This week in Croydon:

Council Appoints New Corporate Director of Resources Amidst Recruitment Challenges

The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee met on Friday, 24 April 2026, to make a critical appointment to a senior leadership role within the council. The committee agreed to a salary package for the new Corporate Director of Resources, a position described as vital for managing the council's finances, especially during a period of significant financial support needs.

High Salary Package for Key Financial Role

The committee approved a salary package for the Corporate Director of Resources (S151) that includes a base salary of £169,403 per annum, plus an additional occupational scarcity allowance of £30,000 per year. This allowance was deemed necessary due to a shortage of qualified candidates in the market for such a role, as advised by the executive search consultant, Ransley Boardman. The role has been evaluated under the Hay job evaluation scheme as Director Grade 5.

Elaine Jackson, Chief Executive, emphasised the critical nature of this role, particularly in overseeing the council's overall budget. She noted that filling the interim position had been challenging, highlighting the difficulties in recruiting for the permanent role. Penny Ransley of Ransley Boardman confirmed that recruiting permanent staff in London is extremely difficult, with candidates often more focused on their current local authority's financial issues than seeking new roles. Dean Shoesmith, Chief People Officer, added that without the scarcity payment, attracting candidates would be difficult, and even if attracted, they might not remain in post due to higher salary levels elsewhere.

Election Timing Questioned

Councillor Stuart King raised a question regarding the timing of the recruitment for this role before the upcoming election, while recruitment for Chief Executive roles was scheduled to take place afterwards. Penny Ransley explained that potential Chief Executive candidates are more likely to apply after an election when the composition of the council is clearer.

The committee resolved to agree the salary package and to proceed with the selection and appointment to the post. This decision directly impacts the council's ability to manage its finances effectively, which in turn affects the delivery of services to all residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support.

Link to Appointments & Disciplinary Committee meeting

This week in Croydon:

Council Procedure Rules Overhauled to Streamline Meetings and Enhance Scrutiny

The General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, to approve significant changes to the Council Procedure Rules (CPRs). These amendments, designed to make council meetings more efficient and inclusive, will be put before the full Council for final approval. The changes aim to ensure that council business is conducted more effectively, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming local elections.

Sharper Debates and Fairer Questioning

A key focus of the revised CPRs is to improve the way questions are handled and debates are conducted. The total allocated time for oral questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet will increase, but speaking slots will be managed more tightly. A notable change is the introduction of a limit of one written question per member per meeting, with a maximum of 35 questions accepted. These written questions will be published in advance, and responses will be provided before the meeting, allowing members to ask supplementary questions or pose new ones. This aims to ensure more questions are addressed and that debates remain focused.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, Chair of the General Purposes Committee, highlighted the goal of these changes: to make the meeting sharper, more to the point, and give great opportunities for all councillors, and especially backbenchers, time to hold the Elected Mayor and Executive to account.

The committee also agreed to a review of the handling of question time, including written questions, within six months of implementation. This ensures that the new rules can be adapted based on practical experience.

Other Procedural Adjustments

Beyond question time, several other procedural aspects have been refined:

• Public Petitions: Speaking slots for the Administration and Main Opposition groups have been reduced to improve time management.
• Council Debate Motions: The allocation of motions will be based on political proportionality over a four-year term, with a total of 40 motions available.
• Reports Moved for Debate: Speaking slots for debating, amending, or referring back reports will also be allocated based on political proportionality.
• Council Tax and Budget Meetings: Provisions have been made for public questions at these meetings, with an extended time of 30 minutes for questions to the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance.
• Shadow Cabinet: The rules have been updated to allow the Shadow Cabinet to comprise members from more than one opposition group and to ensure its size is proportionate to the Cabinet.
• Leader of the Opposition: Clarification has been added to address scenarios where two opposition groups may be of equal size.

The committee also agreed to empower the Chair with discretion to manage time effectively, including the ability to reduce a member's allocation if they are taking too long to pose a question. This aims to prevent lengthy speeches disguised as questions and ensure all members have a fair opportunity to contribute.

The proposed changes aim to create a more dynamic and accountable council meeting environment, benefiting both councillors and the public who observe or participate in council business.

Link to General Purposes Committee meeting

Council Appoints Honorary Recorder and Approves Procedural Rule Changes

The Council met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to formally appoint His Honour Judge Edward Connell as the Honorary Recorder of the London Borough of Croydon and to approve significant changes to the Council Procedure Rules. The meeting also marked the end of the municipal year, with several councillors delivering valedictory speeches.

His Honour Judge Edward Connell Appointed Honorary Recorder

In a unanimous decision, the Council appointed His Honour Judge Edward Connell as the Honorary Recorder of Croydon. This ceremonial role, traditionally held by the Resident Judge at Croydon Crown Court, signifies the strong ties between the judiciary and the borough. His Honour Judge Connell, who took up his post as Resident Judge earlier this year, brings extensive experience from his career at the criminal bar. The appointment is unpaid and ceremonial, aiming to foster understanding and strengthen the relationship between the legal system and the local authority. The Council also thanked His Honour Judge Michael Evans KC for his service as the previous Honorary Recorder.

Streamlined Council Procedure Rules Approved

Following the recommendations from the General Purposes Committee, the Council approved changes to the Council Procedure Rules (CPRs). These amendments, developed by a cross-party Constitutional Working Group, are designed to make council meetings more efficient and inclusive. Key changes include a revised approach to written questions, speaking rights, and the allocation of motions, all aimed at making debates sharper, more to the point, and give great opportunities for all councillors, and especially backbenchers, time to hold the Elected Mayor and Executive to account. Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, Chair of the General Purposes Committee, expressed optimism that these changes would lead to more engaging and productive council meetings.

Valedictory Speeches Reflect on Decades of Service

The meeting concluded with a series of heartfelt valedictory speeches from councillors stepping down after many years of service. Councillors shared reflections on their time in public office, highlighting personal achievements, community impact, and the sacrifices of public life.

Councillor Maria Gatland, who served for 24 years, spoke of her work in Children's Services and her pride in initiatives like Precious House, a children's home. Councillor Alisa Fleming reflected on the personal toll of public service and celebrated achievements such as the London Living Wage Council and support for young people. Councillor Mario Creatura, after 12 years, shared anecdotes from his casework and thanked his family for their support. Councillor Sherwin Chowdhury, with two decades of service, including as Mayor, spoke of his commitment to social justice. Councillor Fatima Zaman expressed her honour in serving her ward, and Councillor Callton Young OBE highlighted his work on removing discriminatory policies and his cabinet role in financial governance. Councillor Stuart Collins, the longest-serving councillor with 33 years of service, reflected on his cabinet roles in Culture and Sport, and Clean and Green Croydon, and made a passionate plea for Captain Sensible to be granted the Freedom of the Borough.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, and Executive Mayor Jason Perry, along with Civic Mayor Councillor Richard Chatterjee, offered votes of thanks, acknowledging the collective 173 years of service from departing Labour councillors and the significant contributions of all retiring councillors.

Link to Council meeting

Housing Assurance Board Addresses Voids, Aids, and Adaptations Backlog

The Housing Assurance Board met on Monday, 13 April 2026, to review performance reports, discuss the backlog of aids and adaptations, and address issues within allocations and complaints handling. The board also discussed the implementation of a new status on a page reporting method to streamline information flow.

Tackling the Voids and Aids/Adaptations Backlog

A significant concern raised was the increasing average void turnaround time, which has risen to 55 days. A plan to address this includes consolidating void management, improving contractor efficiency, and refining allocation processes. The board also focused on aids and adaptations, noting that while 93 adaptations have been completed, a backlog of 123 registered cases remains. To improve this, a new procurement process for specialist contractors will be implemented in May, aiming to have new contractors in place by September. A dedicated housing officer will also focus on clearing the backlog. The board discussed the use of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) for council properties, with a commitment to adapting approximately eight to nine properties per year.

Allocations and Complaints Handling Updates

The Allocations and Lettings report highlighted that 101 out of 708 allocations were for care leavers, a figure attributed to a significant number of unaccompanied minors arriving in the borough in previous years. The council is implementing a protocol with children's services and housing to support care leavers into their first accommodation.

The HAB Complaints Update revealed a substantial increase in stage one complaints. While managers are meeting HR timescales for complaint resolution, two severe maladministrations occurred at the end of the financial year. The board discussed the upcoming transfer of stage two complaints handling from the corporate team to housing, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition.

The board agreed to adopt a status on a page reporting method, suggested by Interim Chief Executive Elaine Jackson, to provide concise updates on ongoing issues. This aims to streamline information flow and provide assurance to the board without requiring lengthy reports.

Link to Housing Assurance Board meeting

Appointments & Disciplinary Committee Continues Director Recruitment

The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee met on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, to continue its work on recruiting for key director-level positions. The meeting focused on the interview process for the Director of Culture and Community Safety role, with the latter part of the proceedings held in private to allow for confidential discussions.

The minutes from the previous meeting on 31 March 2026 were approved. The committee's work is crucial for ensuring that the council has experienced leadership in place to manage vital public services.

Link to Appointments & Disciplinary Committee meeting

This week in Croydon:

Planning Decisions: New Homes and Extensions Under Scrutiny

The Planning Committee and Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 9 April 2026, to consider several planning applications that will shape our neighbourhoods. These decisions have a direct impact on housing availability, local character, and the environment.

New Dwellings and HMO Conversions Proposed

The Planning Sub-Committee reviewed proposals for new residential developments, including a new dwelling at 19 Downsview Road, Upper Norwood, SE19 3XD. While the initial report recommended granting permission, concerns were raised by neighbours regarding scale, privacy, and drainage. Amendments to the scheme were made, leading to one ward councillor withdrawing their referral.

Another application considered was for a single-storey rear extension and a first-floor side extension at 26 Lonsdale Road, South Norwood, SE25 4JJ. This also included the conversion of a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to a seven-bedroom HMO. Ward councillors had referred this application due to concerns about over-intensification, neighbour amenity, and parking. Despite amendments, including a reduction in occupancy, objections remained, highlighting the delicate balance between increasing housing supply and protecting the quality of life for existing residents.

A third application involved householder extensions at 245 Violet Lane, Croydon CR0 4HN. This proposal included a wraparound extension, a first-floor rear extension, and a side extension. The application had generated significant objections from residents and ward councillors, who raised concerns about character, design, neighbour amenity, and traffic impact. Specific worries were voiced about the potential impact on the Presbytery of St. Dominic's Catholic Church, a locally listed heritage asset.

The decisions made by the Planning Committee and Sub-Committee directly influence the character of our streets, the availability of housing, and the potential for increased pressure on local infrastructure and services. These applications often involve complex considerations, balancing the need for development with the preservation of amenity and the environment.

Link to Planning Committee meeting Link to Planning Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

The General Purposes Committee and Appointments & Disciplinary Committee are scheduled to meet next week. The Audit & Governance Committee and Scrutiny & Overview Committee meetings have been cancelled. The Cabinet will also meet next week to discuss further council business.

This week in Croydon:

Council Extends Highways Contract Amidst Environmental Enforcement Drive

This week, Croydon Council's Scrutiny Streets & Environment Sub-Committee met to discuss crucial updates on the council's highways maintenance contract and its ongoing efforts to combat environmental crime. The committee also reviewed the council's financial performance.

Highways Maintenance Contract: A Year's Extension

The committee received an update on the highways maintenance contract with FM Conway. The current contract, initially awarded in 2018, is proposed for a further one-year extension, taking it to September 2027. This extension is conditional on negotiating further savings and performance improvements with FM Conway. The council is using this extended period to prepare for a new procurement process, aiming to award a new contract in summer 2027.

Concerns were raised about the quality of pothole repairs, with assurances given that new contract specifications will be more robust. Discussions also covered the maintenance of gullies, with plans to improve programming and potentially clear them during road resurfacing. The council is exploring new ways to address blocked gullies, including the possibility of lifting vehicles if necessary. The Highways Capital Programme for 2026-27 includes significant funding to address backlogs in gully cleansing.

The council believes this extension poses no significant risks and will allow for proper planning and de-risking of the procurement process for a new contractor. While improvements in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been noted, the council is seeking further enhancements and the ability to assign financial penalties for quality failures.

Link to meeting

Environmental Crime: A Zero-Tolerance Approach

The committee also heard about the council's strengthened approach to environmental crime, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy and a move towards an intelligence-led, proactive model. This includes increased enforcement capacity, the introduction of a Community Compliance Team, and enhanced data intelligence. The Love Clean Streets app is now integrated with Veolia, allowing for direct dispatch of crews to clear fly-tips.

Significant efforts are being made to address fly-tipping, with the council being proactive in clearing incidents. The council is also increasing its CCTV coverage, with 19 cameras deployed on housing estates and five mobile cameras in hotspot locations, with plans to procure five more. A new environmental enforcement webpage, tentatively named Dump Busters, is being developed to publicise ongoing investigations and seek public assistance.

The council is also working to improve trade waste compliance through a digital process and collaborating with housing colleagues to address waste issues on estates. The effectiveness of CCTV is being reviewed, with a focus on unmarked vehicles for covert surveillance and the use of images to identify offenders.

Link to meeting

Financial Performance: Projected Underspend

The committee reviewed the Period 8 Financial Performance Report for the 2025-26 financial year. The report indicated a forecast underspend of £25.7 million for the General Fund revenue budget, an improvement of £1.3 million since Period 7. This underspend is contributing to the council's Stabilisation Plan targets. The council is forecast to achieve £26.3 million of its Stabilisation Plan target and £21.8 million of its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings.

The report detailed variances across different directorates, with the Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery directorate forecasting an underspend of £0.6 million. This underspend is partly attributed to savings in street lighting costs, which have been achieved through changes to LED lanterns and extended periods of reduced light brightness.

Link to meeting

Cabinet Approves New Property Licensing Schemes and EV Charging Strategy

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to approve significant new schemes aimed at improving housing standards and promoting sustainable transport. The decisions have direct implications for private landlords, tenants, and all residents looking to embrace electric vehicles.

Private Sector Property Licensing: Raising Standards for Tenants

The Cabinet unanimously approved the implementation of a new selective licensing scheme across 14 wards and a borough-wide additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme. This move is designed to tackle poor housing conditions, ineffective management, and anti-social behaviour within the private rented sector.

The schemes, which will be self-funded through licence fees, will require landlords to meet clear conditions on safety and management, from gas and electrical compliance to tackling overcrowding. Councillor Lynne Hale, Cabinet Member for Homes, emphasized that the schemes are evidence-led and targeted, aiming to protect vulnerable residents and create a level playing field for responsible landlords. While the selective scheme covers 14 wards, the council has stated that all wards will be kept under review, and statutory powers will continue to be used where necessary.

Link to meeting

Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy: A Fairer Network for All

The Cabinet also unanimously approved the commencement of a public consultation on Croydon's draft Electric Vehicle Charging Point Strategy. This strategy aims to expand the borough-wide EV charging network, ensuring it is fair, accessible, and meets growing demand. With over 400 public charging points already in place, the strategy outlines a plan to increase this to around 4,200 by 2035.

Executive Mayor Jason Perry highlighted that the strategy aligns with his business plan for a cleaner, safer, and healthier borough. Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, stressed the focus on fairness, ensuring all parts of Croydon benefit from improved charging access, and a blended delivery model to maximise private investment. The strategy will guide the placement of charging points, prioritising areas with high demand and limited off-street parking, and will be shaped by public consultation.

Link to meeting

Highways Capital Programme: Increased Investment in Road Maintenance

The Cabinet unanimously approved the 2026/27 Highways Capital Programme, totalling £17.6 million – an increase of £5 million from the previous year. Councillor Scott Roche emphasized the programme's focus on planned maintenance to reduce future costs and improve road quality. The programme includes investment in resurfacing, patching, drainage, flood alleviation, and bridge maintenance, aiming to make roads safer, more reliable, and resilient.

Link to meeting

Financial Performance: Continued Underspend

The Cabinet noted the Period 9 financial performance report, which indicated a forecast General Fund underspend of £26.2 million against the 2025-26 budget. Councillor Jocelyn Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted the council's continued financial control and close management of budgets, noting that many other London boroughs are forecasting overspends. The report also confirmed a forecast underspend in the General Fund capital programme and a break-even position in the Housing Revenue Account. The financial impact of the recent decision to remove Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) was discussed, with a refund scheme now live.

Link to meeting