The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Monday 16 December 2019, endorsing a new approach to place regeneration and recommending the adoption of a byelaw to regulate dockless vehicles across London. The meeting also saw the approval of changes to the Addington Village Conservation Area and the adoption of its appraisal and management plan, alongside a review of the council's financial performance for the second quarter of the 2019/20 financial year.

Place Regeneration

The council's approach to place regeneration was endorsed, aiming to work with local communities to foster good growth within the borough. This initiative has already seen pilot projects in South Norwood, Kenley, and Selsdon, where communities have been instrumental in shaping their local areas. These Place Plans have proven successful in helping areas secure significant grants for projects by demonstrating strong community engagement. Furthermore, the plans can assist areas in accessing Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 funding for development projects. While the ambition is to develop a Place Plan for each of the borough's 16 areas, the council acknowledges that each plan will be unique and will provide support to all areas in their development. This approach aligns with the Economic Strategy agreed in November 2019, aiming to support area development and create more jobs and opportunities, fostering a more inclusive Croydon. The Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Regeneration (Job Share) was delegated authority to approve Place Profiles before publication and to approve emerging Place Plans in consultation with local elected members and key stakeholders.

Pan-London Dockless Vehicle Hire Byelaw

A byelaw to regulate dockless vehicles across London was recommended for adoption by Full Council. The introduction of dockless bikes since 2017 has occurred without a regulatory framework, leading to issues such as abandoned vehicles in some boroughs. To address this, it is proposed that the London Councils Transport & Environment Committee be granted authority by all boroughs to create a byelaw for the regulation of these vehicles throughout the capital. The Executive Director of Place was authorised to sign any necessary documents to enact this recommendation.

Addington Village Conservation Area Review

The Addington Village Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) was recommended for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document, following a review of the conservation area. The area holds significant historical importance, and the plan aims to recognise not only the village but also Addington Palace, its grounds, and service buildings. It was proposed that these buildings be locally listed to ensure their protection. Feedback from a extensive consultation period has been incorporated into the plan, including retaining the conservation area's name. Members expressed appreciation for the officers' work and the inclusion of resident feedback. The plan seeks to carefully consider future development applications to ensure they are in keeping with the local area's character, without unduly restricting development. Minor factual, editorial, and image changes to the CAAMP were delegated to the Director of Planning and Strategic Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (Job Share). Additionally, the former Stables (Addington Palace Golf Clubhouse) and Stable Lodge were added to the Council's local list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

Quarter 2 Financial Performance 2019/20

The council's financial performance for the second quarter of the 2019/20 financial year revealed a projected revenue outturn forecast of £1.857 million overspend, before exceptional items totalling £8.550 million, resulting in a total overspend of £10.407 million. The exceptional items are primarily attributed to costs incurred by Croydon Council for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and No Recourse To Public Funds (NRPF), due to what was described as woefully insufficient funding from the Home Office. The council is actively engaging with and lobbying the Government for increased funding, particularly for UASC, given Croydon's status as a gateway borough.

Significant financial pressures were also noted within the Health, Wellbeing & Adults department, with a number of self-funders for social care having exhausted their funds and now requiring council support. Additional costs have arisen from the success of the One Croydon Alliance, with ongoing negotiations with the NHS to explore cost-sharing. The pressure from UASC is substantial, with Croydon supporting four and a half times the number of children suggested by Home Office guidelines, creating a significant impact on children's services. The council is also required to support Looked After Children up to the age of 25, a responsibility that is not fully funded, further exacerbating financial pressures.

The Leader of the Opposition acknowledged the council's efforts to secure a fairer settlement for UASC support and pledged support for discussions with the new minister. In response to queries about mitigating financial trends in the Health, Wellbeing & Adults department, it was stated that finance officers are working with department officials. Robust negotiations with the NHS are underway to ensure the Alliance is adequately financed, although an agreement has not yet been reached. Stringent measures are being implemented, and all in-year actions across the council are being reviewed for potential savings acceleration.

Regarding in-year budgets, it was noted that reductions have led to unfilled posts, requiring remaining staff to manage existing workloads. This has impacted the efficiency of certain services, such as the collection of garage rents. The council expressed hope for a fairer Local Government settlement before the New Year to enable the delivery of excellent services.

The Cabinet recommended the approval of an increase to the capital programme by £2.660 million and the adoption of lending criteria as outlined in the report. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) showed a forecast underspend of £0.046 million against budget, and the capital outturn projection was £278.6 million, forecasting an underspend of £160.8 million against budget.

Investing in our Borough

The Cabinet noted a list of delegated award decisions made by the Director of Commissioning and Procurement between 17 October and 15 November 2019. They also approved a recommendation for the Leader to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Families, Health & Social Care, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, to approve the establishment of the Adult and Young People Social Care Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and the award of contracts to initial providers. Further delegated authority was granted to approve future appointments to the DPS and award individual call-off contracts, in line with the strategy approved in July 2019. Awards made under this delegation will be reported at future Cabinet meetings.