The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, to discuss the findings of the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge. The meeting concluded with the approval of the recommendations outlined in the report, with an action plan to be presented at the next Cabinet meeting.

Local Government Association Report of the Croydon Council Corporate Peer Challenge

The Cabinet received and noted the final report of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC). This report validates the significant improvements made at Croydon Council over the past four years, following a period of financial and governance collapse. The LGA's peer team, led by Shokat Lal, Chief Executive of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, and Kate Herbert, Principal Advisor for London at the LGA, presented their findings.

The report highlighted that the Council has made significant change and improvement over the last four years and that those involved should be really proud of this achievement. Key observations included the effective and visible political and managerial leadership provided by Executive Mayor Jason Perry and Chief Executive Katherine Kerswell, who are well-respected and provide strong, visible leadership. The report also noted a strong culture, with a dedicated workforce who now feel proud to work for Croydon Council. Positive relationships between members and officers, and among members themselves, were also identified.

While acknowledging the progress, the report also pointed out areas for further development. It stated that residents and local people are not yet seeing a lot of tangible evidence of improvement and delivery externally, and that the Council needs to reclaim the narrative to better communicate its progress. The report also touched upon the ongoing financial challenges, including in-year budget pressures and the Council's significant debt burden, noting that there is more to explore in terms of cost reduction and value for money.

The peer team made ten recommendations, which the Council has accepted. These include developing a clear narrative for Croydon's future, demonstrating all efforts to reduce costs and deliver value for money, speeding up the four-year sufficiency plan, investing in sustainable transformation capacity, and ensuring greater organisational stability with permanent staff. The report also recommended developing a Croydon Growth Plan, embedding clear customer experience standards, and celebrating successes.

In response to the report, Executive Mayor Jason Perry stated that the Council is determined to make Croydon the most efficient and effective borough in London, and that a massive transformation programme lies ahead. He added that the Council is committed to delivering better services, rebuilding trust, and restoring pride in the borough.

The Cabinet resolved to note the final report of the Croydon Council Corporate Peer Challenge and to present an action plan responding to the recommendations at the Cabinet meeting on 22 January 2025.