State of the Borough: How we collect the data
The State of the Borough (SOTB) is published annually and brings together quantitative and qualitative evidence about life in Camden, structured around the We Make Camden vision. It is a shared evidence base for the Council, residents, organisations, businesses and institutions to better understand the experiences of people in Camden. It combines national, regional and local data as well as lived experience. (The 2026 report was produced earlier than usual due to the May 2026 local elections; as a result, data that was not updated since last year was not presented in the report.)
The report uses the Good Life Camden (GLC) measurement framework, co‑created with residents and staff, which describes what matters to people in Camden for living a good life and how to measure that. It sets out 9 themes that matter most for a good life: Safety, Equality, Health, Housing, Income & Affordability, Lifelong Learning, Social Connections & Community, and Environment.
We used this GLC framework to identify available, comparable data, and to highlight where evidence is missing, either for specific signals or for particular groups.
Quantitative data
We compiled quantitative data mainly from trusted secondary sources, enabling comparison across boroughs, London and England, and over time (from 2010 where possible). Where available, we included breakdowns by smaller geographies and population groups, and considered confidence levels and statistical significance.
Comparison group
To ensure consistency across the analysis, we constructed a comparison group comprised of Inner London boroughs and Camden’s neighbours: Barnet, Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Islington, Southwark, Newham, Hackney, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, City of London, Greenwich, Haringey and Lewisham.
Qualitative data
To ensure residents’ lived experiences shaped the report, we worked with voluntary and community sector partners, council services and a resident peer researcher to gather primary insights. Activities included focus groups and informal conversations at community events, designed to reach a broad and diverse range of residents.
Where shared, demographic details accompany quotes to provide context, though this information was optional.
We also reviewed existing research and engagement carried out by council services over the previous two years, incorporating insights relevant to each chapter.
Learning from local organisations
Alongside the available data described, local organisations also contributed valuable evidence based on their work with communities. In August 2025, we invited partners to share relevant research or data on residents’ outcomes. Their insights appear throughout the report in “learning from” sections.
We are grateful to all contributing organisations, including: Cooperation Town, The Caversham Group Practice, Old Diorama Arts Centre, Camden Carers, Camden Giving, Feast With Us, Community Association for West Hampstead and British Land.
View the data
Access all the data used in the reports at Open Data Camden.
