Croydon Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, with a packed agenda focusing on financial strategy, service consolidation, and responses to scrutiny recommendations. Key discussions are expected to revolve around the council's financial future, the proposed renewal of the Croydon Business Improvement District, and the implementation of a new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy.

Scrutiny Stage 2 Responses to Recommendations

The Cabinet is set to consider responses to recommendations arising from various sub-committees and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee. These recommendations stem from reviews conducted between November 2025 and March 2026, covering a range of council functions including Homes, Streets & Environment, and Health & Social Care. The report pack details the council's proposed action plans, reasons for rejecting any recommendations, or confirmation of where recommendations are already in progress. This process is a requirement under Part 4E of the Council's Constitution and Section 9FE of the Local Government Act 2000, which mandates a response to scrutiny reports within two months of their receipt. The recommendations are presented for approval, with delegated authority to officers to report back on progress. The potential impact of these recommendations is noted as reinforcing performance management, strengthening governance, and increasing transparency for residents, aligning with the Executive Mayor's Business Plan priorities.

Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) 2027-2032 Re-Ballot

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed renewal of the Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) for a further five-year term, from 2027 to 2032. Business Improvement Districts are business-led organisations funded by a compulsory levy on businesses within a defined area, aimed at improving the local economic prospects through targeted projects. The Croydon BID has been operating since its original establishment and is currently in its fourth term. This report seeks approval for delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place to undertake functions under the Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004, including assessing the proposal, consulting with businesses, and potentially exercising a veto. If the proposal is approved and successful in the ballot, the Council will be required to make arrangements for conducting the ballot and managing the BID levy. The proposed renewal includes an increase in the BID levy multiplier from 1.0% to 1.3% for hereditaments with a rateable value of £40,000 or above, projected to generate approximately £1,030,126 in Year 1. This renewal is considered crucial for maintaining investment, partnership working, and enhanced services that support Croydon town centre's economic resilience and growth.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

The Cabinet is being asked to approve a new Housing Enforcement Policy designed to ensure compliance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA25) and to strengthen enforcement of existing housing legislation. The private rented sector plays a vital role in meeting local housing needs, but evidence suggests persistent challenges with poor housing conditions and management. The RRA25 introduces new duties for local authorities to enforce landlord legislation, including breaches under the Act itself, the Housing Act 2004, and other relevant statutes. This new policy consolidates existing enforcement policies with the requirements of the RRA25, creating a standalone document that demonstrates the Council's commitment to upholding standards and taking action against abandoned and empty privately-owned residential properties. The policy will be supported by additional expert resources and will utilise both civil and criminal measures. New Burdens grant funding is available to resource the implementation of this policy.

Consolidation of Front Door Services

A key element of the Town Hall Campus Programme and the Council's wider transformation agenda is the consolidation of key customer-facing services into a single 'Front Door' reception at Cavendish House, 51–55 South End, Croydon. This initiative aims to improve the resident experience, support integrated service delivery, and optimise the use of the Council's operational estate. The services in scope include Housing Needs and Homelessness, Youth Justice Service, Young Croydon, Children Looked After, Children's Early Help Triage, Adult Social Care triage, and Parking Services. Cavendish House was selected from nine potential locations due to its suitability for safeguarding, operational functionality, accessibility, and financial viability, with an estimated cost of circa £0.75m. The implementation will be phased, with no changes to the services provided or existing opening hours. This decision will result in Cavendish House being retained for operational use, removing it from the Tranche 2 Asset Disposal Programme.

2025-26 Provisional Outturn Financial Performance Report

This report presents the provisional financial performance for the 2025-26 financial year, prior to final accounting adjustments and external audit review. The General Fund revenue account shows an underspend of £27.3m against the budget, meeting the target required by the Stabilisation Plan. The General Fund capital programme has a provisional underspend of £38.6m. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) shows a provisional underspend of £1.6m, an improvement from the break-even forecast at Period 10. However, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reports a provisional overspend of £32.7m, a £2.0m improvement from the forecast at Period 10. The report highlights the Council's historic borrowing and debt burden, along with national and local service pressures, as critical factors impacting the sustainability of the Council's revenue budget.

Financial Strategy 2027-30

The Cabinet will consider the Council's financial strategy for the next three years, aiming to return Croydon to financial sustainability and exit the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) programme. This strategy acknowledges the significant financial challenges, including high debt levels and rising demand for services like social care, housing, and SEND provision. The strategy proposes a shift in focus from general efficiencies to tackling high-cost areas, with a commitment to confront difficult policy choices regarding service levels and charges. It outlines a plan to reduce costs in adult social care, children's social care, and temporary accommodation, aiming for average cost levels as a milestone towards lower quartile costs. The report also details the proposed savings and growth targets, the impact on the budget deficit, and the ongoing reliance on EFS until 2029/30. Commissioners' comments on the financial plan are also included.

Notes:

• The information presented is based solely on the documents provided and reflects what is scheduled to be discussed. No decisions have been made, and the outcomes of these discussions are not known.
• The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR0 1NX.
• Members of the public can attend the meeting or view the webcast live or after the event at http://webcasting.croydon.gov.uk.
• Further details on all agenda papers are available on the Council website at www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings.