The Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to review the performance of children's services and discuss future work programmes. Key discussions included the financial performance of the Directorate, the adoption of a new conservation area management plan, and the development of the scrutiny work programme for the upcoming year.

Period 10 Financial Performance Report

Charles Baker, Director of Streets and Environment, presented the Period 10 financial performance report, highlighting a projected net underspend of £2.3 million for the Place Directorate. This positive movement of £1.6 million compared to the Period 9 report was attributed to in-year savings from staffing costs and improved management of term contracts. A significant point of discussion was the low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) refunds, with the report estimating only £3.5 million may be claimed against an original provision of £7.3 million. Mr. Baker expressed confidence in this forecast, based on modelling and tracking of claims, with over 4,100 claims received to date and a projected completion by December.

Concerns were raised about the communication surrounding LTN removals and refund availability. The council confirmed that press releases and website updates had been issued, and a proactive engagement strategy was in place. However, it was clarified that claims are not mass-processed and require individuals to claim refunds, with a 15-point cross-check process in place to ensure compliance with financial regulations.

The committee also discussed improvements in sustainable communities, driven by reduced agency spend, increased income from spatial planning and building control, and additional income from bereavement services. Savings from SEN transport transformation were noted as being attributed to children's services, though the work was undertaken within the Place Directorate. Looking ahead, parking services were identified as a potential pressure point due to significant Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) proposals and the loss of LTN income.

Councillor Alastair Stewart, the Cabinet Member for Streets and Enforcement, clarified that the renaming of his portfolio was not merely a cosmetic change but reflected a shift in responsibilities. He highlighted the Mayor's manifesto commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and enforcement, which would be reflected in a business plan coming to Cabinet. While parking enforcement would remain separate, a revised environmental enforcement approach and a single centralised offer were being developed. The committee sought reassurance that increased fines from this zero-tolerance approach would be reflected in the Mayor's budget and that the enforcement team would become self-funding.

Regarding the removal of LTN equipment, it was stated that signage was not reused, but cameras were being reviewed for reinstallation to offset lost income. Street infrastructure used to restrict access had been stored, while some planters had been disposed of due to rot. The possibility of offering suitable planters to community groups was raised.

Adoption of Web Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan

Councillor Ajit Baines, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, introduced the proposed adoption of the Web Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan (Camp). Selin Karsan, Senior Conservation Officer from the Placemaking Team, presented the plan, explaining its purpose to provide an up-to-date assessment of character and detailed guidance for managing these residential conservation areas. The updated Camp would supersede the 2007 version and act as a supplementary planning document (SPD), a material consideration in planning decisions.

Consultation on the draft Camp revealed initial opposition, with 66.7% of respondents not supporting adoption. However, it was clarified that almost 26% of these objections related to a misunderstanding of Article IV directions, which remove permitted development rights. The council stated that no Article IV directions were proposed to be implemented. Following clarification meetings with residents and the Web Estate Management Company, support for adoption increased, with over half of respondents broadly supportive when the Article IV issue was addressed.

Questions were raised about a property on Foxley Lane, with a councillor noting a discrepancy between the report stating it should not be included and its appearance on the map. Officers clarified that the boundaries had not changed and that historic buildings on Foxley Lane were included. A point of clarification was requested to investigate this further before the plan went to Cabinet.

The committee also discussed energy efficiency improvements, such as heat pumps and photovoltaics. Officers explained that while solar panels could be placed on the rear of properties, visible heat pumps were not encouraged. For heat pumps on the rear, an enclosure was not required, as this would impede their function.

Concerns were raised about proactive enforcement measures against inappropriate materials and the gradual erosion of the estate's character. It was stated that the council worked with the enforcement team against unpermitted developments, such as UPVC windows, and that warning letters were sometimes issued. However, the capacity of the enforcement team was noted as a challenge.

A councillor, who is also the Chair of the Purley and Woodcote Residence Association, stated they had not been consulted. Officers explained that initial notifications were sent to the Association's formal address, which was not being monitored, leading to a lack of awareness. However, they confirmed that the Association's representative was included in subsequent meetings and provided a consultation response. A point of clarification was requested to ensure clear communication regarding email correspondence.

The practical implications of the Camp as an SPD, rather than mere guidance, were discussed, with officers confirming that this distinction was communicated. The committee also explored the impact of the new plan on planning appeals and enforcement cases, with officers explaining that the updated document provided more detailed guidance on architectural character to prevent the demolition of historic buildings.

The committee noted that many other conservation area management plans (Camps) in the borough were also outdated and that lessons learned from this process would be applied to them. The timeline for reviewing all 21 conservation areas was stated to be over the council term.

Regarding tree species and climate resilience, officers explained that while efforts were made to remain loyal to William Webb's landscaping principles, alternative drought-tolerant species could be used if a particular species could not survive. The council stated it was not their duty to warn against watering but would raise awareness.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2026-2027

The committee discussed potential additions to the scrutiny work programme for 2026-27. Several items were proposed, including tree mapping, updates on the climate action plan, enforcement strategies (fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles), the Love Clean Streets app, flood risk management, air pollution, sustainable and active transport, and contract management for services such as FM Conway and waste management. An update on the EV charging strategy and rollout was also suggested.

The progress of the local plan and its implementation, including communication strategies, was also raised. The impact and future plans for the Blitz Cleans programme were discussed, with a review of the previous four years underway to inform future approaches. The committee also sought clarity on climate adaptation and mitigation, particularly in light of a heatwave, and whether this was being discussed by Cabinet. It was confirmed that this would be investigated further.

The committee agreed to include Family Hubs and Youth Engagement Services in the latter half of the 2026/27 Work Programme, and that SEND provision would also be an item for the 2026/27 Work Programme.

Early Help, Children's Social Care and Education Dashboard (March 2026)

The committee reviewed the Early Help, Children's Social Care and Education dashboard, noting additional red indicators. Discussions focused on managing demand to reduce caseloads and assessment times in Children's Social Care, with a recent Ofsted visit being broadly positive despite high caseloads. The council's position as having the largest Children's Social Care department in London, receiving the highest number of referrals, was highlighted. The Families First Framework was mentioned as a programme aiming to improve cohesion between Children in Need and Early Help. Concerns were raised about ensuring small risks were not overlooked.

The committee was informed that vacancy rates in Children's Social Care were low, and agency workforce had significantly reduced. Positive updates were provided on Calleydown Shortbreak Children's Home and the upcoming formal opening of Precious House following successful Ofsted registration. The committee concluded that future reports should include narrative for additional red indicators.

The committee also considered whether to continue receiving quarterly KPI data on Health Visiting for the 2026/27 municipal year.

Strategic Transformation Delivery Partner, Social Work reforms, SEND reforms and Youth Justice reforms Update

The committee received an update on the transformation of the Children, Young People and Education (CYPE) Directorate. This included the appointment of Newton as Strategic Transformation Partner to support the redesign of services. Phase One of this partnership, focusing on understanding current performance and designing future services, was nearing completion. A Go/No-Go decision point was highlighted as critical for proceeding to Phase Two, which would involve piloting and implementing the redesigned services.

Key themes emerging from Phase One included the need for a genuinely integrated system between education, social care, and partners, with a focus on relational practice and trauma-informed principles. A simpler, more coherent pathway model was being developed, with improved data integration and organisational efficiency also identified as priorities.

The report also detailed the development of Croydon Family Hubs, with extended grant funding until March 2029 to increase the number of children achieving a Good Level of Development and expand the Family Hub network. The Families First Partnership (FFP) reforms were discussed, aiming to shift the system towards earlier, more effective help and reduce escalation into statutory intervention. Croydon's model for FFP was designed to provide earlier support, prevent families from repeating their stories, encourage collaboration, and involve families in decision-making. A pilot of the Family Help model in the South Locality was planned to commence in September 2026.

The SEND White Paper reforms were outlined, aiming to create a more inclusive and sustainable system. This includes a tiered support model, the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) from 2029/30, and a greater focus on mainstream inclusion. Croydon's context of a growing number of EHCPs was discussed, with investments in early intervention teams, speech and language therapy, and SEND advisers to strengthen inclusive practice.

The impact of Youth Justice reforms was also addressed, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and reducing reoffending. The reforms involve a shift in national governance to the Ministry of Justice and are expected to improve funding certainty and bring tighter conditions. Croydon welcomed these changes, seeing them as supportive of longer-term planning and aligning with existing strengths in early intervention and diversion.

The committee agreed to include Family Hubs and Youth Engagement Services in the latter half of the 2026/27 Work Programme, and that SEND provision would also be an item for the 2026/27 Work Programme.