The Croydon Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, agreeing to receive recommendations from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee and to approve the Executive Mayor's Delivery Plan 2026-2030. The Cabinet also authorised public consultation on renewing Public Space Protection Orders in Thornton Heath and extending them to other district centres and parks, and approved the Transport and Parking Strategic Direction for Croydon.

Further decisions included authorising consultation on a fully commissioned delivery model for Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) services, approving the progression to Phase 2 of the CYPE Strategic Transformation Partner contract with Newton, and agreeing to the draft budget for 2027-28 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-31, authorising officers to engage with residents on these proposals. The Cabinet also approved the addition of 31 assets to the Council's disposal programme and agreed to the disposal of Strand House and 90 Central Parade for the development of supported accommodation for care-experienced young adults.

Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

The Cabinet agreed to receive recommendations from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee's meetings in June, July, and September 2026. A substantive response to these recommendations, in the form of a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report, will be provided at the Cabinet meeting on 2 December 2026. Councillor Amy Foster, Chair of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, highlighted concerns about the pace of transformation workstreams and the need for clearer performance indicators in the Mayor's Delivery Plan. She also raised points regarding resident access to council services, particularly for those in crisis, and the financial assumptions underpinning future savings.

Mayor's Delivery Plan 2026-2030

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Executive Mayor's Delivery Plan 2026-2030, which sets out the Council's framework for delivering the priorities outlined in the Executive Mayor's Business Plan. Mayor Jason Perry stated that the plan aims to translate commitments into reality, making them accessible and understandable to residents. Councillor Lynne Hale, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, seconded the motion. Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, questioned the absence of corporate performance indicators and measurable targets in the plan, arguing that this hinders accountability. Mayor Perry responded that the plan is intended to be accessible to residents and that performance indicators exist within departments and are available for review.

Thornton Heath and Surrounding Area: Consultation of Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

The Cabinet agreed to authorise public consultation on renewing the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the Thornton Heath and surrounding area for a further three years. Mayor Perry explained that the existing PSPO, introduced in February 2024, has contributed to a 3.4% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour within its boundaries, with over 90% of breaches involving alcohol. Councillor Ola Kolade, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice, presented the report, emphasising that the consultation aims to gather views from residents, businesses, and partners to assess the order's continued effectiveness. Councillor Manju Shahul Hamid, Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Justice, supported the renewal but sought assurances regarding police resources and consistent visible enforcement, and requested that prevention, outreach, and substance misuse support be detailed in the final report.

Consultation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The Cabinet agreed to authorise public consultation on implementing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in parks and open spaces across the borough, as well as in eight district centres: Crystal Palace, Norbury, Addiscombe, Purley, Coulsdon, Selsdon, New Addington, and South Norwood. Mayor Perry highlighted the success of existing PSPOs in reducing anti-social behaviour and the importance of creating safer public spaces for all residents. Councillor Kolade presented the report, noting that PSPOs are a cost-effective intervention. Councillor Shahul Hamid supported the proposal but urged that restrictions be evidence-based and proportionate, and that the economic impact on local businesses be assessed.

Croydon's Transport Vision and Strategic Direction

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Transport and Parking Strategic Direction for Croydon 2026-2040. Mayor Perry stated that the strategy aims to provide a clear framework for future transport and parking decisions, balancing the needs of all road users and supporting local high streets. Councillor Alasdair Stewart, Cabinet Member for Streets and Enforcement, presented the report, emphasising its practical, balanced, and distinctly Croydon approach. Councillor Tom Bowell, Shadow Cabinet Member for Streets and Enforcement, questioned the apparent contradiction between the end the war on motorists theme and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy's suggestion of increased income from parking. Councillor Stewart clarified that the strategy aims to simplify and clarify parking charges, not penalise motorists, and that further papers will address specific charging proposals.

CALAT Future of Croydon Adult Learning and Training Services

The Cabinet agreed to approve Option 3, the Fully Commissioned Delivery Model, for consultation as the future delivery model for Adult Learning Services in Croydon. Mayor Perry explained that the current direct-delivery model is no longer financially sustainable, forecasting an overspend of £500,000 this year, and that the proposed change is about improving outcomes and changing delivery methods, not cutting funding. Councillor Jason Cummings, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, supported the data-driven approach, highlighting CALAT's below-London-average achievement rates and above-budget spending. Councillor Bushid Graham, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, expressed concerns about the handling of the matter, citing poor communication and anxiety among staff and users, and questioned the disposal of Strand House. Mayor Perry assured that the process is not rushed, is based on an independent review, and that the consultation will listen to all views.

CYPE Strategic Transformation Partner Phase 2

The Cabinet unanimously agreed to approve the investment of £7.9 million plus expenses for Phase 2 of the CYPE Strategic Transformation Partner programme with Newton. Mayor Perry stated that this phase will implement the changes identified in Phase 1 to improve practice, manage demand, increase effectiveness, and improve efficiency, with a forecast of £52 million in cumulative financial benefits by 2030-31. Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, highlighted the programme's focus on early help and preventative care. Councillor Graham questioned the financial risk transfer arrangements with Newton, specifically regarding the fee guarantee level. Mr O'Connor, from officers, clarified that a basic payment is made, but the amount beyond that is entirely at risk until savings are delivered.

Draft Budget 2027-28 & Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-31

The Cabinet agreed to authorise officers to engage with residents and other interested parties on the proposals set out in the draft budget for 2027-28 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2027-31. Mayor Perry described the report as an honest assessment of the Council's financial position, noting that Croydon remains one of London's most financially stressed councils. Councillor Jason Cummings, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, thanked the Finance Department and highlighted the early publication of the draft budget to allow for meaningful engagement. Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about the increase in the growth forecast, the reliance on a single strategic partner for savings, and the lack of specific proposals for SEND. Mayor Perry responded that growth is being challenged and that zeal is being applied to CYPE overspends. He also defended the exclusion of certain savings proposals, stating they would have had a detrimental impact on residents. Councillor Ben Hassel also raised concerns about the increasing net expenditure budget and asked when this trajectory would change. Conrad Hall, Corporate Director of Resources, clarified that the net budget requirement is a calculation that does not reflect total Council expenditure.

Strategic Assets and Disposals

The Cabinet agreed to approve the retention of certain assets and the addition of 31 assets to the Council's disposal programme, subject to further assessment and due diligence. Mayor Perry emphasised that community assets would be offered to existing occupiers first. Councillor Cummings highlighted the report's success in consolidating information on the Council's asset disposal programme. Councillor Ben Hassel expressed concern about the potential difficulty for community organisations to meet timescales for asset acquisition and urged consideration of alternatives if they struggle to fundraise. Mayor Perry clarified that disposals to community occupiers are preferred and that flexibility would be offered regarding payment terms.

Disposal of Strand House & 90 Central Parade and Supported Accommodation for Care Experienced Young Adults (PART A)

The Cabinet agreed to authorise the Corporate Director of Housing to advertise the proposed disposal of Strand House and 90 Central Parade for the development of supported accommodation for care-experienced young adults. Mayor Perry stated that this initiative aligns with his priority to provide secure futures for young people and that the proposal will deliver 86 self-contained homes, with YMCA St Paul's Group managing the accommodation and support. Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, highlighted the dual purpose of improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and delivering value for money. Councillor Graham raised concerns about operational risks and requested clarification on the timeline for CALAT's move from Strand House. Mayor Perry stated that the CALAT question could not be answered as consultation is ongoing, but acknowledged the feedback on risk management.

The meeting was confirmed as held, and decisions were made.