Reporting Back: Camden Lib Dems Stand Up for Residents at Full Council

CLD

4 Aug 2025

At the Camden Full Council meeting on 21 July, the Liberal Democrat group spoke up for local people. We challenged the Labour-run council on important issues like council spending, poor services, and support for local theatres. Our councillors made sure residents’ concerns were heard loud and clear.

Calling Out Financial Mismanagement and Failing Services

Cllr Nancy Jirira pointed out the council’s huge overspend of £23 million and the impact of central government cuts worth £40–80 million. She showed how complaints from residents have doubled in just two years, with more than half of them about housing repairs.

She also criticised the poor state of Camden’s streets and the closing of police station front desks, saying only Holborn will remain if the proposals from the Mayor of London went through. Her message was clear: Labour is letting Camden residents down on money, cleanliness, safety, and customer service.

Standing Up for Local Arts and Culture

In a themed debate on support for culture, Cllr Linda Chung spoke up for Pentameters Theatre in Hampstead, which has closed after decades of affordable and high quality performances. She said Camden’s rhetoric on investing in culture needs to walk-the-walk and find a solution to save this valued community venue. Cllr Judy Dixey also raised the possibility of using CIL money to help sustain cultural projects and venues in the borough, as we have done with the Hampstead Theatre.

Supporting Young People’s Mental Health

Cllr Matthew Kirk raised the issue of smart phone use in schools, which have an alarming affect on young people’s mental health and focus. He gave the example of Lib Dem-run St Albans, where schools and communities work together to change phone habits within the community. He got a promise from Camden’s education-lead to work with us to create similar change here in Camden and start to build a consensus among local schools.

Making Camden More Accessible and Welcoming

Cllr Judy Dixey asked that Camden’s State of the Borough report should in future years report on progress towards being an accessible and age-friendly borough, as well as being a borough of sanctuary. These words reflect our values of being open, inclusive and fair and should be part of all council work.

Licensing Policy: Some Good Steps, But Still Concerns

On the new Licensing Policy for 2025–2030, Cllr Matthew Kirk welcomed new ideas like early talks between officers and applicants, and rules to help keep women safe.

But he warned that abolishing any cumulative impact policy meant there is no proper way to deal with new licence applications in areas that already have large numbers of bars and clubs. The problems will only be taken into account if a resident comes forward with evidence. That’s not good enough - we want a system that works better for residents.

Always On Your Side

The Camden Lib Dems are working hard to stand up for local people. We want cleaner streets, better services, safer communities and support for all.