News on Camden Housing and Property Resident's Panel

As we move into Autumn the panel met for session 6.

Scot gave a mini-introduction and spoke about the new roll-out of text messages, which will provide instant updates regarding lifts that may be out of service.

The instant update text messages will be rolled-out via a pilot scheme in Chalcots Estate (Taplow), and Wanwick Estate.

For the next resident panel session, we will be recruiting an additional 7 members to the team and all attendees will receive £40.00 vouchers for each session.

Jenny Rowlands Chief Executive

Jenny Rowlands attended session 6 of the resident panel and gave a brief overview of Camden Council’s objectives and goals for the future. Camden are continuing to build council homes and community centres, supporting mental health, creating safe places and help for vulnerable residents.

Jenny previously worked in social housing, and covered sections such as policies, communications, environments, parking, and waste issues. Jenny first worked in Camden Council as the Executive Director for Supporting Communities before making the move and applying to become the Chief Executive of Camden Council.

Jenny expressed that the number one priority for Camden Council, is housing and the cost of living.

Cost of housing in London has changed everything for a lot of people and the waiting lists for public housing has become exceptionally long. With winter fast approaching and to help combat the cost of living, warm spaces have been opened for residents to attend via different funded projects.

Jenny also explained that food banks and financial hardship grants for families will be available.

The London Borough of Camden is currently experiencing the lowest birth rates in many years. Nonetheless, Camden Council is committed to making family friendly policies and prioritising families with younger children.

Camden’s central project team is currently visiting every estate and carrying out a door knocking exercise, to help understand what the community needs. Jenny also stated that community safety is a big issue for residents, and she explains that her team will continue to ensure that we make Camden a safe place to live in.

Objectives to improve services.

• All departments working closely together to help streamline services.

• When members of the public contact the council, one officer will be able to assist or sign post to relevant officers/teams, instead of members of the public constantly repeating themselves/requests.

• Adult social care team to work closely with the housing department

• More lighting required around Camden

• Make sure Camden is kept clean

• Working close with Local police

• Support victims of anti-social behaviour

Mental health support

Jenny explained how mental health support and issues are dealt with across the Borough and in different departments.

Camden works with a number of different organisations that are in partnership with Camden Council. If residents feel that they are not getting the correct support, it can be escalated to supervisors and managers.

Damp & Mould

Camden council are running a large project to tackle damp and mould in residents homes. When residents report a damp and mould issue, a surveyor will be sent to inspect the severity. A second job will then be raised for the damp to be removed. If repairs are needed to be carried out, to help combat the damp issues, these will be passed alongside the second job.

Working with the Cabinet

Politicians provide a manifesto and take the commitments to the Chief Executive and her team. A report is then written in order to deliver these programmes. It should be noted that any works undertaken, will need to be carried out within the law and depending on the amount of funding received.

Estate Issues

Estate Officers and/or workers have set times to attend to their duties. Officers often arrange for leaflets and information to be distributed in and around the estates for residents information. Supervisors regularly meet up with caretakers to discuss any issues arising. Should you need to repot something and you have missed them, you can speak to your housing officer.

Maria Jacobs- Head of Neighbourhoods - Anti-Social Behaviour/Reporting

Anti-social behaviour is dealt with by a dedicated ASB Team. The ASB Team often carry out work behind the scenes and a lot of their work is confidential and in-depth. This is the reason residents may not hear from the Team from time to time. However, if the case includes relevant parties, you will be provided with an update on you case, periodically. Investigations do take time as all information gathered that may need to go to court needs to be accurate.

Under Maria Jacob’s team, they cover 33,000 properties.

The closure of community centres can be discussed further. At the moment the RP can obtain information on what community halls are available and which ones have been closed.

Since the pandemic, many staff have suffered with various issues (health wise). We are aware that this can impact on services and we are working hard to improve staff ratios and work load.

Regeneration

The Regeneration Team sit under Property Services. Every five (5) years Stock Condition surveys take place at all our properties to see if homes need refurbishments, such as kitchens and bathroom. The homes that need urgent works are given priority.

Please refer to detailed regeneration information by using the link below:-

https://www.camden.gov.uk/planning-regeneration

Camden operates in conjunction with the Government and partners an apprenticeship scheme. Residents wishing to apply for a position as an apprentice, need to contact their local jobcentre or check Camden’s website.

Disabled residents wishing to volunteer can contact Camden’s Mutual Aid Groups for more information.

Future Panel Sessions

We will work on sending out calendar invites and text message services for future panel sessions.