The Council meeting on 29 January 2018 saw a series of appointments made to various roles, including Cabinet Member for Economy and Jobs, Deputy Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board. The Council also adopted the Licensing Policy Statement and approved admission arrangements for community schools.

Appointments to Key Roles

The Council noted several appointments made by the Leader of the Council, all effective from 1 February 2018. Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed was appointed as the new Cabinet Member for Economy and Jobs. Councillor Mark Watson was appointed as the Deputy Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport. Councillor Maggie Mansell was appointed to the Health and Wellbeing Board, and subsequently elected as its Chair for the remainder of the 2017/18 Municipal Year. These appointments were made in accordance with Part Two, Article 7 of the Council's constitution.

Adoption of Licensing Policy

The Council unanimously adopted the Licensing Policy Statement under the Licensing Act 2003. This policy, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, governs the licensing of various activities within the borough.

Admission Arrangements for Community Schools

The proposed Admission Arrangements for Croydon's community schools for the 2019/20 academic year were unanimously approved. These arrangements were recommended by the Cabinet.

In-Year Appointments to Committees

The Council unanimously approved in-year appointments to two committees, as recommended by the General Purposes and Audit Committee. Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor and Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice were appointed to the Pensions Collective Investment Vehicle (CIV) Sectoral Joint Committee, replacing Councillor John Wentworth and Councillor Andrew Pelling. Councillor Sherwan Chowdhury was appointed to the Tenants' and Leaseholders' Panel, replacing Councillor Wayne Trakas-Lawlor.

Polling Districts and Polling Places Review

The Council unanimously approved recommendations regarding polling districts and polling places. This included noting the London Borough of Croydon (Electoral Changes) Order 2017, which implements new ward boundaries from the local government elections on 3 May 2018. Revised schedules for polling districts and polling places were also approved. The (Acting) Returning Officer was delegated authority to approve alternative polling places if necessary.

Debate on Libraries and Privatisation

A debate motion, submitted by the majority party, commended the borough's library staff for their work during the liquidation of Carillion and welcomed the decision to bring the library service back in-house. Councillor Godfrey, moving the motion, highlighted the negative experience with privatisation under the previous administration and the importance of rebuilding libraries. Councillor Helen Pollard argued that the outsourcing to Carillion was a response to economic mismanagement and that the current administration had made little change to library policy since 2014. Councillor Tim Pollard added that Carillion's collapse was unforeseen and that the previous Labour government had also awarded significant contracts to the company. Councillor Avis seconded the motion, referencing the closure of libraries under the previous administration and contrasting it with the current administration's actions, including opening a new library in South Norwood and bringing staff in-house with increased wages. The motion was carried.

Debate on Fly-Tipping and Environmental Services

A debate motion, submitted by the opposition, argued that the Council was losing the battle against fly-tipping and called for a more rigorous enforcement approach, including proactive logging of fly-tips and clearing of private land. Councillor Clancy, moving the motion, stated that Croydon was the third worst borough for fly-tips in London and proposed making bulky waste collection a free service. Councillor Collins countered that fly-tips had decreased and highlighted new technology and increased enforcement officers. Councillor Canning listed actions taken by the current administration, including faster clean-ups and increased surveillance. Councillor Creatura seconded the motion, reiterating concerns about increasing fly-tips and the Evening Standard's rating of Croydon. The motion was put to the vote and fell.

Croydon Question Time

During Croydon Question Time, residents raised various issues. Tony Pearson inquired about long-term plans for Fishers Farm recycling centre, with Councillor Collins confirming its importance and ongoing investment. Michael O'Dwyer asked about the potential imposition of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Addiscombe ward, with Councillor King stating that formal consultation was ongoing. Ola Kolade raised concerns about the repainting of railings in Norwood Grove Park, which Councillor Godfrey agreed to add to the work programme. Eunice O'Dame questioned the dimness of new street lights on Stroud Green Lane, with Councillor King assuring that all lights met appropriate standards. Joseph Lee asked about delays in updating residents on works at the Blackhorse Lane bridge, with Councillor King promising further communication. Rob Elliot raised concerns about a 20mph speed limit not being adhered to in Shirley, with Councillor King stating the area was being monitored. Scott Roche asked about quality control for care providers, with Councillor Woodley highlighting a positive CQC inspection and existing resident feedback systems. Gemma Patient asked about plans to build on Norwood recreation ground, with Councillor Butler stating there were no such plans and the area was protected.

Councillor questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members covered a range of topics including Children's Services, the funding for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASCs), the use of old tyres on coaches and buses, and the protection of green spaces. Discussions also touched upon the management of contractors, the success of the Community Connect scheme in New Addington, and the cladding on the Citiscape tower block.

Member Petitions

Two petitions were presented. Councillor Kabir introduced a petition calling on JD Wetherspoon plc to keep the Flora Sandes pub open. Councillor Watson stated that while the Council had engaged with JD Wetherspoon, the closure appeared to be a nationwide commercial decision. Councillor Tim Pollard introduced a petition requesting the extension of double yellow lines at the junction of Mitchley View and Mitchley Hill Sanderstead. Councillor King responded that existing lines were deemed sufficient, but the issue would be reviewed again in six months.