Ellie Ames 15 November 2023

Council admits hand in disposing of tents

Council admits hand in disposing of tents image
Image: Matthew Ashmore / Shutterstock.com

Camden Council has admitted that it was involved in the disposal of homeless people’s tents in central London last week.

The London council said it had launched an investigation after footage emerged of refuse workers throwing a tent into a bin lorry last Friday (10 November).

The council’s acting leader, Pat Callaghan, had said on Friday: ‘We are deeply concerned to see these videos and I am ordering an urgent investigation into what happened.'

She had added: ‘I'm also concerned that our contracted waste operator has been engaged in this operation and I will be personally looking into why this has happened.’

Deputy leader Adam Harrison has since said: ‘it is clear that something has gone wrong here’.

Cllr Harrison said: ‘We can now share that initial investigations, since the operation, have shown that there was operational involvement from Camden – what happened was unacceptable and doesn't reflect the values we hold as a council.

‘We will make sure this is clear and understood at every level of the organisation.

‘Whilst this dispersal order was applied for by University College Hospital London and enforced by the police, we acknowledge that waste collection services were arranged through the council and our rough sleeping support services were engaged to support people affected.’

The Metropolitan Police said it had issued a section 35 dispersal order on 10 November after University College London Hospital raised concerns about approximately 10 tents near the hospital entrance in Huntley Street.

The police force said individuals had left the site and some left tents behind, which were removed by refuse company Veolia.

A Veolia spokesperson said: 'For many years we have provided waste management and recycling services in the borough on behalf of and under the strict supervision of Camden Council, and the police when needed.

'This was the case in this instance.'

The spokesperson added: 'We are working internally and with Camden Council to review how requests of this nature will be handled in the future.'

Former home secretary Suella Braverman had recently said she wanted to stop homeless people ‘causing noise and distress’ by pitching tents in public places.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Deputy Procurement Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992 per annum
Can you see yourself playing an important role in leading the team who procure private sector properties (PRS) and long-term temporary accommodation for homeless families across Richmond and Wandsworth? If so, this is a unique opportunity to work for a gr London, Wandsworth
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27935.00 - £35344.00 per annum + includes allowance
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,935 - £35,344 per annum (including allowance)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Residential Worker Night Support

Essex County Council
£33014.00 - £41770.00 per annum + includes allowance
Residential Worker Night SupportPermanent, Full Time£33,014 - £41,770 per annum (includes allowance)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Catering Assistant Shellingford

Oxfordshire County Council
£24,413 - £24,413
To assist in the kitchen and dining room as required in the preparation of meals, food service, dish and utensil washing, general cleaning and other tasks associated with catering. This post holder is responsible for ensuring that all relevant County pol Shellingford Primary school, Church Street Shellin
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner