The suggestion that Coram is motivated by the desire “to make as much money as possible by building offices” (Letters, 1 August) completely misrepresents the reality of what we do. Every year, we support thousands of children, young people and families, and all of our funds are directed to that work, including services for the most vulnerable, such as homeless young people, migrants and refugees, and destitute families with no recourse to public funds.
We greatly value the Thomas Coram nursery school and want it to continue to serve local children on a fair basis with all the other children and charities on our site.
Since 2016, when the nursery’s historic lease expired, the rent has been frozen pending agreement with Camden council, which has statutory responsibility for it and is the leaseholder. New terms – still more favourable than those of other charities on our site, reflecting our commitment to keeping the nursery here – were agreed with the council in 2021 but it has yet to sign these off.
I fully appreciate that this challenging economic climate is intensifying the pressures on all of us who care about and work for children and young people – whether charities, local authorities or families. With demand for our services continuing to grow, with the best will in the world we cannot afford to continue without a settlement from the council that is also fair to the charity.
We are working to achieve a fair solution for all as a matter of urgency, and we look forward to an early and positive outcome.
Dr Carol Homden
CEO, Coram
