key areas of development growth within Camden, harnessing the opportunity that developer contributions bring.

The report pack also includes a list of proposed parks, HRA Housing, and Highways projects for 2026/27, as well as strategic project allocations.

Resident Engagement on Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Safety

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from Councillor Edmund Frondigoun, Cabinet Advisor on Resident Engagement on Anti-social Behaviour and Community Safety, which explores and sets out recommendations on what the council can do to engage with residents on anti-social behaviour and community safety.

The report pack states that Camden Council has always prioritised ensuring the decisions they make are representative of their constituents, and that without active listening, engagement and involvement, the council loses sight of its true purpose.

The report pack also notes that anti-social behaviour (ASB) has a damaging impact on communities, not only through serious large-scale incidents, but also through the everyday actions that may be considered smaller but accumulate to impact the crime climate of an area.

The report pack includes three recommendations:

1. The council and police should work in partnership to issue proactive targetted communications on Community safety to Camden residents, providing an update on council and police activity and providing information about meetings and support.
2. The council should take responsibility for the Camden communities ability to engage and hold the police to account at ward level.
3. The council should take proactive measures to tackle forms of antisocial behaviour which have a specific impact on certain lesser heard from groups and should communicate these actions to a wider audience.

Annual Report of the Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities, and Cohesion

The committee was scheduled to receive the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities, and Cohesion. The report pack states that the report showcases the breadth of work being carried out in Camden to strengthen communities, promote equality, and create opportunities for every resident to thrive. It highlights the partnerships that have been built with the voluntary and community sector (VCS), and the determination to respond with compassion, creativity, and resilience to the challenges that continue to shape the lives of residents.

The report pack notes that Camden has continued to prioritise investment in the Voluntary and Community Sector, recognising its crucial role in supporting residents and driving local action. It states that through the VCS Investment Programme and wider community partnerships, the council has provided significant grant funding, over £4 million across a range of programmes, empowering local organisations to deliver essential services, tackle inequality, and create opportunities for residents.

The report pack also highlights the progress made in embedding equality into every aspect of the council's work, from addressing under-representation in sport and leisure, to supporting disabled residents through the Disability Oversight Panel, to celebrating and amplifying LGBTQ+ communities.

The report pack also includes information on the following topics:

• Building Cohesion and Resilience in Camden
• Camden's Role in a Challenging Year
• Interfaith Network and Cohesion Work
• The Cohesion Fund
• Camden's Response to the Global Context
• Overview of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)
• VCS Funding & Support Initiatives
• Camden Advice Network – Debt and Financial Hardship Support
• We Make Camden Project Fund
• Resilience Fund and Organisational Development Support
• Cost-of-Living Response
• VCS Partnerships
• Neighbourhood Empowerment
• Borough of Sanctuary
• Diversity Mission
• Inclusion Initiatives
• LGBTQ+ Community
• Disability Inclusion
• Care Conscious Council
• Diversity in the Public Realm Strategy
• Inclusive Leisure offer
• Leisure Centre Investment
• Active for Life (60+)
• Youth Programmes
• Get Active Programme (GAP)
• Leisure Diversity & Inclusion
• Outdoor Initiatives
• Health & Mental Wellbeing Partnerships
• Future Directions for Leisure and Wellbeing in Camden

Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2025/26 and Action Tracker

The committee was scheduled to receive a report that provides an update on the work programme for the committee for the 2025/26 municipal year and tracks actions from previous meetings.