The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, to discuss a range of significant issues including the council's financial performance, the future of its waste and street cleansing services, and a major review of its library service. Key decisions made included the approval of recommendations for the 2024-25 Period 3 Financial Performance Report, the award of a new eight-year contract for waste and street cleansing services, and the adoption of a new library service model which will see four libraries close.

Financial Performance Reports

The Cabinet received and approved recommendations regarding the council's financial performance for periods 2 and 3 of the 2024-25 financial year. It was noted that the General Fund revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £23.9 million at the financial year-end. This is after utilising £38 million in capitalisation directions requested from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, £5 million from the risk contingency budget, and £13 million from corporate earmarked reserves. All service directorates have been instructed to reduce net expenditure to balance the annual budget, a task acknowledged as challenging due to increasing demand pressures and market prices across local government. A Financial Recovery Plan is in place to address the overspend. The Cabinet also approved budget changes to the General Fund capital programme, totalling a net increase of £8.5 million, including funding for the 'Reconnecting Croydon' initiative and the 'Oracle Improvement Programme'. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £2.0 million. The council's significant historic borrowing and subsequent debt burden were highlighted as critical to the non-sustainability of the revenue budget, with ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding potential financial support.

Waste and Street Cleansing Service Award

The Cabinet approved the appointment of a preferred bidder for the delivery of waste and recycling collection, street cleansing, and vehicle maintenance services. This new eight-year contract, running from April 2025 to 2033, with an option to extend for two further eight-year periods, aims to improve services and align with the Mayor's Business Plan. Enhancements include a graffiti removal service, improved contract management, increased waste collection frequency for flats above shops, the introduction of a nighttime economy collection, and a more targeted, data-driven street cleaning service. Resident feedback regarding collection frequency and street cleansing improvements has been incorporated into the contract. The Cabinet also agreed to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Streets & Environment, to agree the final contract.

Libraries Review

A significant decision was made regarding the future of Croydon's library service, adopting a proposed new model following an extensive review and public consultation. The current model, with 13 libraries operating part-time hours, was deemed unsustainable and failing to meet the council's best value duty. The new model will see nine libraries remain open, with increased opening hours to a minimum of five days a week, including staffed Saturdays. Four libraries – Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley – are set to close from 8 November 2024. The council plans to reinvest savings from building costs into enhancing services at the remaining nine libraries, developing an outreach service to engage non-users and those with limited access, and improving the digital offer. Mitigating measures for the closures include extended opening hours at the remaining nine libraries, a weekly accessible bus shuttle service for residents with access needs, outreach services in community venues, book collections for affected schools, investment in digital services, improved marketing, and access to home library services. The council also committed to exploring community operation for the sites no longer required for statutory library services.

Croydon Investment Plan

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the Croydon Investment Plan, titled Unlocking Croydon's Potential. This three-year plan aims to foster long-term growth and economic regeneration through a collaborative, data-driven approach to inward investment. A Partnership Board will be established, bringing together key partners to action the plan and deliver new investment into the borough. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, to agree the structure, membership, constitution, and Terms of Reference of this Partnership Board.

Whitgift Indemnity and Land Transfer Agreement Remedy Update

The Cabinet agreed to enter into new agreements to facilitate the regeneration of the town centre. This includes a Deed of Release and Replacement of Guarantor, releasing Hammerson UK Properties Limited as a guarantor and appointing Unibail-Rodamco TH B.V. as the replacement. A 4th Supplemental Agreement to the ILTA will also be entered into for general updating and revised remedy provisions. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery to negotiate and enter into a Conditional Land Sale Agreement for several parcels of land, including the former Allders Car Park and Whitgift Car Park.

Public Health Peer Review

The Cabinet noted the key findings of the Public Health Peer Review, which took place in March 2024. The review commended the operational achievements of the public health team and identified opportunities to strengthen corporate leadership, partnerships, and resource utilisation. An action plan has been created to address the review's recommendations, with task and finish groups established to lead change in four key areas: finance and governance, corporate leadership and visibility, system partnerships, and evidence-based practice. The Cabinet also endorsed the publication of the peer review report.

Scrutiny Stage One and Stage Two

The Cabinet received and noted recommendations arising from the Children & Young People Sub-Committee and the Streets & Environment Sub-Committee. They also approved responses and action plans related to these recommendations, delegating authority to officers to report back on progress. The Executive Responses regarding the Libraries Review recommendations from the Scrutiny meeting on 17th September were also approved.