Key Points
- Camden Council, run by Labour, approved its 2026/27 budget on Monday, March 2, 2026, during a full council meeting.
- The budget includes a 4.99% council tax increase, comprising 2.99% for general funding and 2% ring-fenced for adult social care.
- Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, Cllr Camron Aref-Adib, described increasing the levy as the “pragmatic” choice for a “budget for everyone”, while noting difficult decisions ahead.
- The council faces a £19.6m overspend this financial year and a real-terms fall in core spending power over the next three years due to national funding changes.
- Key investments: £4m for planting new trees (as per opposition proposals, though Labour’s strategy aims for 250 annually); funding for jet washing streets and high-performance cleaning equipment to tackle litter and keep high streets clean; continuation of £2m Cost of Living Crisis Fund providing up to £500 payments for essentials like food and bills to struggling families.
- £29.9m to retrofit 3,000 council homes, reducing energy bills and emissions.
- Additional £1.04m on street cleaning, totalling £26m for rubbish, recycling, and cleanliness.
- Boost to community safety: more CCTV, new safety officers targeting anti-social behaviour hotspots.
- Generous welfare support: over 16,000 households pay no council tax, nearly 6,000 get reductions; specific discount for households with terminally ill residents.
- Labour delayed the medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) by a year to assess government’s Fair Funding Review and national policy changes.
- Liberal Democrat amendment (proposed by Cllr Simon, seconded by Cllr Dixey) rejected; sought extra funding for homelessness (e.g., 5 Routes Off the Streets workers, 10 TA officers, 37 homes purchase), safety (more officers, CCTV), age-friendly plan, trees (245 extra), climate engagement, music education; funded by renting 5 Pancras Square floors and selling Crowndale Centre. Voted for: Cllrs Dixey, Jirira, Kirk, Simon. Against: majority Labour. Abstain: Cllr Russell.
- Conservative amendment (proposed by Cllr Adams, seconded by Cllr Parkinson) rejected; called for weekly bins on some streets, free garden waste, evening recycling centre, mature trees, builder controls, police base on Finchley Road, library grants, info packs, halve tax rise; funded by renting offices, shared services, cutting agency staff. Voted for: Cllrs Adams, Parkinson. Against: majority.
- Budget passed with Labour majority in favour; council tax for Band D Camden element: £1,615.98.
- Total council tax requirement: £154,792,070 including Garden Squares levies; GLA precept £490.38 Band D (up 4.1%).
- No feedback from non-domestic ratepayers consultation; equality impact assessment noted.
Camden (North London News) March 3, 2026 – Camden Council, the Labour-run local authority, voted through its budget for the 2026/27 financial year on Monday evening, approving a 4.99% council tax rise amid a £19.6m overspend and national funding pressures, with key allocations for tree planting, street jet washing, and £500 aid for struggling families.
The budget, set at a council tax requirement of £154,792,070 including Garden Squares levies, passed after recorded votes rejecting opposition amendments from Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. Cllr Camron Aref-Adib, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, laid out the proposals, calling the tax levy increase “pragmatic” to deliver a “budget for everyone” despite looming challenges.
What Triggered the Budget Approval?
Councillors rehearsed battle lines for upcoming local elections during the March 2 meeting at Camden Town Hall, where Labour’s proposals secured majority support. As reported in official council minutes, Cllr Aref-Adib proposed the recommendations, which included noting no feedback from non-domestic ratepayers consultation and the equality impact assessment.
The council grapples with a £19.6m overspend this year, driven by permanent pressures in social care and homelessness, as detailed in the Medium Term Financial Strategy update. London boroughs face over £600m overspend in 2024/25, with Camden forecasting £19m General Fund overspend.
Labour delayed the new MTFS by a year to digest the government’s Fair Funding Review and national policy shifts.
Why Did Council Tax Rise by 4.99%?
The 4.99% increase breaks down to 2.99% general and 2% for adult social care, setting Band D Camden element at £1,615.98, plus GLA precept of £490.38 (up 4.1%) for TfL, police, fire. Cllr Aref-Adib stated:
“This is a budget for everyone – one that will keep our borough safe, clean and thriving… rising inflation along with unprecedented nationwide pressures… mean that we have to make difficult decisions.”
The Section 25 notice assures sound assumptions and adequate reserves, with Executive Director Corporate Services confirming robustness. Council tax funds libraries, youth centres, street cleaning, safety, vulnerable support.
What Are the Major Investments in the Budget?
Key pledges protect “Outstanding” services: additional £20m in social care, health, children’s learning; £33.7m street cleaning with enforcement against flytipping/litter; £24.5m homelessness prevention.
Specifics include £29.9m retrofitting 3,000 council homes; new high-performance equipment for jet washing high streets; £2.1m Cost of Living Fund with up to £500 payments; more CCTV and safety officers. Tree planting aligns with strategy for 250 annually, opposition pushing £4m for more.
Fees and charges: new/increases over 7% approved, delegation for others up to 7%.
How Did Opposition Parties Respond?
Liberal Democrats’ amendment by Cllr Simon sought £18.5m for 37 TA homes, extra homelessness staff (£853k), safety boosts (£1.6m+), age/disabled plan (£268k), 245 extra trees (£278k), climate officers (£320k), music teachers (£148k); funded by £19m Crowndale sale, £2.2m 5PS rent, £1.1m savings. Lost with 4 for, majority against, Cllr Russell abstained.
Cllr Simon criticised Labour:
“Labour has run this council since 2010… running out of excuses… homelessness continues to rise… rubbish on our streets.”
Conservatives’ amendment by Cllr Adams proposed weekly bins, free garden waste, evening recycling, mature trees (£150k), builder controls, police base, library grants (£60k+), halve tax rise (£3.7m savings); funded by office rent, shared services (£3.6m), agency cuts (£1.7m). Lost 2- majority.
Cllr Adams highlighted neglect:
“Camden’s bi-weekly waste collection throws up detrimental issues… too many builders ignore… crime and antisocial behaviour has risen.”
Both rejected; Labour recommendations carried.
What Challenges Does Camden Face Financially?
Overspend stems from social care, SEND, homelessness crises; core spending power rises 5.11% cash but real-terms varies. Cllr Aref-Adib noted:
“At a time when more councils need exceptional financial support… our robust approach… bucks that trend.”
No major general balances use; reserves adequate. Post-Covid/cost-of-living impacts ongoing.
How Will the Budget Support Residents?
Prioritises vulnerable: 16,000 no council tax, 6,000 reductions; terminally ill discount; £500 essentials aid. Safer streets via officers/CCTV; cleaner borough with jet washing; thriving high streets.
Cllr Aref-Adib:
“We’re continuing to prioritise support for those who need it most through one of the most generous welfare support systems in London.”
What’s Next for Camden’s Finances?
Budget enables stability amid pressures; upcoming elections loom with rehearsed lines. Council sets standard with “Outstanding” ratings in children’s, adult care, youth justice.
Investments aim for “safe, clean and thriving” Camden, as per official statement. Full details in appendices on calculations, summary, fees.
