Camden magazine February 2016

Your guide to council services | February 2016

Youth MP

They wanna be elected @camdentalking

facebook.com/LBCamden

camden.gov.uk

Inside

24-25 The Camden magazine is distributed free to all homes in Camden to give you information about our services.

It is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources.

Digital edition Go to camden.gov.uk/ camden to find out how to access our digital magazine 2 | Camden | February 2016

Volunteering in Camden

Website: camden.gov.uk Email: camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk Twitter: @camdentalking Communications team Camden Council Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE

Distribution from 5 February 2016 Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: 020 7974 5717 Costs 15 pence a copy to produce.

Cover image: Philip McCorkell

You can receive your copy of the Camden magazine in large print, on audio tape or in another language by phoning 020 7974 5717.

7

6-7

News in focus Make sure you’re registered to vote New homes in Gospel Oak

8-10

News in brief New homes in Gospel Oak

12-13

Changes to housing allocation rules Youth group visit to European Parliament Get clean for the Queen Apply for community festivals funding Making Camden greener Local plan consultation Primary schools are some of the best

14

Feature Good mental health in schools Improving housing conditions

22-23 Feature

15-18

Helping to keep adults safe

26-29 Feature

Latest on our financial challenge

What’s on and happening in schools in your local area

30-31 Feature

HS2: The latest news 3

Mo needs more support at home but his family refuse outside help.

His health is getting worse.*

No one has to suffer in silence Put a stop to abuse Call in confidence any time 020 7974 4000

There were 40,885 cases of adult neglect in 2014/15 * Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

and select option 1

Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Say

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Camden Clinical Commissioning Group

camden.gov.uk/asg 4 | Camden | February 2016

to ab use

Welcome

to the February edition of the Camden magazine challenge the Town Hall has ever faced and on pages 26-29 you can read the latest on the tough decisions we’ve had to make to save £78 million by 2017/18 when our funding from Government will have been nearly cut in half.

watch the video

Councillor Sarah Hayward Leader of the Council

A

s this is the first edition of the magazine of 2016 I would like to wish all our readers a belated Happy New Year.

2015 was certainly a challenging year for us as a Council, but with your help I’m proud that we have delivered on some things that we know will make a real difference to people’s lives.

Our achievements come despite dealing with the biggest financial

A high profile example of these difficult choices was shown in the detailed consultation process we carried out last year about the savings we need to make from our library service. We openly presented the range of options and cost implications for the future of the service and involved hundreds of local people in those choices. I am pleased that so many people took part in that process and that we, as a community, have found ways to keep our libraries open although this will mean making the difficult choice of reducing staffing costs.

Lack of affordable housing will continue to be one of our biggest challenges this year and we believe passionately that everyone is entitled to a safe, decent and affordable home.

We think that one of the gravest threats to our borough in 2016 is the Government’s Housing and Planning Bill. We are deeply concerned that the Bill will make London’s housing crisis worse and are continuing to raise our concerns at every opportunity.

It will reduce the availability of genuinely affordable homes, drive up rents, reduce our ability to build and damage the sustainability of London’s socially mixed communities and its economy.You can read more about this on pages 12 and 13.

Despite the threat to housing in our borough, our Community Investment Programme (CIP) is still moving at pace and helping us to be one of the largest builders of genuinely affordable housing in London, with more homes planned to be completed for Camden families in 2016. On page 7 you can meet some of the residents who recently moved into their brand new homes in Gospel Oak. There is local content in this edition, on pages 15 to 18, so you can catch up with what’s happening in the schools in your area, and get some ideas for going out, keeping fit, or new activities.

Although it looks like 2016 will be just as challenging as 2015, by working with all our communities and with your help, we believe we can build a borough where everyone has a chance to succeed and no one gets left behind. I hope you will keep reading and enjoying your magazine throughout the year and keeping up to date with our news.

5

News in focus

Has your New Year’s resolution already slipped?

r a e y s i Th ill: I w re o

m vel a r T

e up v i G

Why you should register to vote Registering to vote ensures that you’ll be ready to have your say on who represents you at all levels of government. With the London Mayoral and London Assembly elections coming up in May and an EU referendum planned before the end of 2017, we want to make sure

6 | Camden | February 2016

c

te

vo o t r

ste

i Reg

Despite having the best intentions, only a small percentage of people will stick to their New Year’s resolutions.

Did you know that some research has found that only 12% of people who set resolutions last year successfully kept them? With this in mind, we’re on a mission to encourage Camden residents to set a goal they can achieve in just three minutes: registering to vote.

late o c ho

Run

n tho a r a

am

you are ready to have your say.

You will recently have received a letter telling you who is currently registered at your address. If there is anyone missing they should register onine and if there are any changes you should contact the elections team on the details below.

It’s particularly important that anyone who has moved address recently looks out for the letter and checks whether they are registered.

It’s easy to do it online It’s quick and easy to register online

at gov.uk/register-to-vote – you just need your national insurance number and date of birth.

So, if you’re finding that your New Year’s resolutions are already starting to slip, don’t worry – here is a solution that will provide a sense of achievement while also giving you the opportunity to play your part in democracy.

Find out more e lectoral.services@ camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6000

News in focus

Residents move into their new homes at Cherry Court in Gospel Oak Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Sarah Hayward, opens the playground at Cherry Court

Tenants from the Bacton Low Rise Estate in Gospel Oak have been celebrating moving into their newly completed homes.

The new development, called Cherry Court, provides high quality, energy efficient housing and improved living spaces.

Cherry Court, which has been built on the former district housing office site, is phase one of the Bacton Low Rise re-development project, providing 67 new homes.

The second phase of the scheme will see a further 61 new homes for council rent and 156 homes for sale, 10 shared ownership units and three employment spaces. The

Maria Marques, who loves her new home

New resident Julia Jackson

re-development project is part of Camden’s Community Investment Programme (CIP).

TRA’s hard work has paid off. I have a new warm home and my grandkids love the new play area.”

The Bacton Low Rise Tenants and Residents Association (TRA), said: “It’s been hard work getting to where we are today, but a big achievement working as a team and getting support from the great community on the estate.”

Tenants Joseph and Louise Ryan, said: “We’d been living in Bacton Low Rise for 40 years. We are now in our 80s and we wanted to downsize as our kids have moved out and the staircase was a problem for us, but we didn’t want to leave Gospel Oak. Our new home is great – it’s very modern and well insulated.”

Tenant Maria Marques said: “After 23 years of living in Bacton Low Rise, l love my new home. It’s a warm and spacious home and my family love it here.”

Tenant and TRA member Julia Jackson said: “Five years of the

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/cip

7

News in brief

We’ve improved the housing allocation system We’ve made changes to who gets priority for council homes because the old system wasn’t working. Our housing list was no longer accurate and residents told us that they wanted it to be fairer.

The new scheme will give more priority to families living in overcrowded conditions and help keep Camden’s diverse communities together by giving greater priority to local people.

residents who are on the housing list bid for properties by updating the Home Connections website.

We’re introducing an app that will work on tablets and smart phones and will make bidding for properties even easier.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/ housingapplication

We’ve also improved the way that

Youth group visit European Parliament Young people found out how European democracy works during a visit to Brussels.

The 17 members of South Camden Youth Action Group (YAG), which represents local young people in the south of the borough, toured the European Parliament in Brussels as part of a three-day trip organised by the Council’s youth support service.

Youth worker Million Hailemariam said: “Young people feel they now have a better understanding of democracy and how decisions that 8 | Camden | February 2016

have an impact on Europe and the UK are made. It was a great opportunity that enabled them to broaden their horizons, as well as develop research and team work skills.”

YAG member Tahmin Hussain said: “I learnt about the European Parliament, its structure and functions, as well as about the city of Brussels.”

Fellow YAG member Kassie Pererame said: “The trip to Brussels was something I will never forget. It was very educational and fun too.”

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/youth

News in brief Hold a community clean up – for Camden and the Queen their neighbourhoods as part of a campaign to tidy up Britain for The Queen’s 90th birthday.

We’re asking residents to hold community clean-ups as part of the Clean for the Queen campaign and to help keep Camden tidy.

On 4 to 6 March, around one million people across the country are expected join in and clean up

Get involved You can find an event near you at cleanforthequeen.co.uk, or why not organise a clean-up in your neighbourhood? We can supply you with cleaning equipment, litter pickers and gloves, and help publicise your event.

If every person in Camden picked up just one piece of litter and put it in a bin, that would be more

than 230,000 pieces of rubbish disposed of.

In Camden it costs £8.36 million a year to keep the streets clean, so your help to tackle litter and help recycle not only helps our environment, but helps to save money which can be spent on vital services.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/cleanstreets

Apply for community festivals funding Applications to our Community Festivals Fund for 2016/17 events are welcome until Monday 29 February 2016.

Despite continuing central government funding cuts, we have maintained the £35,000 community festivals grant pot, in recognition of the important role events play in improving community cohesion.

Applications will be scored against criteria assessed by an independent panel. Successful applications will also have all nonstatutory fees and charges for the event waived, such as charges for road closures.

Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) administers the grant process on our behalf and decisions will be announced by them by Monday 11 April 2016.

Unfortunately in the current climate of cuts to council funding, we can no longer cover the costs for all community events. Following feedback from residents, however, we have introduced a flat fee of £100 for smaller community events and street parties, to assist with covering some of the costs.

Find out more Apply online at vac.org.uk

9

News in focus

Green actions for change Working together, residents and businesses have helped us to make Camden a more sustainable and ‘green’ borough.

Town, and delivering external wall insulation to over 120 council homes to help cut energy use and reduce fuel bills for residents.

Key successes include cutting carbon dioxide emissions per person by 15.7% since 2005, starting work on Camden’s latest low carbon energy network serving over 330 homes in Somers

Further achievements are set out in our fourth annual review of Green Action for Change (GAfC), Camden’s environmental sustainability plan (2011-2020).

The review provides a summary of progress against our 2014-16 action plan and Green Action for Change’s long-term goal of creating a low carbon and low waste borough.

This year we’ll continue to focus on areas such as reducing Camden’s household waste, increasing the energy efficiency of council homes, improving air quality and making Camden the best borough in London for cyclists and pedestrians.

For free advice on how to save energy at home call the Green Camden helpline on 0800 801 738.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/greenaction

Shaping the future of Camden Last year many of you took part in the draft Local Plan consultation to have your say and influence the planning policies we use to decide the look and feel of the borough.

After considering your comments, we will be consulting on the revised version of the Local Plan in February and March 2016.

You told us that the following are important to you: • managing the impact of basements • delivering more housing and affordable housing • protecting pubs and other valued community facilities • protecting employment space.

10 | Camden | February 2016

The revised Local Plan and details of how comments have been taken into account are on our website.

This will be the last opportunity to comment before the plan is sent for public examination by a Planning Inspector. When finalised the Local Plan will be the basis for planning decisions in the borough.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/localplan

News in brief

Primary schools among best in country Camden primary schools are among the best in the country, according to the latest government performance tables.

Eighty-six per cent of Camden pupils achieved the expected level four or above in the annual tests for 11 year-olds in reading, writing and maths – placing the borough’s schools joint seventh nationally.

pupils achieved the government benchmark. The school was also ranked among the best in the country, based on average point score per pupil.

Among the top performing schools was Kingsgate Primary School in NW6, where 100% of

Headteacher Liz Hayward said: “We are very proud to achieve such excellent results. Kingsgate

has incredibly dedicated staff and a fantastic community with high aspirations for their children.”

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/schools

Get zapping those nappies Disposable nappies should go in with your general rubbish, but because it can take up to 500 years for them to biodegrade, we are looking at ways to recycle them.

As part of this this, in March we are trialling a free collection service for disposable nappies in partnership with NappyZap. At present the trial is only to test the system for future delivery to recycling facilities – nappies collected in the pilot will not be recycled – but we hope that if the trial is successful we will be able

to offer a full recycling service at a later date and divert them from landfill.

We need your help We need your help to test the system. It’s free to take part and you can sign up online at nappyzap.com. As part of the four week trial we’ll give you a free nappy bin which you can keep after the trial is over.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/recycling

11

Feature

Improving housing conditions in Camden

Landlords of shared houses, converted flats and bedsits in Camden must now have a licence.

Over a third of households in Camden rent their home from a private landlord – which is why one of the Council’s top priorities is to make sure that privately rented homes in the borough are in good condition.

“The new scheme is already benefiting residents – for instance we’re finding a lot of properties where the fire precautions need to be improved. When this has been done tenants will be much safer in their homes.

More than 20,000 Camden residents live in shared housing. We surveyed these kind of homes and found many issues – such as health and safety risks, fire hazards, poor security and excess cold, which can cause mould and damp. So we decided to introduce a licensing scheme, to help us to improve living conditions for tenants.

“A major benefit of licensing schemes like this is that it means that properties are improved without tenants having to make complaints. Some tenants may not feel confident asking their landlords to make improvements, and this way the improvements will be made without them having to.”

Inspecting properties Under the new licensing scheme we will be inspecting properties, and advising landlords on what improvements they need to make before granting a licence.

Russell Pugh is an environmental health officer who carries out property inspections for the new scheme. He said: “We check for things like fire safety, adequate washing, cooking and refuse facilities, and the general state of repair of the property. We also make sure that the management arrangements are suitable, and that tenants know who to contact if they have an issue.

12 | Camden | February 2016

Working for Camden residents Before introducing the scheme we asked residents what they thought – and we found strong support for the licensing of landlords, with over 1,000 residents backing the idea.

How you can help If you rent shared housing, or a selfcontained flat in a converted house, ask your landlord about getting a licence, or contact us so we can advise them directly. Landlords face paying fines and rent refunds if they do not apply to get a licence.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/hmolicensing 020 7974 2543

Feature Have you heard about Government changes to housing?

The Government’s new housing plans will affect tenants in council and housing association homes, private renters and people trying to get onto the property ladder.

Here are some of the main pointsfrom the Government’s proposals: Pay to stay Social housing tenants to pay higher rents if their household income is more than £40,000 – and this extra rent will go to the Government.

The Council is against this proposal and we have responded to the Government asking that it doesn’t go ahead.

Council tenancies New council tenancies to be limited to a fixed term of two to five years.

The proposal doesn’t apply to current council tenants, meaning that no changes would be made to existing council tenancies.

What this could mean for residents Claire has lived in her home for 24 years and says she’d ‘struggle to survive’ if pay to stay goes ahead.

Claire said:

We can already offer fixed term tenancies in Camden but do not as our aim is to ensure our tenants have long-term housing security.

high value homes. We could have to consider selling our homes when they become empty and it could affect 40% of homes in our borough.

Right to buy extension

Starter homes

Housing association tenants will be able to buy their homes at a large discount.

A new type of housing that will be sold at a 20% discount. First time buyers aged under 40 will be eligible to buy them. The maximum cost of a starter home in Camden will be £450,000.

These proposals will require the Council to sell hundreds of social homes and send the proceeds to Government.

Selling high value council properties This involves the Government charging councils a fee for their home for nearly 20 years with her 10 year-old daughter. She said: “I think it would put my rent up by three to four times which would mean that I wouldn’t be able to live in the borough any longer. I’d really have to move.”

“I couldn’t afford to live or work in the borough anymore, so it would affect my employment, and probably drive me to the poverty line because I am within the lower end of salary threshold for this scheme.”

Next steps

Debra lives in a two-bedroom flat in Camden Town that has been her

The Council is against the plans.

We’re concerned that they could

The earliest any of these proposals could come into effect would be June.

Starter Homes could lead to a reduction in affordable homes in Camden, and most of them would be very expensive for an average earner. reduce affordable housing, affect employment and make living in Camden more difficult for some of our residents.

Tell us what you think about these proposals.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/housingbill housingnews@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444 13

Feature

Schools help awareness of good mental health Camden is one of 22 areas of the country to join a national scheme to improve the mental health and wellbeing of local schoolchildren.

– are part of the scheme, launched following an NHS report into children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing called Future in Mind.

Mental health champions Each of the participating Camden schools has appointed a ‘mental health champion’ to help identify and support pupils who are suffering from anxiety, depression or other problems, as well as help teachers and school support staff to spot the signs.

The aim is to identify problems at an earlier stage but also to improve referrals to NHS child and adolescent mental health services where this is needed.

The aim is to improve awareness among school staff of the mental health issues pupils face – as well as strengthen links between schools and local health services.

Twelve schools in Camden – six primary and six secondary schools

14 | Camden | February 2016

Lorna Ponambalum, assistant headteacher at Haverstock School, is one of the Camden staff to take on this important role.

She said: “The aim is to give our staff more confidence in dealing with the issues that students may be facing, including anxieties

around weight, exams or use of social media.

“We want to help demystify these issues by training staff to make them feel empowered to deal with problems and look for the signs of anything more serious, such as self-harming.

“A group to share good practice across all schools in Camden has also been set up.”

The local scheme is co-ordinated

by Camden’s NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and is supported by the local child and adolescent mental health service, called Open Minded.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/openminded

Local news Local news and getting out and about in King’s Cross, Bloomsbury, and Holborn and Covent Garden this winter

Vote for your new Camden Youth MP Hopeful candidates to be Camden’s next Youth MP, or one of two Deputy Youth MPs, are standing for election next month.

If you are of secondary school age and live, go to school, college, a youth project or work in Camden you can vote in the election, which is taking place at schools and youth centres in Bloomsbury, Holborn and Covent Garden and King’s Cross, as well as other parts of Camden, from 14 to 23 March.

The Youth MP, and two Deputy Youth MPs, are elected for two years and will be the voice for young people in Camden, representing their interests in local decision-making.

They will also put forward the views and interests of local young people at regional and national level through their participation in the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).

Hannah Morris, Camden’s Youth MP for 2014-16, has twice spoken

Youth MP Hannah Morris in the House of Commons.

Reproduced by permission of Parliament.

in the House of Commons during national UKYP debates, as well as meeting local and national decision-makers, writing a column for the local press, chairing Youth Council meetings and working on campaigns such as UKYP’s Make Your Mark.

Hannah, 16, said: “My experience as a youth MP has been phenomenal. Of course, it is hard work and exasperating at times, but the sense of achievement and success is definitely worth it.

“I’ve worked with such a variety of people and have had so many opportunities and experiences.

It’s an extraordinary job filled with memories you’ll never forget.”

Councillor Georgia Gould, Camden’s Cabinet Member for Young People and Economic

Growth, said: “I hope as many young people as possible will take part in this important Youth MP election next month.

“It is vital that young people have a strong local voice, especially with the continuing financial pressures on public services. The Youth MP and their deputies are listened to and respected by me and other decision-makers – this really is a great chance for young people to have their say and make a difference.”

Find out more camden.gov.uk/youthcouncil Join the conversation: @camdentalking #camdenyouth

15

Camden Youth Awards celebrate inspirational young people The Camden Youth Awards celebrated the success of young people’s achievements and their ability to overcome barriers but also the fantastic work of local youth support services.

The Inspirational Young Person of the Year was Paul Young, 18, who also won the Personal Journey Award. Paul has suffered with mental health issues and used his experiences of services to make a video with the Anna Freud Centre, to highlight his ways of coping and help other young people.

Among the King’s Cross area winners was South Camden Youth Access Point’s International Volunteer Project. This project was started by a group of volunteers five years ago and has given opportunities to over 50 young people to volunteer abroad.

Ten young people from SCYAP worked hard for nine months to raise £18,000 for the project.

They organised fundraising events, raffles, match funding and

16 | Camden | February February2016 2016

South Camden Youth Access Point with their award.

donations from individuals and businesses.

They then spent two weeks working in Bangladesh on projects ranging from tomato farming, planting trees, volunteering in a female orphanage, disability and drug rehabilitation projects.

Their award nomination statement said: “Young people felt they made a real difference to deprived communities and have made lifelong links.”

Last year Camden’s youth support services worked with 5,701 young people across the borough, with more than 800 achieving accreditations such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Arts Awards and Sports Leaders qualifications.

Projects run by Camden Council

and local voluntary groups support young people to develop their confidence and skills.

Councillor Georgia Gould, Cabinet Member for Young People and Economic Growth, who helped to present the awards at the Camden Centre, said: “This event was about celebrating the success of our young people but also the fantastic work of our youth workers who go out of their way to support them time after time.”

Find out more camden.gov.uk/youth See photos from the event on flickr.com Join the conversation: #camdenyouth

What’s on February is packed full of free and low-cost events and activities to get involved with in Camden. Find full listings to entertain all ages and interests at lovecamden.org Here’s a taster of what’s on in your area.

LGBT Late at the British Museum

To celebrate LGBT History Month, the British Museum is hosting an evening of performances and talks.

Admission is free and there’s no need to book, so drop by on Friday 12 February between 6 and 8.30pm.

Find out more: britishmuseum.org

From now until Sunday 15 May, view the UK’s largest ever exhibition of work by pioneering female comic artists. The exhibition at the House of Illustration features comic creators working across genres and generations from the 1800s to the present day, including graphic novels, comics and zines, many of which have never been available to the public before. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm and admission prices, which include entry to all exhibitions, are: adults £7.70, concessions £5.50, children £4.40, under fives free entry.

Find out more: houseofillustration.org.uk

© Laura Callaghan

Comix Creatrix: 100 Women Making Comics

17

17

What’s on Puerto Rico and New York salsa concert

The Camden Centre hosts this musical event on Saturday 13 February with performances by Ray de la Paz, Rafu Warner and Amilcar Boscan. The concert is for over 18s and tickets start at £30.

Find out more: camden.gov.uk/camdencentre 020 7974 5633

Cook’s Camden: An illustrated historical talk

Head to the Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre on Tuesday 16 February at 7.15pm (doors open at 6.45pm) for this talk by Mark Swenarton, architectural historian and critic. Learn about the housing designed and built in Camden during the years 1965-73 when Sydney Cook was Borough Architect. Housing schemes featured include Alexandra and Ainsworth, Branch Hill, Maiden

Lane, Dunboyne and Highgate New Town. If you’re interested in learning more about Camden’s history, the exhibition ‘Camden: The First 50 Years’ runs until Thursday 31 March (Monday 10am to 6pm, Tuesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday 10am to 5pm, alternate Saturdays 11am to 5pm).

Find out more: camden.gov.uk/localstudies

Careers and skills advice at Pancras Square Library Come along to Pancras Square Library to find the training that is right for you with the National Careers Service. Improve your reading, writing and maths, receive guidance to apply for funding to support your learning, develop your CV, improve your interview and presentation skills or learn tips to

1818| |Camden 2016 Camden| February | February 2016

help you progress in your current role. Available every Thursday, 10am to 4pm, by appointment only.

Find out more: 020 7974 4001

Feature

High

flyers

Do you want to improve your career prospects this year? If you want to get a degree and have bags of motivation, but don’t want a big student debt, we may be able to help with a Camden scholarship.

Accounting, MBA International and BSc e-Business and Entrepreneurship. The scholarships are open to Camden residents of all ages; both institutions qualify for UK student loans.

We’ve got a range of part and fully-funded scholarships with Camden-based Hult International Business School and Anglia Ruskin University, London. The scholarships are for undergraduate and postgraduate courses including: BSc Finance and

The deadline for applications is 4 April 2016.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/ camdenscholarships

Two students who have recently graduated are Selam Ibrahim and Eunice Santos

Selam Ibrahim

Selam Ibrahim says:

enhanced my career prospects.”

“I desperately wanted to work in international development but I needed a master’s degree to be competitive. Luckily I came across a Facebook post about the scholarship and just a few months later I was enrolled on Hult’s Masters of International Business programme.

Eunice Santos says:

“Hult is a uniquely practical institution; you are given the chance to study in three major cities and complete a six-week consultancy project with a Fortune 500 company, all in one year. Twelve months later I am now industry-ready and part of a global Hult network. Completing the master’s degree has definitely

“Having worked for nine years as a modern languages teacher, I was looking for an opportunity to refresh my previous business studies and experience. I needed an MBA. When I applied, I thought my age (58) would go against me, but it didn’t.

“My transition back into higher education was helped by dedicated tutors who supported me all the way. My formal classes were fitted into two days of tuition per week, so I kept working part time.

“I’m now looking forward to starting my own business in international trade.”

19

Feature

Recycling bin sins Your enthusiasm has helped us to reach a recycling rate of 26% of all waste, but we still need your help to make sure we recycle the right things.

No to:

Wood

Electrical items

Unfortunately a lot of what is being put in recycling bins isn’t recyclable which can cause whole lorry loads to be rejected by our recycling facilities.

This ‘contamination’ of each lorry load costs us an extra £50 per tonne and results in the load being sent for disposal and not recycling, which is bad for the environment and means we have less money to spend on vital services.

Many people do not realise that they are putting the wrong thing into the wrong bin, so we’ve put together a handy list of common items that should not be put into your recycle bin.

Wood Electrical items Coat hangers Hard plastic (toys) Black bags Polystyrene and bubble wrap

20 | Camden | February 2016

Hangers

Hard plastic (toys)

Nappies Soil and rubble Wood, plastic, and coat hangers can be taken to the Regis Road waste and recycling centre, along with electrical items which can also be taken to one of our on-street recycling sites.

Soil and rubble can also be taken to Regis Road re-use and recycling centre, but residents are restricted to six bags per month.

All the other common items should go into your general waste bins.

If you want to dispose of white electrical goods or bulky items, or garden waste you can book a collection online.

To help you store and carry your recycling to your bins we can provide you with free re-usable bags.

Please put dry recycling loosely into your recycling bin and not into black bags as our recycling crews

Polystyrene

Bubble wrap/packs

Nappies

cannot tell if they contain recycling or non-recyclable rubbish.

Remember, if in doubt, keep it out.

Food waste contamination Food left in packaging can cause recycling to be contaminated.

Please remember to rinse all food packaging and remove lids before putting it into your recycling bin.

We can supply you with a food caddy to dispose of cooked and uncooked food waste, including food scraps and peelings, leftovers and out of date items. However, please do not use plastic bags for food waste as they are not compostable.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/recycling

Feature

Good food in Camden

Here in Camden we’ve been a Fairtrade borough for over 11 years, and we are committed to working with the Camden Fairtrade Network to champion Fairtrade locally.

This commitment is one of the reasons why Camden has ranked fourth in the latest Good Food for London report, and has been recognised for consistently being in the top five London boroughs listed. The report, which looks at how London boroughs compare on their support for healthy, ethical food, also marks boroughs on their support for food growing and animal welfare.

In fact, Camden currently has

105 registered food growing spaces, 35 of which are looking for more volunteers. This is a great opportunity to get involved in food growing and access healthy, locally grown food. You can find out about the growing spaces local to you at capitalgrowth.org/spaces.

Over the past few years the Camden Fairtrade Network has run a number of events, including bake offs, and has worked closely with the Council’s procurement team to embed Fairtrade in our tendering processes.

We’re committed to only supplying Fairtrade bananas to the borough’s schools, and in 2015 we renewed our Fairtrade status for a further two years.

We’re also working with schools to promote sustainable fish, teaching primary school students

where fish comes from and the practice of sustainable fishing, with special lessons hosted in conjunction with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

In November last year, pupils at Primrose Hill School were treated to tastings of sustainably sourced fish, while learning how to make responsible food choices that can help protect the fish population of the future.

Visit our website to find out more about sustainable food and what’s happening in Camden during Fairtrade Fortnight, taking place from 29 February to 13 March 2016.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/greencamden

21

Feature

Keeping adults safe from abuse and neglect Abuse can happen to anyone. However, adults with care and support needs may be more at risk and unable to protect themselves. Learn how to spot the signs of abuse, and find out what to do if you or someone you know is being harmed.

Last year our adult social care team received 1,223 concerns that someone was being abused.

purpose or by someone who might not realise what they are doing.

Abuse is when someone is treated in a way that harms or exploits them. It might happen once or lots of times and can affect other people too. It could be done on

It can happen anywhere – at home, in a public place, a hospital, a care home or at a day centre.

Types of abuse Some of the most common types of abuse include:

Neglect

Psychological

Physical

Financial abuse

When someone allows an individual to suffer by failing to care for them properly or ignoring their needs. This could include not giving them food, medication, heating or personal care.

Threatening, bullying or forcing someone to do something, shouting, swearing or ignoring them, or saying things to embarrass or hurt their feelings.

Includes hitting, smacking, pushing, shaking, spitting, pinching, scalding, misusing medication, using illegal restraint or hurting someone in other ways, such as exposing them to extreme cold or heat.

Taking or misusing someone’s money or property or using it without their permission. This could include theft, fraud, internet or telephone scamming, pressure over property and inheritance, or misusing powers of attorney.

For example* Linda cares for her adult son which can be tough.

But being hit and abused by him is tougher.

For example* Harry’s mates always get him to pay the bill.

They tell him that’s what friends do.

For example* Mo needs more support at home, but his family are refusing to accept outside help. His health is getting worse.

22 | Camden | February 2016

For example* Charlie wants to get a job but his care worker keeps saying he doesn’t have a chance. His confidence is shrinking every day.

Feature There are lots of other types of abuse, including sexual abuse, domestic abuse, modern day slavery, self-neglect, discriminatory abuse and forced marriage. You can read more about all types of abuse at camden.gov.uk/asg.

Spotting the signs The signs of abuse and neglect can be difficult to detect.

If someone is being abused or is at risk, you may see one or more of these signs:

➊ multiple bruises or finger marks

➐ shortage of money for no apparent reason

➋ injuries they cannot give a realistic

➑ neediness – someone being clingy and wanting

➌ worsening health or weight loss for no obvious

➒ tearfulness and crying for

explanation for

affection

reason

no obvious reason and not saying why.

➍ inappropriate, dirty or inadequate clothing ➎ mood changes or becoming withdrawn ➏ a carer who is unwilling to let other people have contact with the person they care for

Spotting these signs does not mean that abuse or neglect is definitely taking place. However, it should alert us to the possibility that something is not quite right, especially if several of the signs are shown together.

What can I do to help?

If someone may be experiencing abuse or neglect and cannot protect themselves, we have a legal duty to make enquiries and work with people to improve their safety and wellbeing.

If you are worried that you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation in Camden, please contact our adult social care team in confidence at any time on 020 7974 4000 (select option 1).

Textphone: 020 7974 6866.

Call Camden police community safety unit on 101, if you believe a crime may have been committed.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/asg

Phone 999 straight away if it is an emergency and someone is in immediate danger.

No one has to suffer in silence.

Put a stop to abuse. *Examples are fictional. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

1,223

Last year, our adult social care team received

Say

to ab use

concerns that someone was being abused.

23

Feature

Volunteering in Camden – Give a little to your community and receive a lot in return

The 2015 Volunteering Awards ceremony

What started as a few hours a week has been life-changing for both volunteers and, although their contributions have affected the lives of so many people, they feel they gain even more from their roles. Mimoza started volunteering a year ago, while Joan has spent 24 | Camden | February 2016

the past 50 years supporting her fellow Camden residents. Both were honoured at our Volunteering Awards, hosted by the Mayor last year, which celebrated the many volunteers who give their time every day to help others.

guidedogs.org

The opportunity to see first-hand the difference you can make is just one aspect that our volunteers value, along with meeting new people and learning useful skills.

So, whether you have a few hours, or more time to give, you can help to support those who need it the most. The simple act of visiting a housebound resident, for instance, can have an enormous impact, providing vital company to make them feel less isolated.

There are a huge range of opportunities available. Did you know that volunteering can include roles as diverse as assisting at local sporting events, mentoring children, becoming a trustee of a charity, or even providing a temporary home for a young guide dog while they are in training with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association?

There really is something for everyone.

For further information about volunteering in Camden, contact Volunteer Centre Camden on 020 7424 9990 or visit volunteercentrecamden.org.uk.

You can also visit camden.gov.uk/volunteering

Feature

A recent volunteering event in Kentish Town run

by North London Cares: northlondoncares.org.uk

Rewards for volunteers Sign up for the Value You discount card. Available to anyone who has completed 100 hours of volunteering, this rewards card provides discounts in cafes and shops across all London-wide participating boroughs. Apply for yours at valueyou.org/getting-card

“I get great pleasure making people happy.”

“Every day is different. (The best part is) meeting new people.”

Joan Cooney and Mimoza Arifi are two of our valued volunteers, and great examples of how giving back to their community has changed their lives.

Volunteering Fair Meet like-minded people and the organisations that could benefit from your support at the next fair organised by Volunteer Centre Camden.

Wednesday 24 February, 12 noon to 2pm Working Men’s College, 44 Crowndale Road, London, NW1 1TR (nearest tube is Mornington Crescent).

Free event with no need to book.

25

Feature

Financial Challenge: latest news

This is the first update on our financial challenge of the New Year and, as there were some key decisions and announcements made in December, we thought we’d make it a big one. Over the page you can find out more about where our money comes from and how we spend it, and on these pages we tell you about some key decisions and proposals.

Council tax At the end of February, Cabinet and Full Council will be considering a report which proposes an 26 | Camden | February 2016

increase in council tax. We have been one of the boroughs hit hardest by central Government cuts, and by 2017 our funding will have nearly been cut in half. If agreed by Cabinet and Full Council in February, council tax will be increased by 3.99%.

This increase, which is only the third council tax rise in Camden in a decade and represents an increase of 80p a week for a Band D property, will provide £3.66 million per year from April 2016 which cannot be cut by central Government and will help protect services.

We are also facing huge social pressures, like cost of living increases and an ageing population, which the Government has failed to address. This means we need to make some very difficult decisions and – if approved – 2% of the increase will include a social care precept.

The Government announced in November that this could be added to bills and spent only on adult social care. This will raise £1.83 million in Camden and will go to helping the most vulnerable in our community.

All libraries to remain open “December was an important month for Camden’s library service as, after many months of engaging with residents, a new library strategy was agreed by Camden’s Cabinet. I am delighted to say that the new strategy will see all of our libraries remain open, with broadly the same opening hours, and they will continue to deliver the services that our customers need most.”

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture We had a huge challenge on our hands to consider how we could reduce the library budget by £800,000. We wanted to tackle this together and involve as many residents as possible to ensure we invest the remaining library budget in a way that best meets

the needs of existing and future library customers.

The last year has shown how passionate Camden residents are about our libraries. Over 2,300 people, including 300 under 16s, took part in the formal consultation and many more of you shared your views via our ideas hub on voXup, through social media and with our community researchers.

Thank you once again to everyone who took part.

One theme in particular recurred among the responses – to not close any libraries. This was taken on board as we explored a number of options that would allow us to keep all of the libraries open. We are really pleased that the proposal agreed by Cabinet will realise this ambition.

Public toilet engagement We need to reduce the money we spend on public toilets by £260,000 a year.

To make this reduction we are proposing to: • close three toilets, in Pond Square, South End Green and West End Lane • work with local businesses and community organisations to develop community toilet schemes in these three areas • work with a new provider to have pay-to-use toilets at Camden Town and Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

However, we do need to make savings and these changes will mean that for part of the day and evenings we will have fewer staff. The staff available will focus primarily on providing support to those who need it most. We know that many people already ‘self-serve’ when they use our libraries; by finding, taking out and returning books, using the many PCs or free Wi-Fi, reading and studying. To help make this new ‘open access’ model work we will need the help of everyone who can self-serve to do so. The new model will be introduced from September this year.

You can read more about our new library strategy, as well as the findings from the engagement, at camden.gov.uk/futurelibraries

Youth consultation – next steps Our youth consultation has now ended.

We consulted on how we could deliver savings of £1.6 million while improving the way we support the young people who benefit from our services.

We are keen to hear from business or community groups interested in being part of the community toilet scheme or taking on the running of a site currently marked for closure.

Thank you to everyone who took part.

We are currently reviewing all of the responses which will inform the proposal we present to Camden’s Cabinet in April.

If Cabinet approve the proposal, we will start to implement the changes to the service from April, with the new service launching in September this year.

You can give your views until Sunday 28 February 2016. Find out more and have your say at camden.gov.uk/publictoilets

Find out more at camden.gov.uk/youthservices

We are inviting ideas which the Council can explore to avoid toilet closures.

27

Feature A changing Camden Cuts to government funding alongside other spending pressures – such as continual increases in the cost of living and an ageing population – have left us with substantial budget pressures. To enable us to balance our budgets over the next few years we’ve set a three year medium-term financial strategy that will reduce our budgets by nearly £78 million by 2017/18. This is on top of the £93 million we have already saved between 2011/12 and 2014/15.

This means making tough choices about funding local services. We want you to understand our financial future, so the infographic below explains where our money comes from and how it’s spent.

It also highlights our future funding gap.

Where our money comes from At the moment, the majority of our funding comes from central government.

Council tax accounts for only 10.8% of our overall income.

10.8%

Government £509.9 million 60.4% of overall income

Fees and charges £92.2 million 10.9% of overall income

£844.9 million

Council tax £91.0 million 10.8% of overall income

Retained business rates £70.5 million 8.3% of overall income

Total income 2015/16

Other public sector funding £81.3 million 9.6% of overall income

How we spend your money We provide around 600 services to 237,400 of you – everything from housing, leisure and transport to education, social care and business support.

600 services

237,400 residents

* This excludes some internal recharges and spend on council housing ** Pensions, reserves, interest and other

28 | Camden | February 2016

Vulnerable adults and older people £148.3 million

Other costs** £41 million

Government benefit payments and services^ £205.4 million

Public health £28.1 million

Children, schools and families £275.9 million

Streets, safety, leisure and open spaces £92.8million

Support services £53.4 million

Total spending 2015/16 = £844.9 million*

^ Camden Council allocates this spending in line with government rules and guidance

Funding cuts Government funding for local services is being cut. Since 2010/11 we have been receiving less core government funding.

By 2017/18 government funding will have reduced by almost 50%.

£93 million

2011

We have already had to reduce our budget by £93 million. We have done this through back office and service reductions.

cuts from 2011-2015

The examples shown below demonstrate the equivalent annual spending on service delivery to achieve £78 million savings.

These are for explanatory purposes only.

Waste and cleaning services

Public Health

Employment and skills

Mental health

Now

£78 million savings programme

£78

million

Government cuts and other pressures mean we need to save a further £78 million.

is a whole year of spending on ...

or

or Transport for older and disabled residents

Parks and sports

Homelessness Prevention

Vulnerable Families

Support for early years

Community Safety

Arts and Tourism

Learning Disabilities

Added pressures There are also additional external factors that will increase pressure on our budget and our services.

41,300

272,300

35,000

27,200 237,400

250,000

Population

200,000

Expected increase in the number of Camden residents over the next 20 years:

100,000

30,000

Ageing Expected increase in the number of over-65 Camden residents by 2035:

54%

50,000

25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000

12% 2015

2035

2015

2035

What next?

Our financial strategy is focused on prioritising our investment towards achieving our Camden plan, which at its heart is about tackling inequality and making Camden a place for everyone.

We are in the process of carrying out formal statutory consultations wherever necessary on changes to specific services to involve users in the detailed development of proposals. Your views are important, so in many cases, even where formal consultation isn’t required, we will ask you for your thoughts.

Some changes have already started to be implemented. Stay up to date by visiting camden.gov.uk/camdenchallenge 29

Feature

HS2: Continuing to work for the best deal for Camden Agreements protecting Camden We’ve secured over 100 We still oppose the principle of assurances to help mitigate the HS2 scheme and will continue to urge our MPs to vote against against the worst impacts of this project in the face of the Government’s determination to push High Speed 2 (HS2) ahead with it, given that it threatens for our residents and businesses. decades of disruption to Camden.

However, these commitments from the Secretary of State for Transport will mean HS2 Ltd have committed to addressing the points raised in our petition including the effects construction may have on our residents, businesses, roads, open spaces and air quality.

Here’s our brief guide to the key agreements:

Transport – what’s the story?

HS2 Ltd have agreed to work with Camden Council, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL) to produce a plan by May 2016 to maximise the use of the railway instead of road to remove waste and deliver construction materials. HS2 Ltd will also work with us to produce a Local Traffic Management Plan for the construction vehicles that remain on the road.

How will this help me?

The use of rail to transport waste and materials should reduce the number of HS2 lorries on Camden’s roads, protecting the environment and pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety. Managing

30 | Camden | February 2016

the lorries that remain will help towards keeping Camden moving.

Homes – what’s the story?

HS2 Ltd will develop a more comprehensive package of noise and ventilation measures, in consultation with and with the agreement of the Council, to help mitigate impacts on over 1,000 of the most significantly affected homes in Camden.

HS2 Ltd have agreed to broaden their assessment of construction impacts by examining an additional group of homes in the Euston area they had not previously recognised as being affected by the scheme.

They will appoint an independent assessor to survey a representative sample of homes and, where necessary, take action to protect

these homes from construction effects. The sample will include homes in Regent’s Park Estate, Ampthill Estate and either side of the railway line between Park Village East and Arlington Road.

How will this help me?

These measures will assess the level of mitigation works required to bring properties to a standard that enables residents to live in their homes without unreasonable disturbance from noise and vibration.

Businesses – what’s the story?

HS2 Ltd will develop a strategy to support Camden businesses, including how to promote them during HS2 construction, and the Secretary of State has agreed to set

Feature

Camden are calling for the whole of Euston station to be redeveloped to create opportunities for new homes and jobs around a world-class transport hub

So what next? up an agency to help businesses which need to move because of construction.

How will this help me?

This is designed to help reduce the loss of trade businesses might experience, helping to keep businesses running during the construction period.

Open space – what’s the story?

HS2 Ltd will provide high quality replacement open space and play space in Camden. They have committed to replacing every tree they remove in Camden.

How will this help me?

Residents will be able to continue to enjoy open spaces that counteract pollution and provide valuable play areas both during construction and afterwards.

Our focus for 2016 is to ensure these assurances are delivered and the impacts on Camden’s communities are minimised as far as possible. We’ll help to develop plans to put these in place.

Another significant breakthrough is that a new Euston Station Strategic Redevelopment Board, which Camden Council will sit on, will provide advice to the Secretary of State for Transport on how Euston Station could be redeveloped as a whole to integrate the existing station with HS2 and Crossrail 2.

We’re clear that if HS2 goes ahead, the whole of Euston Station should be redeveloped to help to provide opportunities for affordable homes and new jobs around a world-class transport hub.

The Select Committee are currently hearing from the remaining petitioners. We await a response from them on outstanding issues, including the need for fair compensation and on Euston Station.

The HS2 Bill then moves from the House of Commons to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. We expect the Bill to become law in December 2016.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/hs2 highspeed2@camden.gov.uk

31

Linda cares for her adult son which can be tough. But being hit and abused by him is tougher.* No one has to suffer in silence Put a stop to abuse Call in confidence any time 020 7974 4000

There were 34,385 cases of adult physical abuse in 2014/15 * Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

and select option 1

Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Say

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Camden Clinical Commissioning Group

camden.gov.uk/asg 32 | Camden | February 2016

to ab us

e