• I WANT to thank everyone who came to the Town Hall last Tuesday to discuss the cross-party “CIP Challenge Project” and the future of Camden’s Community Investment Programme (CIP).

The discussion was well informed and lively and we looked at some good new ideas for how to get more council and community-led housing on council land, including in the Camley Street area.

It was clear people wanted much more transparency from the council about project finance and the condition of homes, particularly when demolition is among the options being considered for estates. They were also keen to hold more public meetings in the communities affected by the CIP.

I was pleased to show the meeting the reply to my written question about the future of the CIP from the last full council. This reply was delayed and is not published on the council website yet, because of changes to the meeting agenda following the Chalcots evacuation.

In our neighbouring borough, the “Haringey Development Vehicle” is handing over a 50 per cent stake in its homes to a huge private developer. However, cabinet member Cllr Phil Jones has now told me this is no longer an option for the future of the CIP in Camden.

In his written answer he said: “We have no intention of proposing a Strategic Joint Venture Partnership” and promised he would “engage with residents to discuss these options ahead of any future decisions”.

This is good news – all of us who want council homes kept in public hands and have a real say in their future now look forward to seeing these commitments confirmed in the upcoming cabinet decision on September 6.

CLLR SIAN BERRY
Green Party, Highgate ward