The Croydon Council meeting on 20 July 2026 saw the adoption of the Safer Croydon Partnership Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029, which builds on previous progress in reducing crime and enhancing partnership working. The Council also agreed to adopt the updated Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) to guide future development and conservation efforts. Additionally, the Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for 2025 and proposed updates to its Terms of Reference were approved.

Community Safety Strategy Adopted

The Council formally adopted the Safer Croydon Partnership Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029. Executive Mayor Jason Perry highlighted significant reductions in crime over the past four years, including a 24% decrease in knife crime and a 19% drop in residential burglaries. The strategy aims to continue this progress by focusing on tackling violence against women and girls, protecting young people, and creating safer neighbourhoods. Labour Group amendments, which were accepted by the administration, strengthened the strategy's focus on supporting local businesses and ensuring community safety is inclusive. Councillor Ola Kolade, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice, emphasised the importance of partnership working with the Metropolitan Police, voluntary sector, and other agencies in achieving these goals.

Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan Adopted

The Council adopted the updated Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This plan, which supersedes the 2007 version, provides detailed guidance for development within these areas to conserve and enhance their special architectural and historic character. Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, noted that the updated CAAMP would support consistent decision-making and reduce uncertainty for applicants. The adoption follows a period of public consultation, with amendments made based on feedback received.

Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report and Terms of Reference Approved

The Council received the Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for 2025, which detailed the Board's activities and priorities, including work on mental health, healthy neighbourhoods, and support for children and families. Councillor Yvette Hopley, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, presented the report, highlighting the Board's role in fostering integration and partnership working. The Council also approved proposed updates to the Health and Wellbeing Board's Terms of Reference, which aim to strengthen its strategic leadership and align with national plans, including the NHS 10-year plan and neighbourhood health initiatives. The updates include the addition of a Resident Voice Group representative and a Primary Care Sector representative to the Board's membership.

Other Business

The meeting also included the appointment of an independent co-opted member to the Audit and Governance Committee, Julieda Puig Pereira Paes. The Council noted the report on the use of special urgency for key decisions and exemptions from call-in, and the Annual Treasury Management Review for 2025/26 was approved. Due to time constraints, several agenda items, including maiden speeches and council debate motions, were deferred to a future meeting.