The Council meeting on 4 December 2017 saw councillors debate and vote on a motion calling for a halt to the government's Universal Credit programme, which was carried. Another motion, proposing council tax discounts for carers, was also carried. The meeting also saw the adoption of the Community Safety Strategy.

Universal Credit Debate

Councillors debated a motion calling for an immediate halt and review of the government's Universal Credit programme, citing the cruelty and hardship it was inflicting on residents. Councillor Butler, proposing the motion, highlighted the detrimental impact of Universal Credit in Croydon, stating that over 2,500 council tenants were claiming the benefit, with nearly 2,000 in rent arrears totalling approximately £2 million. She argued that the scheme was fundamentally flawed, pushing claimants into debt and making landlords reluctant to take them on, increasing the risk of homelessness.

Councillor Jason Cummings, opposing the motion, argued that it was a national issue beyond the local authority's control and that the administration was blaming other people for issues in the borough. He acknowledged that Universal Credit was not perfect but stated that changes had been made and that the scheme aimed to get people off benefits and into employment. Councillor Hale also spoke against the motion, stating that Universal Credit was designed to address a flawed system left by the previous Labour government and that while rent arrears were worrying, they were caused by many issues.

Councillor Ali, speaking in favour, quoted the United Nations describing the Universal Credit rollout as a human catastrophe and noted that organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau, Trussell Trust, and even some Conservative MPs had spoken out against it. She highlighted cases of claimants waiting 12 weeks for their first payment and argued that the inclusion of emergency and temporary accommodation within Universal Credit made no sense. The motion was ultimately carried.

Support for Carers

A motion proposed by the opposition called for the Council to endorse a Conservative manifesto pledge to introduce a scheme similar to those in other councils, which would exempt some carers from council tax entirely. Councillor Hopley, proposing the motion, emphasised the sacrifices made by carers and stated that the Council should support these residents.

Councillor Hall, speaking against the motion, paid tribute to Croydon's carers but argued that the proposed policy had many deficiencies and that many carers would be unable to benefit from it. He also accused the opposition of hypocrisy, stating they had voted against the adult social care precept and supported government cuts to Croydon's funding. Councillor Henson echoed these sentiments, stating the scheme was ill-thought-out and would not help many carers in need. Councillor Stranack argued that the current administration had slowed down progress on supporting carers and that a new vision was required for creative ways to support them. The motion was carried after the Minority Group voted in favour and the Majority Group abstained.

Community Safety Strategy Adopted

Councillor Ali moved the recommendations in a report for the Community Safety Strategy to be adopted by the Council, which was seconded by Councillor Wood. The motion was carried unanimously.

Other Business

The meeting also included a Croydon Question Time session where members of the public and councillors asked questions of the Leader and Cabinet Members on various issues, including violent crime, licensing policy, children's services, fly-tipping, and tree replacement. There was also a debate on Member Petitions concerning parking issues in Hillier Gardens, Lower Road, and South Drive. Councillor Patsy Cummings delivered her maiden speech, calling for a collaborative approach to politics. The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for the final item.