The Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss proposals for the Council Tax Support scheme for 2026/27, including an update to include a discount class for terminally ill residents experiencing financial difficulty. The committee was also set to review the Housing Ombudsman's Annual Complaint Handling and Service Improvement Report for 2024-25, alongside Camden's self-assessment against the Complaint Handling Code. Further items on the agenda included an update on the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Annual Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, and the committee's work programme for 2025/26.

Council Tax Support 2026/27 and Section 13A Discretionary Scheme Policy Update

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for Camden's Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme for the year 2026/27. The report indicated that Camden's current scheme is one of the most supportive in the country, with income bands based on the London Living Wage. It was proposed that the existing scheme remain in place for 2026/27, with income bands uplifted in line with the new London Living Wage levels.

Additionally, the committee was asked to approve an amendment to the Section 13A Discretionary Reductions Policy to include a new 'class' of discount for residents who are terminally ill and experiencing financial difficulty, even if they are not entitled to 100% Council Tax Support. This aims to provide greater prominence to this support and increase uptake. The report noted that while this support was previously covered under 'exceptional circumstances', creating a distinct class is intended to improve awareness.

Housing Ombudsman Annual Complaint Handling and Service Improvement Report and Complaint Handling Code Self-Assessment

This report was scheduled to provide an annual self-assessment of Camden Council's housing complaints performance against the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code. It was intended to include an analysis of housing complaints performance, any findings of non-compliance, service improvements made, the Housing Ombudsman's annual report on the landlord, and any other relevant reports. The report was to be presented to both the Resources and Corporate Performance Scrutiny Committee and the Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The report was noted to have considered the Housing Ombudsman's Paragraph 49 Investigation into the Council's handling of leaks, damp and mould complaints and repairs. This investigation concluded in July 2025, with the Housing Ombudsman satisfied that all recommendations had been addressed. The agreed final action plan was attached as an appendix.

London Borough of Camden Annual Complaints Report 2023/2024

This report was scheduled to provide a corporate overview of complaints across all directorates for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. It was also intended to signpost readers to detailed results for individual services and provide information on decisions issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) and the Housing Ombudsman (HO) during the same period. The Council's Constitution requires that Ombudsman decisions on cases involving maladministration should be presented to Cabinet annually.

Review of the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy

The committee was set to receive an update on the Council's current financial position, including risks, issues, and uncertainties facing its financial resilience over the medium term. The report was also to cover the latest outlook for the Council's funding and spending following the 2025 Spending Review and Fair Funding Review, ahead of the Autumn Budget and Local Government Finance Settlement. Additionally, it was to provide an overview of the wider economic outlook, the Council's forecast outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year, its proposed approach to reserves, and commentary on service areas facing particular financial pressures, including mitigations. Recommended fees and charges for 2026/27 and the Council's Capital Programme were also scheduled for discussion.

Annual Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living was scheduled to present their annual report for discussion by the committee. This report would provide an overview of the portfolio's activities and performance over the past year.

Work Programme 2025/26

This paper was intended to provide an outline of the committee's work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. The committee was asked to review the proposed items and suggest any amendments or additional topics they wished to discuss.

The committee was also scheduled to address apologies, declarations of interest, announcements, deputations, and any urgent business. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 November 2025 were also to be approved.