The Croydon Council meeting held on Wednesday 25 February 2026 discussed and debated the Council's Budget and Council Tax for 2026-2027. A 4.99% increase in Council Tax was proposed, which includes a 2% levy for adult social care. The net budget requirement for 2026-27 was set at £485.401 million, with a Council Tax requirement of £288,943,962. The overall Band D Council Tax charge will be £2,599.91. Due to the Greater London Authority's budget being confirmed after the Council's meeting, a special Council Tax Setting Committee was scheduled to convene to finalise the exact Council Tax bills.

The meeting also addressed the Croydon Pay Policy Statement for 2026-2027 and the Members' Scheme of Allowances for the same year. The Croydon Pay Policy Statement for 2026-2027 was agreed by the Council following a vote. The Members' Scheme of Allowances for 2026/27 was approved, maintaining the same Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances as the previous year, with an annual inflation increase applied only to expense claim rates for travel and accommodation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a debate on the Council's budget, with contributions from various councillors and political groups. Key themes included the Council's financial recovery, the impact of historic debt, the reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government, and the necessity of the Future Croydon transformation programme.

Concerns were raised by the Labour Group regarding departmental overspends and continued reliance on borrowing. The Green Group proposed budget amendments focusing on fairer salaries, reduced councillor allowances, and increased resident involvement. The Liberal Democrats expressed disappointment that the budget relied on continued bailouts and embedded unsustainable debt.

Mayor Jason Perry defended the budget, highlighting progress in stabilising finances and restoring services. He emphasised the need for discipline and the Council's efforts to reduce reliance on exceptional financial support, pointing to improvements in community safety, parks, and town centre regeneration.

The Scrutiny and Overview Committee presented its findings, concluding that the budget was not yet sustainable and its deliverability hinged on the success of the Future Croydon transformation programme. They recommended reinstating a full public budget consultation process for the following year and suggested improvements to the reporting of transformation savings.

The Council's General Fund Capital Programme for 2025-31, totalling £874.1 million, was noted. The HRA Capital Programme for the same period was noted as £572 million. The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27 were also noted, outlining the Council's approach to borrowing and investment.

The meeting confirmed the appointment of Elaine Jackson as Interim Chief Executive for a period of 12 months.

The Council also noted the passing of Mr Harry Slipper and Mr Bob Kirby, with tributes paid to their contributions to public service.