The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 19 November 2025 focused on the council's financial health and the progress of key regeneration and service improvement projects. Key decisions included the approval of recommendations arising from scrutiny committees, noting the annual safeguarding reports for adults and children, and approving updates on the housing strategy and the Regina Road redevelopment. The council also reviewed its 2025-26 financial performance and discussed the updated 2026-30 Medium Term Financial Strategy, highlighting ongoing financial challenges and the need for further savings.

Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

Cabinet received recommendations from the Streets & Environment Sub-Committee and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee. These recommendations focused on enhancing monitoring and evaluation of delivered work and finding more equitable funding solutions. Cabinet agreed to receive these recommendations and provide a substantive response at a future meeting.

Croydon Safeguarding Annual Reports 2024/25

Cabinet considered the annual reports from the Croydon Safeguarding Adults Board (CSAB) and the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP). These reports highlighted progress in safeguarding vulnerable residents, despite significant financial pressures. Both adult and children's social care services received 'Good' ratings from their respective inspectorates. Cabinet noted the reports and the activity aligned with the Executive Mayor's Business Plan.

Principal Social Worker Annual Reports 2024-2025

The Cabinet received the annual reports from the Principal Social Workers for both Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care. These reports detailed a transformational year for social work in Croydon, with both services achieving 'Good' ratings from national inspectorates. Key strengths included workforce development, practice improvements, and a focus on early intervention. Cabinet noted the reports, acknowledging the significant achievements and ongoing challenges.

Progress Review of Housing Strategy

This report reviewed the progress made on Croydon's five-year Housing Strategy since its approval in December 2023. Significant accomplishments were highlighted, including improvements in landlord services and housing needs, the lifting of a regulatory notice by the Regulator of Social Housing, and progress on the Regina Road redevelopment. Cabinet noted the progress made.

Update on Regina Road (Part A)

This update provided information on the significant progress made on the Regina Road redevelopment project. Key milestones included the commencement of demolition of the first tower block and unanimous approval of the planning application by the Planning Committee. Cabinet noted the contents of the project update report.

2025-26 Period 5 Financial Performance Report

This report detailed the council's financial position at Period 5 (August 2025), showing a forecast underspend of £22.6 million for the General Fund. This underspend contributes to the Stabilisation Plan target, reducing the need for capitalisation directions. Cabinet noted the report, including the forecast underspends in the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account capital programmes, and the ongoing cost pressures faced by local government.

2026-30 Medium Term Financial Strategy Update

This report presented an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the General Fund, outlining the council's financial forecast and assumptions for the next four years. Despite progress, the report indicated ongoing financial challenges and the need for further savings. Cabinet noted the updated forecast and assumptions, the dialogue with Government Commissioners, and approved recommendations regarding the Council Tax Support scheme. They also noted the budget timetable and Croydon Council's response to the Government's Fair Funding Reform 2.0 consultation.

The meeting concluded with the unanimous agreement of all recommendations presented.