Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations were approved.
summary: The decision involves recommendations related to health and wellbeing.
topline: The Director of Health and Wellbeing has decided to approve recommendations related to health and wellbeing.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it directly impacts the health and wellbeing of the local community, which can lead to differing opinions and concerns among stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["Local community members", "Healthcare providers", "Public health officials"]
contentiousness_score: 7
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.camden.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4801
Decision Maker: Director of Health and Wellbeing
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: This report seeks approval for award of an additional supplementary grant to the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in 2025-26, to off-set a required increase in the provider rate to mitigate inflationary cost pressures; whilst maintaining levels of spaces for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Holiday Activities and Food Programme offers nutritious meals and engaging activities during school holidays to children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, as well as those who are otherwise vulnerable (e.g. children with SEND). The programme is funded through the Department for Education (DfE) and is in its fifth year. The Young Camden Foundation (YCF) is commissioned by Camden as main delivery partner to administer and distribute the grant to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) providers on Camden's behalf. The programme has the following objectives: • Encouraging children and young people to make healthy food choices. • Encouraging physical activity. • Encouraging participation in stimulating activities that promote resilience, character development, and well-being, as well as broader educational achievement. • Ensuring safety and reducing social isolation. • Improving knowledge of health and nutrition. • Increasing engagement with school and local services. The DfE funding allocated to Camden has reduced for 2025/26. Additionally, due to inflationary pressures, the provider daily funding rate per child has required an increase to ensure that valued providers are able to continue to participate in the programme. Additionally, the investment is required to sustain the level of places for children with SEND who require additional support to access HAF provision. Feedback from parents of children with SEND has consistently highlighted a need for inclusive activities during school holidays, particularly for those below the threshold for Short Breaks. The HAF programme aligns with Camden Council’s We Make Camden vision, contributing to the Council’s wider efforts to reduce child poverty, tackle food insecurity, and address health inequalities. By providing free, accessible holiday activities, the programme ensures that all children have opportunities to learn, play, and thrive.
Content:
Date of Decision: July 8, 2025