The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Monday 18 November 2019, adopting an Economic Strategy and an Evening and Night Time Economy Plan for Croydon. The meeting also saw the approval of amendments to the Private Rented Property Licensing Scheme conditions and fees, and the adoption of the Workforce Strategy 2019-2022.

Economic Growth Strategy and Night Time Economy Plan

The Cabinet endorsed and adopted the Economic Strategy 2019-2024 and the '6 'til Late' Evening and Night Time Economy Plan for Croydon. The Economic Strategy aims to build and diversify Croydon's local economy, placing businesses and residents at its heart through collaborative development. Key areas of focus include the development of a university in Croydon, improving open spaces, supporting local businesses, and fostering sustainable growth. The '6 'til Late' plan seeks to establish Croydon as a vibrant evening and night-time social destination, ensuring safety and supporting local businesses. Amy Lamé, the London Night Czar, commended Croydon for its proactive approach to planning for the growth of its night-time economy, noting that it was leading the way for other London boroughs. The strategy also emphasises inclusivity and diversity, aiming to increase employment rates for under-represented groups and support young people in socialising and finding jobs.

Borough Wide Events

The Cabinet noted the annual programme of events and planned changes for future annual reports on events. Over 110 events had taken place in the previous year, including the Pride events at Wandle Park which attracted over 10,000 attendees, and the Mela festival. The Ends Festival was highlighted as a recent success, alongside events like the Food Festival in South End. The council's Events Policy aims to simplify processes for event organisers, with improved support from council services for waste collection and a focus on reducing single-use plastics.

Director of Public Health Annual Report 2019 - Food

The Cabinet noted the information and recommendations in the Annual Director of Public Health Report on Food and approved its publication. The report highlighted concerns about food insecurity, with 60% of respondents experiencing it, and 20% of children receiving free school meals. Recommendations included mandatory food labelling and the promotion of the 'Croydon Plate' concept, advocating for a return to 9-inch plates to encourage healthier portion sizes. A digital platform has been launched to provide information on healthy eating. The report also addressed food poverty, with the council being recognised for its work in this area through an action plan supporting free school meals, food during school holidays, and healthy start vouchers. Members discussed the importance of education from a young age to make healthy eating enjoyable and suggested support for edible playgrounds.

Progress Report from the Independent Chair of the Children's Improvement Board

The Cabinet noted the work of the Improvement Board in driving improvements in children's services. The Board, established in 2017 following Ofsted findings, has seen positive feedback on the accelerated pace of improvement. Eleanor Brazil, the Independent Chair, highlighted the collaborative effort involving the council, social workers, partners, families, and the community. The focus has been on ensuring the basics are right, then moving to quality and service performance. Improvements in children's services were acknowledged, with a commitment to continued progress.

Croydon Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2018/19

The Cabinet noted the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB) Annual Report for 2018/19. The report details the work undertaken to improve partnership working following the 2017 Ofsted inspection, progress on the CSCB's priorities, and arrangements for the transition to new multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. The Vulnerable Adolescents Review (VAR) received national and local recognition. The CSCB has now been replaced by multi-agency safeguarding arrangements from 1 September 2019, involving the council, Police, and CCG.

Croydon Safeguarding Adult Board Annual Report 2018/19

The Cabinet noted the Annual Report of the Croydon Safeguarding Adult Board (CSAB). The report details the Board's activity and effectiveness, with a focus on adult safeguarding reviews, multi-agency intelligence sharing, and training on recognising signs of deterioration. The Care Act 2014 forms the legislative basis for adult safeguarding. The Hoarding Project with Mind was highlighted for its success in supporting clients, and awareness of trafficking and modern day slavery has been raised. The Board aims to make safeguarding personal, seeking feedback from those who have experienced safeguarding referrals.

Amendments to the Current Croydon Private Rented Property Licensing Scheme Conditions and Fees

The Cabinet approved amendments to the current Croydon Private Rented Property Licensing Scheme conditions and fees, to take effect from 2 December 2019. These changes are in response to court judgments and statutory provisions, including those related to Data Protection. A two-stage licensing fee payment arrangement was approved, along with a new licence condition for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Amendments to the 'Private Rented Property Licensing Guide for Rented Properties in Croydon' were also approved, including reference to the council's discretion to issue a multi-let property licence .

Workforce Strategy 2019-2022

The Cabinet adopted the Workforce Strategy 2019-2022. The strategy was developed with input from over 800 staff members and reviewed by Joe Montgomery. Key areas for improvement include making the workforce more representative of the local community, supporting staff career development, and establishing a strong recruitment process with blind shortlisting and diverse recruitment panels. The council's commitment to equality and diversity was highlighted, including its evaluation and publication of the disability pay gap.

Stage 1: Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

The Cabinet resolved to receive recommendations from the Scrutiny & Overview Committee and its sub-committees, with a substantive response to be provided at the next Cabinet meeting on 20 January 2020.

Stage 2: Response to Recommendations Arising from Children & Young People Sub-Committee and Scrutiny & Overview Committee

The Cabinet approved the response and action plans to recommendations from the Children & Young People Sub-Committee and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee, which will be reported back to the relevant committees.

Investing in our Borough

The Cabinet noted a list of delegated award decisions made by the Director of Commissioning and Procurement between 17 September and 17 October 2019, and anticipated contracts over £500,000. There was reassurance of a long-term commitment to move SEND provision for 19-25 year olds to the centre of the borough to better engage with local businesses, with modular buildings at Coulsdon College to meet immediate demand.