The Cabinet meeting on 28 January 2026 saw the approval of several key strategies and plans, including the Adult Social Care and Health Strategy 2026-30, the Education Estates Strategy, and the Family Hubs Model. The Cabinet also noted the Corporate Risk Register and approved responses to scrutiny recommendations.

Adult Social Care and Health Strategy 2026-30

The Cabinet approved the publication of the Adult Social Care and Health Strategy 2026-30 and its first annual action plan. This strategy, developed through extensive engagement with over 1,000 people, including 850 residents, aims to support people earlier, help them live more independently, reduce inequities, improve accommodation options, incorporate community ideas, and foster joined-up services with health and community partners. Councillor Yvette Hopley, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, emphasised that the strategy would be a living document, actively shaping services and setting expectations for residents. The strategy builds on the Adults Living Independently (ALI) Programme and aims to deliver better outcomes for residents while ensuring better value for money.

Family Hubs Model and Children's Centre

The Cabinet approved the receipt of a £6.2 million grant from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care for the ongoing development of the Family Hubs Best Start in Life programme from April 2026 to March 2029. This funding demonstrates confidence in Croydon's ability to deliver the Family Hubs model, which will transition Children's Centres to a 0-19 (25 with SEND) aged service. The model will include three main Family Hub locations, with outreach hubs in former Children's Centres and the development of Information Hubs in partnership with existing Council, Health, and Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) locations. Residents supported the expanded age range, with over 80% of respondents to a public consultation favouring the borough-wide model. The Cabinet also agreed to explore the Croydon Clocktower campus as a potential third Family Hub for the Central Locality.

Education Estates Strategy

The Cabinet approved the draft Education Estates Strategy for 2025-2028, which addresses the declining birth rate and resulting surplus of school places, particularly in primary schools. The strategy aims to manage this by repurposing surplus space for Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP) for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), thereby increasing local SEND capacity and reducing reliance on costly out-of-borough placements. The strategy also includes agreements on the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2025, proposed Admission Arrangements for Croydon's community schools for the 2027/28 academic year, the continued adoption of the Pan London scheme for admissions coordination, the proposed Education Capital Budget, and the Schools' Maintenance Plan. Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, highlighted the positive recognition from the Department for Education regarding Croydon's development of ELPs.

Corporate Risk Management (PART A)

The Cabinet noted the contents of the Corporate Risk Register as at November 2025. The report indicated that Croydon's corporate risk profile is broadly consistent with other local authorities, with prevalent risks including financial sustainability, demand-led and statutory pressures, cyber and information governance, workforce capacity for transformation, and climate and environmental risks. The Council has adopted a structured approach to risk appetite, aligned with HM Treasury's Orange Book standards, across major transformation programmes. Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, emphasised the importance of the visibility of the risk register and how risks are managed. Concerns were raised by Councillor King, Leader of the Opposition, regarding delays to the Transformation Programme and the number of high-rated risks associated with it. The Executive Mayor acknowledged the delays but assured a renewed focus on the programme.

Scrutiny Stage 2 Responses to Recommendations

The Cabinet approved the responses and action plans to recommendations arising from the Streets & Environment Sub-Committee and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee. This decision delegates authority to identified officers to report back on progress to the relevant scrutiny committees within specified periods.

Stage 1: Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

The Cabinet agreed to receive recommendations from the Homes Sub-Committee on 29 September 2025 and to provide a substantive response in a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report at the Cabinet meeting on 25 March 2026. These recommendations highlight opportunities for enhancing monitoring and evaluation and finding more equitable funding solutions.

Environmental Enforcement Update

The Cabinet noted the progress made in environmental and regulatory enforcement since April 2025, aligning with the Executive Mayor's Cleaner Croydon Business Plan priority. This included issuing over 100 Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping, conducting over 1,000 commercial waste inspections, completing ten Blitz Cleans of district centres, confiscating 70 Blue Badges, seizing unlicensed waste vehicles, and recovering nearly £500,000 in reimbursements from banks for fraud victims. Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of environmental enforcement and measurable improvements. Future updates on enforcement performance will be reported to Cabinet annually.

Potential Future Conservation Area Designations

The Cabinet agreed to a list of potential new conservation areas and an indicative programme for their assessment. This aligns with the Executive Mayor's Business Plan priority to review Croydon's conservation areas and protect the borough's special places. Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, stated that any increase in designated areas would support and enhance Croydon's historic and architectural character. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery to consult on draft statements for these areas.

Transport for London Local Implementation Plan Funding 2026/27 and Section 106 Contributions

The Cabinet agreed to the 2026/27 funding submission for Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding to Transport for London and delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery to finalise this submission. They also agreed to continue implementing the 2025/26 to 2027/28 LIP Delivery Plan, subject to funding confirmation. Furthermore, contingent upon receipt of LIP funding, the Cabinet agreed to the allocation of Section 106 funding totalling £2,170,407.25 to support LIP projects and other Section 106-funded projects. The Executive Mayor highlighted the opening of a new Wellesley Road pedestrian crossing as an example of successful transport project delivery.

Equality Strategy 2023-27, Annual Report 2024/2025

The Cabinet noted the Annual Report for 2024/2025, which shows that over half of the Equality Strategy's 71 actions are completed. The Council has widened employment opportunities, is working to reduce the ethnicity pay gap, and maintains a 0% gender and disability pay gap. Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, highlighted the positive aspects, including the 0% pay gap for people with disabilities and the fact that 11% of the Croydon workforce declared a disability, reflecting the community served. The Cabinet agreed that the report and update be presented at Council for noting.

Fees and Charges 2026-27

The Cabinet approved the fees and charges for 2026-27, following a comprehensive assessment to ensure alignment with statutory requirements, inflation, service costs, and the impact on residents. Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, noted that variances would ensure full cost recovery or alignment with the market. Councillor Callton Young raised concerns about a 10% increase for bereavement services and some sports and green space charges, as well as a significant increase in Parking Admin, Suspension and Dispensation fees. Councillor Cummings explained the bereavement services increase was for full cost recovery, and the parking fee increase related to a rise from £1 to £25 for full financial cost recovery.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review Report 2025/26

The Cabinet considered the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review Report 2025/26. The report confirmed that the Treasury Management Strategy remained stable and required no policy changes at mid-year. The Council operated within all treasury and prudential limits for the first half of 2025/26. Councillor Jason Cummings outlined that the report had been reviewed by the Audit & Governance Committee and advised members to read it before consideration at Full Council.

2025-26 Period 6 Financial Performance Report

The Cabinet noted the forecast underspend of £23.8 million in the General Fund for the financial year-end, which reduces the requirement for capitalisation directions from £136 million to £112.2 million. This performance reflects tighter controls and a focus on bringing spending below budget while protecting frontline services. Councillor Jason Cummings highlighted the positive progress made, with all indications suggesting continued improvement. The report also noted the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget forecast outturn is a breakeven position, and the General Fund capital programme has a forecast underspend of £44.8 million. The Cabinet agreed to note the progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings achievement and the Council's historic borrowing and debt burden.

2026-30 Medium Term Financial Strategy Update

The Cabinet noted the updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2030, acknowledging the significant financial challenges faced by the Council, including a historic debt burden. The MTFS outlines progress in modernising services, focusing on prevention, and working with partners. The Council is on track to achieve £48 million in savings, with £27 million identified in-year. Councillor Jason Cummings expressed a desire for faster progress but affirmed the Council was moving in the right direction. The Cabinet agreed to note the updated financial forecast and MTFS assumptions, the dialogue with Government regarding financial and operational sustainability, and the budget timetable. They also approved a recommendation to Full Council that the Council Tax Support scheme remains unchanged for the upcoming year but will be reviewed during 2026-27.

Update on Regina Road (Part A)

The Cabinet noted the project update on the Regina Road redevelopment, marking a significant milestone with the commencement of demolition of the first tower block and approval of the planning application. Phase 1 will deliver 225 new Council homes, with at least 215 for Council social rent, fully funded by the Greater London Authority grant, Brownfield Land Release Fund, and the Council's HRA capital contribution. Councillor Lynne Hale, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, highlighted the progress and resident engagement in the project.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Cabinet noted that there would be no Part B agenda items for this meeting.