Residents of Camden's social housing estates are living in "unbearable" conditions, with complaints to the council surging by a staggering 70% in just three years, an investigation by The Independent can reveal.
Tenants have reported being left in homes plagued by severe damp, dangerous mould, and persistent vermin infestations, with many waiting months—or even years—for essential repairs. The council's own complaint handling system appears to be in meltdown, failing those it is meant to serve.
A Catalogue of Failures
Internal data exposes a dramatic rise in formal complaints, jumping from 1,145 in 2020/21 to 1,941 in 2023/24. The most severe cases, classified as 'stage two' complaints, have more than doubled, indicating that initial resolutions are consistently failing.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described black mould spreading through their child's bedroom despite repeated pleas for help. "It's a health hazard. We feel completely abandoned by the council," they said.
Council's Response: Acknowledgment and Promises
In response to the findings, a Camden Council spokesperson acknowledged the delays and poor communication, attributing them to a "significant increase in demand" and national pressures on the construction industry.
The council has pledged a major overhaul of its repairs service, citing a new £6.5 million investment aimed at clearing the backlog and improving responsiveness. "We are deeply sorry for the distress caused... and are determined to put things right," the spokesperson added.
A National Scandal on a Local Level?
While Camden Council points to wider issues, campaigners argue the situation represents a catastrophic local failure in the duty of care towards social housing tenants. The case has drawn parallels with the national spotlight on social housing standards following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak.
With thousands of families awaiting decent living conditions, the pressure is now firmly on Camden Council to turn its promises into tangible results and restore trust with its residents.
