The Croydon Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 19 November 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, including the progress of the Housing Strategy, the financial performance of the council, and the adoption of the Medium Term Financial Strategy. Key decisions included noting the progress made in Croydon's five-year Housing Strategy, approving the responses to scrutiny recommendations, and noting the updated financial forecast and medium-term financial strategy assumptions.

Scrutiny Stage 1: Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

The Cabinet received recommendations from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee and its sub-committees. These recommendations highlighted opportunities to enhance monitoring and evaluation of delivered work and to find more equitable funding solutions. The Cabinet agreed to provide a substantive response to these recommendations at the Cabinet meeting on 28 January 2026.

Scrutiny Stage 2: Responses to Recommendations

The Cabinet approved the responses and action plans attached to the report arising from the Homes, Streets & Environment, and Children & Young People sub-committees. Authority was delegated to the identified officers to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, or relevant Sub-Committee, on the progress of these action plans.

Croydon Safeguarding Annual Reports 2024/25

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

Principal Social Worker Annual Report 2024–2025

The Cabinet agreed to note the annual reports of the Principal Social Worker for both Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care. These reports highlighted a transformational year for social work services, with both achieving 'Good' ratings from inspectors. The reports detailed achievements in workforce development, practice improvements, and readiness for inspections, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges such as rising demand and recruitment difficulties.

Progress Review of Housing Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to note the progress made in Croydon's five-year Housing Strategy between December 2023 and August 2025. The report detailed significant accomplishments in housing landlord services and housing needs, including improved repair response times, enhanced resident involvement, adherence to building and fire safety regulations, and a reduction in the percentage of applicants placed in temporary accommodation. The lifting of the regulatory notice served on the Council's landlord services by the Regulator of Social Housing in April 2025 was highlighted as a key milestone. However, the report also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the historically high levels of homelessness.

Update on Regina Road (Part A)

The Cabinet agreed to note the project update report on the Regina Road redevelopment. This significant regeneration project, which involves demolishing and rebuilding the estate, is progressing with key milestones achieved, including the commencement of demolition of the first tower block and unanimous approval of the planning application. The report highlighted the Council's commitment to building high-quality new council homes, with a significant proportion designated for social rent, and emphasised the central role of residents in the design and consultation process.

2025-26 Period 5 Financial Performance Report

The Cabinet agreed to note the council's financial performance as at Period 5 (August 2025). The General Fund revenue budget was forecast to underspend by £22.6 million, contributing to the Stabilisation Plan target. However, this positive position was set against national backdrop of rising demand and market pressures, as well as Croydon's significant historic debt burden. The Housing Revenue Account was forecast at a breakeven position, and both the General Fund and HRA capital programmes showed forecast underspends. The Cabinet also agreed to note unfunded local government cost pressures and progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy savings achievement.

2026-30 Medium Term Financial Strategy Update

The Cabinet agreed to note the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the General Fund for the years 2026-30. The report highlighted the scale of the financial challenge Croydon still faces, particularly due to its historic debt burden and ongoing pressures in demand-led services. Despite these challenges, the council is making progress through its transformation plan and savings initiatives. The Cabinet agreed to note the updated financial forecast and the dialogue with Government Commissioners, and to consider the outcome of the Council Tax Support scheme review. They also approved recommendations to Full Council regarding the Council Tax Support scheme, specifically that the scheme is not changed and to review it during 2026-27.

The meeting also included discussions on recommendations arising from scrutiny, responses to recommendations from sub-committees, and the Croydon Safeguarding Annual Reports. The Principal Social Worker Annual Reports for both Adult and Children's Services were also agreed to be noted, highlighting achievements and priorities for the coming year.