This week in Croydon:

Council Constitution Under Review: What it Means for Your Local Services

Croydon Council's Constitution was scheduled for discussion on Monday, 1 June 2026. While the meeting details are pending publication, the Constitution is the rulebook that governs how the council operates, makes decisions, and ensures accountability. Understanding it is key to understanding how your local services are managed and how decisions impacting your community are made.

What is the Council Constitution?

The Constitution is a vital document that outlines the fundamental principles of Croydon Council's governance. It's divided into several parts, each addressing a different aspect of how the council functions:

• Part 1: Summary and Explanation: This provides an overview of the council's structure, including the Mayor and Cabinet model, and the processes for decision-making.
• Part 2: Articles of the Constitution: This details the core rules, covering the roles of councillors, the Mayor, scrutiny processes, executive arrangements, and how staff, finance, and legal matters are handled.
• Part 3: Responsibility for Functions: This clarifies which parts of the council are responsible for specific services and tasks.
• Part 4: Rules of Procedure: This is an extensive section detailing how meetings are run, how information is accessed, and the specific procedures for various committees, including financial and contract regulations.
• Part 5: Protocols and Codes: This includes codes of conduct for councillors and officers, as well as protocols for decision-making and staff-councillor relations.
• Part 6: Schemes: This contains various adopted schemes, such as the scheme for members' allowances and terms of reference for specific boards.

The Constitution, originally adopted in 2012, has been amended over time. Any revisions to this document can have a direct impact on how council services are delivered, how decisions are made, and how residents can engage with the council. For example, changes to procedure rules could affect how public petitions are handled or how quickly decisions are made, potentially impacting the speed at which services are improved or issues are addressed.

Link to Constitution meeting

This week in Croydon:

New Civic Mayor and Deputy Appointed as Council Sets Priorities for the Year Ahead

Croydon Council held its annual meeting on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, marking a significant transition with the appointment of a new Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor. The meeting also saw the Executive Mayor outline his priorities for the coming year, focusing on cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, and economic regeneration.

Councillor Mohamed Islam Becomes Civic Mayor

Councillor Mohamed Islam was appointed as the new Civic Mayor and Chair of Croydon Council for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Councillor Scott Roche will serve as Deputy Civic Mayor and Vice Chair.

Councillor Islam, a resident of Croydon since the 1980s and a councillor for Selhurst Ward since 2022, expressed his honour at taking on the role. He highlighted his commitment to community service, including his founding role in the British Bangladeshi Society of Croydon. His wife, Farhana Islam, will serve as Mayoress.

Councillor Roche, who has represented Shirley South for eight years and previously served as Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, also expressed his gratitude for the appointment. He emphasised his dedication to serving Croydon's diverse communities and supporting Mayor Islam.

The appointment of the Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor is a crucial part of the council's annual cycle, symbolising continuity and the ceremonial leadership of the borough. This role involves representing Croydon at civic events, supporting charities, and celebrating the borough's diversity.

Link to Council meeting

Executive Mayor Outlines Vision for a Cleaner, Safer Croydon

Executive Mayor Jason Perry delivered his annual statement, setting out his priorities for the next four years. His vision centres on creating a cleaner, safer, greener, and more investable borough.

Key priorities include:

• Cleaner Streets: A zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime, including fly-tipping and littering, with increased enforcement and a new rogues gallery website to name and shame offenders. The Blitz Clean programme will also be relaunched.
• Safer Neighbourhoods: Enhanced visible patrols and the use of technology like mobile CCTV and facial recognition to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime. Crime statistics show a reduction in knife crime, robbery, and burglaries.
• Thriving District Centres: Investment in local high streets and public spaces to support businesses and create vibrant community hubs.
• Improved Parks and Public Spaces: Continued investment in green spaces, with plans for new playgrounds and outdoor gyms.

Mayor Perry emphasised that these goals require partnership, stating, Restoring pride in Croydon is not something the Council can do alone. It takes all of us.

Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, congratulated Mayor Perry on his re-election and pledged that the Labour Group would act as a robust and challenging opposition, holding the administration to account while seeking opportunities for collaboration.

Link to Council meeting

Council Structure and Committee Appointments Confirmed

The Council also agreed on the political balance of its committees and the composition of various council bodies for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Following the May 2026 elections, the council's composition is 30 Labour members, 29 Conservative members, 8 Green and Independent members, 2 Liberal Democrats, and 2 Reform UK members.

Appointments were formally agreed for various committees, panels, and outside bodies, ensuring that the council's governance structures are in place to oversee its work throughout the year. This includes the appointment of Conrad Hall as Corporate Director of Resources, a crucial role responsible for the council's financial management and acting as the Section 151 Officer. This appointment is vital for the sound financial administration of the council, as required by Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Link to Council meeting

Scrutiny and Overview Committee Organises Sub-Committees

The Scrutiny & Overview Committee met on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, to establish its sub-committees for the upcoming municipal year. These sub-committees play a vital role in scrutinising council decisions and holding services to account.

New Sub-Committees Formed

The committee reviewed and agreed on the appointments to four sub-committees: Children and Young People, Health and Social Care, Homes, and Streets and Environment. The composition of these sub-committees reflects the overall political balance of the Council, ensuring a range of perspectives are represented.

The decision to maintain the division of the former Streets, Environment and Homes Sub-Committee into two distinct bodies – the Homes Sub-Committee and the Streets and Environment Sub-Committee – was noted. This structure was initially implemented following reports on housing conditions in 2021 and is subject to a further review later in the year.

The work of these sub-committees is essential for providing detailed scrutiny of council policies and services, ensuring that decisions are effective and that residents' concerns are addressed.

Link to Scrutiny & Overview Committee meeting

This week in Croydon:

Trinity School Expansion Approved, But Housing Development Refused Amidst Overdevelopment Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to decide on several significant planning applications. The committee approved a major expansion for Trinity School, which will increase student numbers and facilitate its transition to a co-educational institution. However, a proposed housing development on Harewood Road was refused due to concerns about overdevelopment and its impact on the local area.

Trinity School Expansion Gets Green Light

The committee granted planning permission for a substantial development at Trinity School on Shirley Road/Addiscombe Road. The approved plans include a new three-storey sixth-form block and a linked three-storey building housing a fitness suite and classrooms. This development will accommodate an increase in student numbers from 1,050 to 1,398 and teaching staff from 220 to 293, supporting the school's move to become fully co-educational by 2031. The project also involves demolishing existing staff accommodation and reconfiguring parking areas.

While neighbouring residents raised concerns about overlooking and loss of privacy, officers noted that separation distances exceeded policy requirements. Discussions also touched upon the robustness of the school's travel plan to encourage sustainable transport. Ultimately, the application was approved, subject to a Section 106 agreement covering various obligations.

Link to Planning Committee meeting

Harewood Road Housing Development Refused

In contrast, the committee refused planning permission for the erection of a three-storey block of flats and two detached houses at 13 Harewood Road. The decision followed a tied vote on the officer's recommendation to grant permission, with the Chair casting the deciding vote against it. A subsequent motion to refuse the application on grounds of overdevelopment, design, and highway safety also resulted in a tied vote, leading to the final refusal.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Danielle Denton and residents regarding the development's scale, impact on neighbouring amenity, and highway safety, particularly given the site's low Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL). Despite officers stating the scheme was policy compliant, the committee ultimately decided against it.

Church Hill Development Refused

The committee also refused planning permission for alterations and extensions at 24 Church Hill intended to create five new residential units. This application followed two previous refusals and dismissed appeals. While the design of the extensions was considered acceptable, issues related to parking and highway safety remained. Ward councillor Samir Dwesar and residents objected on grounds of overdevelopment, visual intrusion, and inadequate transport assessments. After tied votes on motions for refusal, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application on grounds of design, specifically citing the overdevelopment of the forecourt and visual intrusion.

Other Matters

The committee also noted a list of planning applications determined under delegated powers since the last meeting.

Council Committee Discusses Senior Appointments and Procedural Rules

The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee met on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to discuss senior council appointments. Separately, the General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, to review council procedure rules.

Senior Recruitment Continues

The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Corporate Director of Resources, a critical role responsible for the council's financial management. The committee agreed to the minutes of its previous meeting and proceeded to private session for final interviews, indicating the sensitive nature of senior recruitment. The role of Section 151 Officer is vital for ensuring the council's financial stability, and the recruitment process is ongoing.

Link to Appointments & Disciplinary Committee meeting

Procedural Rule Review

The General Purposes Committee met to review council procedure rules. While the summary indicates the meeting took place, no specific details of the discussions or decisions were available at the time of this report. Such committees are essential for ensuring the smooth and fair operation of council meetings and decision-making processes.

Link to General Purposes Committee meeting

Corporate Parenting Board Focuses on Health and Transitions for Young People

The Corporate Parenting Board was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. The agenda included a review of the Board's Terms of Reference, updates from the Children's Participation Team and Children in Care Council, and a thematic focus on Health and Adults Transitions. A performance report for March 2026 was also due for discussion.

Supporting Care-Experienced Young People

The Board's work is crucial for ensuring that children in care and care-experienced young people receive the best possible support. The thematic focus on Health and Adults Transitions highlights the council's commitment to helping young people navigate the move into adulthood. This includes ensuring access to appropriate health services, mental health support, and opportunities for employment and education. The performance report, detailing figures for Children in Care and Care Experienced Young People, provides vital data for monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement. The Board's role is to champion the needs of these young people across all council services.

Link to Corporate Parenting Board meeting

This week in Croydon:

Council Appoints New Corporate Director of Resources Amidst Recruitment Challenges

The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee met on Friday, 24 April 2026, to make a critical appointment to a senior leadership role within the council. The committee agreed to a salary package for the new Corporate Director of Resources, a position described as vital for managing the council's finances, especially during a period of significant financial support needs.

High Salary Package for Key Financial Role

The committee approved a salary package for the Corporate Director of Resources (S151) that includes a base salary of £169,403 per annum, plus an additional occupational scarcity allowance of £30,000 per year. This allowance was deemed necessary due to a shortage of qualified candidates in the market for such a role, as advised by the executive search consultant, Ransley Boardman. The role has been evaluated under the Hay job evaluation scheme as Director Grade 5.

Elaine Jackson, Chief Executive, emphasised the critical nature of this role, particularly in overseeing the council's overall budget. She noted that filling the interim position had been challenging, highlighting the difficulties in recruiting for the permanent role. Penny Ransley of Ransley Boardman confirmed that recruiting permanent staff in London is extremely difficult, with candidates often more focused on their current local authority's financial issues than seeking new roles. Dean Shoesmith, Chief People Officer, added that without the scarcity payment, attracting candidates would be difficult, and even if attracted, they might not remain in post due to higher salary levels elsewhere.

Election Timing Questioned

Councillor Stuart King raised a question regarding the timing of the recruitment for this role before the upcoming election, while recruitment for Chief Executive roles was scheduled to take place afterwards. Penny Ransley explained that potential Chief Executive candidates are more likely to apply after an election when the composition of the council is clearer.

The committee resolved to agree the salary package and to proceed with the selection and appointment to the post. This decision directly impacts the council's ability to manage its finances effectively, which in turn affects the delivery of services to all residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support.

Link to Appointments & Disciplinary Committee meeting