The Scrutiny Streets & Environment Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 2 April 2024 to discuss the council's financial performance, proposed changes to parking charges, and the draft Air Quality Action Plan. Key decisions included the endorsement of proposed parking charge amendments for 2024-25, which will now proceed to statutory consultation, and the provision of feedback on the draft Air Quality Action Plan 2024-29.

Period 9 Financial Performance Report

The Sub-Committee reviewed the Period 9 Financial Performance Report for the 2023-24 Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery (SCRER) Budget. The report indicated an overall underspend of £1.5m in the General Fund revenue budget, after accounting for capitalisation directions. However, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecast to overspend by £12.0m, primarily due to increased costs for repairs and disrepair cases stemming from historical underinvestment in the housing stock. The report also highlighted significant pressures within Children's Social Care, with a forecast overspend of £4.1m, largely attributed to high-cost placements for children with complex needs. The Sub-Committee noted the ongoing challenges with the council's historic debt burden and its impact on the revenue budget, with continued dialogue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) regarding financial support.

Cabinet Report: Proposed Parking Charge Amendments 2024-25

The Sub-Committee considered proposed amendments to parking charges for 2024-25, which aim to simplify charges, encourage the use of more efficient vehicles, and support local economies. The proposals include changes to parking permit charges, with increased fees for higher-emission vehicles and a reduced discount for electric vehicles, alongside adjustments to on-street and off-street parking tariffs. A key change is the extension of free parking in district centres from one hour to two hours, with a nominal charge for the second hour, intended to boost business footfall. The Sub-Committee welcomed the continued use of an emissions-based charging scheme and encouraged further work to understand the impact of increased residential parking permit prices on social tenants, recommending the feasibility of providing a discount. They also recommended the development of specific Key Performance Indicators to monitor the footfall impact of the proposed charges on businesses in district centres.

Air Quality Action Plan 2024-29

The Sub-Committee reviewed the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2024-29, which outlines the council's strategy to improve air quality across the borough. Croydon has been designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) since 2002, and this is the fifth action plan to address this issue. The plan focuses on ten key priorities, including working towards World Health Organization guidelines for PM2.5, increasing air quality monitoring, engaging schools through Healthy School Streets initiatives, and minimising emissions from construction. Members expressed concerns about the sufficiency of resources to deliver ambitious air quality improvements and the 'top-line' nature of some of the plan's aims. The Sub-Committee welcomed the council's strategic approach to developing an Electric Vehicle Charging Point rollout strategy and encouraged further consideration of the feasibility of expanding Croydon's 'Smoke Free Zones'. They recommended that officers explore the roles of Biodiversity Net Gain and Urban Greening within the AQAP and work with the Planning department to develop air quality conditions for future developments.

Cabinet Response to Scrutiny Recommendations

The Sub-Committee noted the Cabinet's responses to recommendations previously made by the committee. In relation to the 'Cleaner Croydon' initiative, the Cabinet accepted the recommendation to engage Members on the effectiveness and accessibility of the 'Love Clean Streets' app, with an action plan to implement this by 31 May 2024. For the 'Local Plan Review', the Cabinet noted the recommendation to include 'Blue Corridors' (watercourses and natural ponds) in the plan, with this already in progress.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2023-24

The Sub-Committee noted the draft work programme for 2023-24 and considered potential items for the 2024-25 Work Programme. Items of interest for future scrutiny included the implications of the Environment Bill, the protection of green spaces, public transport strategies, and the council's Climate Action Plan.