History of Camden Fed.
From Camden Tenant Spring/Summer 2006 No. 178.
“In October 1971 Edward Heath’s Conservative Government launched its controversial Housing Finance Bill, with the aim of ending state subsidies for Local Authority housing and bring about a general rise in rents across the country, at the same time introducing a divisive system of means tested rebates for tenants in both council and private rented accommodation. Within a month an Action Committee of tenants, trade unionists and political activists was formed in Camden to resist.
Among the Action Committee leaders were two young energetic Councillors, full of fight, John Mills and Phil Turner. The campaign swept across the borough.
1972 became a year of constant activity, lobbying, protests, leafleting and meetings in response to the proposed rent increases which was seen as an attack on living standards. The Housing Finance Bill was completing its passage through Parliament. The Action Committee won a pledge from Camden Council, led by Millie Miller, not to implement the Act.
This was a notable success, yet tempered by the knowledge that the Government was granting itself the powers to appoint a Commissioner to implement the Act if Councils did not comply. It was clear to everyone involved in the campaign that tenants must get themselves organised if implementation of the Act was to be seriously challenged.
The St Pancras Rent Strike of 1960 had left an indelible legacy of militancy in the very heartland of Camden. This was now energising the campaign, with men and women sharing their experiences of those earlier rent battles, especially the day of the evictions of Don Cook and Arthur Rowe, which led to thousands marching on the Town Hall and battling with hundreds of police, some mounted, intent on dispersing the demonstrators. It was an unforgettable moment for all those involved. 30, Camden Road The home of the Federation for 15 years”
For many years Camden Fed and local tenants organisations have tried to improve the housing conditions of people in Camden. Looking around the Borough things have changed dramatically for the better. How much would have changed if tenants had not been organised?
Here you can view some of the housing conditions that used to exist in Camden. Also, we include a gallery of events plus pictures of some local people who helped to make things happen.