The Council meeting on 16 April 2025 saw the approval of the 2025-26 budget, which includes a 4.8% increase in council tax. Key discussions also focused on tackling fly-tipping, with new enforcement measures and increased fines approved, and the extension of an independent member's term on the Audit and Governance Committee.

The Council's Budget and Council Tax Increase

The Council approved the budget for the 2025-26 financial year, which includes a 4.8% increase in the overall council tax bill for residents. This comprises a 2.99% increase in the Croydon element of the council tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept levy. The total net expenditure budget for the council for 2025-26 was set at £375.755 million.

During the debate on the budget, Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted the severe financial crisis Croydon faces, attributing it to a broken funding model, rising demand for services, and historic financial mismanagement. He outlined a transformation programme aimed at delivering services more efficiently, with projected savings of £137 million over three years and a further £22 million. Key investments include £15 million for reducing temporary accommodation, £10.5 million for housing repairs, and £166 million for the Regina Road redevelopment.

Opposition councillors raised concerns about the budget. Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, expressed worry over rising council tax alongside service cuts, citing library closures and an in-year overspend. He warned that the financial recovery remained fragile and highlighted concerns about demand management, unsustainable borrowing, and the pace of transformation. Councillor Ria Patel, representing the Green Group, opposed the budget, arguing that residents were paying more for less and proposed an amendment to halve Special Responsibility Allowances and reinvest savings into frontline services. Councillor Claire Bonham also voiced concerns about the financial position, the cumulative council tax rise, and the impact on residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.

Despite these concerns, the budget was approved with 34 votes in favour, 3 against, and 33 abstentions.

Tackling Fly-Tipping

The Council resolved to implement a new Street and Environment Enforcement policy and introduce a Community Compliance Team to address the ongoing issue of fly-tipping. This team will focus on street-based enforcement, starting with engagement and education, and escalating to fines for non-compliance. The maximum fine for fly-tipping will be increased from £400 to £1,000. Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, stated that the administration was taking a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping.

This decision was made in response to a public question and a Labour Group motion that highlighted Croydon's reputation as the fly tip capital of the UK. The Labour motion called for tougher enforcement, including the confiscation and crushing of vehicles used for fly-tipping, and greater transparency in publishing fly-tipping incidents and enforcement cases.

Extension of Independent Member's Term

The Council approved the extension of David Clarke's tenure as an independent, co-opted, non-voting member of the Audit and Governance Committee for a further year. Mr. Clarke, a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, has served an initial one-year term since March 2024. The Audit and Governance Committee recommended the extension, citing the value of his outside knowledge, experience, and skills in informing the committee's audit work. The extension is subject to standards of conduct encompassing the Nolan Principles.

Public Questions

Several questions were raised by the public during the meeting:

• Ashburton Park Refurbishment: Detailed plans for the refurbishment and redevelopment of Ashburton Park are in place, with work expected to begin this summer and completion scheduled for November 2028. This follows a £1.59 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
• Climate and Health Initiatives: The Council is considering plant-based options as part of its renewed Climate Action Plan, due to be presented to Cabinet in June. Public Health colleagues are also developing a Croydon Food and Active Lives Strategy that may include elements of sustainable food supply and the promotion of plant-based diets.
• Council Finances: In response to a question about the availability of basic financial information and the Council's £1.5 billion debt, the Council provided links to various financial documents, including annual budget books and financial accounts. A table detailing capital expenditure contributing to the debt between 2015-16 and 2022-23 was also provided.
• Climate Action Plan: The revised Climate Action Plan will be presented to Cabinet in June 2025. Previous actions include the Healthy Homes programme and the permanent implementation of School Streets and Healthy Neighbourhoods.
• Croydon Community Energy: The Council has raised concerns about proposals from Croydon Community Energy (CCE) for installing solar panels at Gresham Primary School, citing issues with exclusivity, procurement, rent, and potential liabilities for the Council. CCE has been asked to provide a detailed business case.
• Pension Scheme Investments: The Council stated that its Pension Committee has a legal duty to invest funds to generate long-term returns. The fund invests passively in equity markets through pooled funds managed by external managers who are signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Pursuing exclusionary policies for specific companies or sectors is considered not feasible due to significant costs and potential financial detriment.
• New Addington Youth Engagement Team: A consultation regarding the proposed closure of the New Addington Youth Engagement team is ongoing and has been extended to 25 April. A Scrutiny Committee will debate the outcomes on 1 May. The Council highlighted the development of Family Hubs as a model for early help services and noted existing commissioned adolescent services.
• East Croydon Station Ticket Gate: The Council continues to support the campaign for a ticket gate on the eastern side of the pedestrian link over East Croydon Station, working with Network Rail and Menta Regeneration. Network Rail has indicated that a business case for a barrier has not yet been established due to staffing costs.

The Croydon Debate

Two member petitions were debated:

• Road Safety near St David's School: The petition called for urgent action to tackle road safety concerns near St David's School on Woodcote Valley Road, Purley, including the implementation of a zebra crossing and other traffic calming measures.
• Wandle Park Café Reopening: Residents of Waddon petitioned for the reopening of the café in Wandle Park, requesting that the Council keep its promise to open it this spring and allow individuals and community groups to bid for such contracts.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 February 2025 were approved. The Council also noted the passing of former Mayor of Croydon Council, Honorary Alderwoman Avril Slipper, and observed a minute's silence in her honour.