Leader confirms new Cabinet Adviser appointments
Camden Council Leader, Councillor Richard Olszewski, has confirmed the appointment of two new Cabinet Advisers to support the Council’s work to deliver on its ambitions for improving standards in the private rented sector and making recycling services more accessible.
Cabinet Advisers are appointed each year to carry out focused policy work in key areas and develop recommendations for Cabinet Members. The roles reflect Camden’s commitment to inclusive decision-making and putting residents’ voices at the heart of local government.
The two new Cabinet Adviser appointments for the 2025/26 municipal year are:
- Councillor Rebecca Filer - Cabinet Adviser on Tenant Engagement in the Private Rented Sector
- Councillor Joseph Ball - Cabinet Adviser on Food Waste Recycling
Our Cabinet Advisers play a vital role in helping us explore the issues that matter to our residents as they develop effective, evidence-based policy based upon collaboration with our communities.
Rebecca and Joseph bring expertise and insight to two areas that are hugely important to our communities - safe, secure housing for private renters and creating a greener, more sustainable borough. I’m looking forward to seeing their work make a positive impact for our residents.
Councillor Filer will lead work to better understand the challenges facing tenants in private rented accommodation and develop ways to strengthen the Council’s engagement with residents in the private sector. The role will be particularly focused on the introduction of the Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill and how Camden can best engage with private renters on the changes this Bill will bring for them.
Councillor Rebecca Filer said: "Private renters make up a third of our community in Camden, but too often their voices and experiences go unheard. I’m looking forward to working together with residents and local organisations to make sure Camden is doing all it can to support and stand up for our private renters."
Councillor Ball will focus on improving food waste recycling, in support of upcoming national ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation that aims to streamline waste collections and make recycling more accessible. His work will include reviewing a Camden pilot involving homes above shops and on estates, and developing recommendations to boost take-up and make services easier for residents to use.
Councillor Joseph Ball said: "Our food waste can be turned into low-carbon electricity to power our homes, or into compost for our farms. It’s one of the most practical ways we can all help tackle the climate emergency - so in my new role, I’m keen to make sure we’re getting this right by making food waste recycling easy and accessible for all our residents."
Councillor Filer will work closely with Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, while Councillor Ball will work alongside Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden.
Both Cabinet Advisers will work with officers, community groups and residents before presenting their recommendations to Cabinet and the relevant Scrutiny Committees.