The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, addressed a range of critical issues for Croydon, including the financial performance of the council, the future of its library services, and plans for town centre regeneration. Key decisions included the approval of the 2024/25 budget for the Croydon Town Centre Regeneration Programme and Growth Zone, and the commencement of a public consultation on proposals for a new library service model.

Stage 1: Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

Cabinet received recommendations from the Children & Young People Sub-Committee, the Streets and Environment Sub-Committee, and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee. A substantive response to these recommendations, in the form of a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report, will be provided at the Cabinet meeting on 27 March 2024.

Residents Survey

Cabinet noted the results of the Croydon residents' survey conducted in autumn 2023. These findings will inform the council's transformation plan and service planning. A further deep-dive analysis and engagement with representative resident groups will take place during 2024, with a comparable survey scheduled for 2025. The survey revealed that while residents are generally satisfied with their local area, there are significant concerns regarding the council's performance, value for money, and communication, with many residents referencing the council's previous financial crisis as a reason for dissatisfaction.

Libraries Service Review

Cabinet agreed to consult on proposals for a new library service model and approved the commencement of a formal 12-week public consultation. The review, which has involved extensive engagement with staff, partners, and community groups, aims to create a more sustainable and efficient library service. The proposals include retaining nine library sites as Library Hubs with extended opening hours, and transforming three libraries into Community Hubs co-located with other services. Four libraries – Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley – are proposed for closure, with plans to mitigate the impact through enhanced outreach services, including Library Links in community venues.

Croydon Town Centre Regeneration Programme and Growth Zone Annual Budget & Programme - 2024/25

Cabinet agreed a budget of £7,202,000 for the 'Delivery the Growth Zone' programme for 2024/25. This decision supports the ongoing regeneration of Croydon Town Centre, with positive news regarding a provisional award of £18.5 million for the Reconnected Croydon programme. The report also provided an update on current and upcoming regeneration projects, including progress on the Whitgift redevelopment and the Reconnected Croydon Levelling Up Fund bid.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Consultation Results

Cabinet approved the adoption of the revised Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) and Action Plan, which will be published on the Council website. The strategy, amended following public consultation, outlines actions and measures to manage local flood risks, involving collaboration with various authorities, developers, and community groups. The strategy will be reviewed again in 2028.

Building Safety Act and Building Control Readiness

Cabinet noted the report outlining Croydon Building Control's ongoing in-house transformation and endorsed the service's intent to sign up to a Framework Agreement for regional working through a Hub arrangement. This arrangement is for the facilitation of Section 13 requests from the Building Safety Regulator under the Building Safety Act 2022. The report detailed a five-year transformation plan to address changes brought about by the Act and existing challenges in resourcing and fee income.

Education Estates Strategy

Cabinet approved the proposed Admission Arrangements for Croydon's community schools for the 2025/26 academic year and the continued adoption of the Pan London co-ordination schemes for primary and secondary admissions. They also approved the draft Capital Programme Budget summary and the proposed Schools' Maintenance Plan for 2024/25. The report highlighted that there is currently sufficient mainstream school places across early years, primary, and secondary phases, and detailed strategies for managing surplus places. The demand for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision continues to increase, with ongoing work to inform resource and placement planning.

2023-24 Period 7 Financial Performance Report

Cabinet noted the General Fund revenue budget outturn is forecast to breakeven at Period 7, after the forecast utilisation of £63m capitalisation directions and £1.5m of the corporate risk contingency budget. Budget movements between directorates were approved to align with team movements, and virements were approved for pay inflation and economic demand pressures. The report also noted progress on the Council's Transformation Programme and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget forecast to overspend by £12.0m. The council's significant historic borrowing and debt burden remains a critical issue, with ongoing dialogue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for further financial support. Spend controls remain in place.

The meeting concluded at 7:30 pm.