Labour Rejects Liberal Democrat Budget Amendments to Tackle Homelessness, Crime, and Climate Change

At this year’s Camden Council Budget Meeting, the Liberal Democrat Group put forward a series of amendments aimed at tackling some of the borough’s most pressing challenges, including homelessness, crime, accessibility for older and disabled residents, and climate change. Our proposals sought to fund additional outreach workers for rough sleepers, increase support for those in temporary accommodation, and boost efforts to combat drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. With a staggering £1 million squandered annually on empty office space at 5 Pancras Square and the Crowndale Centre left languishing and underused, the Labour administration’s inaction is a glaring symbol of complacency in the face of mounting challenges. Our amendments covered:

1. Homelessness and Rough Sleeping

The Liberal Democrats sought to address Camden’s worsening homelessness crisis, noting that the borough had the second-highest number of rough sleepers in England, with at least nine homeless individuals dying in the past year. Our proposals included:

• Funding for five additional Routes Off the Streets outreach workers to provide direct support to rough sleepers.
• Hiring ten additional Temporary Accommodation support officers to assist individuals and families in temporary housing.
• Selling the under-used Crowndale Centre and using the proceeds to purchase an additional 37 homes for temporary accommodation.

2. Drug Dealing, Anti-Social Behaviour, and Rubbish

To tackle community safety and street cleanliness, the amendments proposed:

• Increased funding for tackling drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, ensuring greater enforcement and preventative measures.
• Investment in waste management improvements, reducing rubbish and enhancing street cleanliness.

3. Making Camden an 'Age and Disabled Friendly Borough'

To make Camden more accessible and inclusive, the Liberal Democrats proposed:

• Enhancements to public spaces and services to better accommodate older residents and individuals with disabilities.
• Initiatives to improve accessibility in council facilities and promote age-friendly policies.

4. Tackling Climate Change

Recognising the importance of environmental sustainability, the proposed amendments included:

• Measures to reduce Camden’s carbon footprint through green initiatives and investment in sustainability projects.
• Enhanced support for eco-friendly infrastructure to help residents and businesses transition to low-carbon solutions.

However, despite the clear need for action in these areas, the Labour administration once again rejected the proposals, choosing to maintain the status quo rather than take bold steps to improve life for residents​.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Tom Simon said:

"This is the fourth year in a row we have proposed disposing of under-used Council buildings and each year the Labour administration has made excuses about practical challenges which could have now been easily overcome. Given the great pressures on the council's finances which we've heard from the cabinet member for finance, it is both lazy and complacent not to make better use of these opportunities. There is literally a million pounds being wasted every year on empty office space in 5 Pancras Square."

Cllr Judy Dixey said: “The Council and Labour Administration could go so much further than what is currently proposed. We have put forward several proposals which support what we all want - to improve life for our residents”

On homelessness and rough sleeping, Cllr Nancy Jirira attacked the Labour Party’s lack of ambition in tackling these issues, saying "Surely homelessness is an issue that we strive to actually solve in Camden." Speaking on the same issue, Cllr Matthew Kirk said: "We say adding officer capacity to the overstretched Routes Off The Streets team and a temporary accommodation team would assist in the crisis that we all recognise needs addressing—we found the money to do it."

You can read the full Liberal Democrat amendments in detail here.