The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Monday 15 July 2024, approving an updated phasing strategy for the Regina Road Project to accelerate the delivery of new council homes and making eight experimental traffic management orders for Healthy School Streets permanent. The meeting also addressed the future of maintained nursery schools, the Council Housing Asset Management Strategy, the Housing Resident Engagement Strategy, and an update on Housing Needs and Homelessness Transformation.

Regina Road Project - Project Update and Next Steps

The Cabinet approved an updated approach to phasing for the Regina Road Project, aiming to ensure the delivery of 225 grant-funded new Council homes. This revised strategy will now involve two phases: Phase 1 will comprise 225 new Council homes, including a minimum of 200 social rented homes and up to 25 leaseholder/freeholder products, along with a kindergarten and community facility. Phase 2 will consist of a minimum of 155 private homes. The Cabinet also noted that the procurement of a demolition contractor is underway, in line with the Annual Procurement Plan. This updated phasing strategy is intended to better align demolition and construction activities with the GLA's Affordable Housing Grant Funding requirements, allowing for the delivery of more Council homes sooner than initially planned. Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron, Shadow Cabinet Member for Homes, inquired about plans to meet milestone dates and mitigate the risk of losing grant funding. Mayor Jason Perry acknowledged the £54 million grant as a significant achievement and stated that the programme is being readjusted to align with the GLA, thereby minimising risk. Susmita Sen, Corporate Director of Homes, added that the GLA is working closely with the project team.

Future Options for Maintained Nursery Schools

The Cabinet approved a new operating model for Croydon's maintained nursery schools (MNS), requiring each to establish a 'soft' federation with a primary school, special school, or academy trust through a Service Level Agreement (SLA). This decision aims to secure the long-term viability of all five maintained nurseries in the borough, preventing closures. Three nurseries – Thornton Heath, Tunstall, and Purley – already operate successfully under similar arrangements and have balanced budgets. However, the Federation of Crosfield and Selhurst Nursery Schools are currently in deficit and not linked to a primary school. The Cabinet strongly recommended that the Governing Body of the Federation of Crosfield and Selhurst Nursery Schools accept and support this new operating model, aiming to establish a 'soft' federation by January 2025. Officers are authorised to assist in brokering a suitable partnership. If the Federation of Crosfield and Selhurst does not respond positively and rapidly to achieve a balanced budget by the 2025/26 financial year, the Council may intervene by issuing a warning notice and appointing an Interim Executive Board (IEB) due to poor financial management. Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, expressed pleasure in bringing forward recommendations to secure long-term viability. The Director of Education, Shelly Davis, advised against the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's request for an additional 12 months, stating that the current plans are demand-led and predicated on deficits being cleared by 2028/29, with an in-year surplus anticipated next academic year. She emphasised that a soft federation is urgently needed to ensure financial viability. Councillor Amy Foster, Shadow Cabinet Minister for Children and Young People, raised concerns about the long-term impact on funding for Crossfield and Selhurst and the time taken to pay off deficits. Shelly Davis explained that funding is based on pupil numbers and that various options have been explored over the years. She also reassured the Cabinet that a soft federation would not lead to a reduction in standards and could enhance the utilisation of skills for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Report on Nine Experimental Traffic Management Orders to Support Healthy School Streets Schemes

Eight experimental traffic orders supporting Healthy School Streets schemes were made permanent by the Cabinet. These schemes aim to improve safety and air quality around schools. However, the Croydon (Traffic Movement) (No.7) Experimental Order 2023, relating to Park Hill Junior & Infant School Street, has been withdrawn due to objections and dissatisfaction. Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, presented the feedback from statutory consultations. Councillor Christopher Herman, Shadow Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, enquired about avoiding charges for exempt individuals once the schemes are permanent. Nick Hibberd, Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, confirmed that initial portal issues have been resolved. The eight permanent orders cover areas around Howard Primary School, South Norwood Primary School, Gonville Academy, The Crescent Primary School and The BRIT School, St Cyprians Greek Orthodox Primary School, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Kenley Primary School, and Oasis Shirley Park.

Council Housing Asset Management Strategy 2024/29

The Cabinet agreed to recommend the Council Housing Asset Management Strategy 2024-2029 to Full Council for adoption. This strategy focuses on the long-term management and investment needs of the council's housing portfolio, addressing new regulations from the housing regulator. Councillor Lynne Hale, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, highlighted that the strategy supports the wider Housing Strategy and aligns with other key documents, such as the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the Resident Engagement Strategy. The strategy is designed to be adaptable to the evolving regulatory environment and external expectations regarding property conditions. Cabinet noted that the Housing Regeneration Framework will be provided later in the year, following an analysis of stock condition survey data. Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron, Shadow Cabinet Member for Homes, asked for highlights of the forthcoming Housing Regeneration Strategy. Susmita Sen, Corporate Director of Homes, explained that this strategy will be informed by stock condition surveys to determine investment needs and the nature of works, with the Asset Management Strategy being the primary driver.

Housing Resident Engagement Strategy for Croydon 2024-29

The Cabinet agreed to recommend the Housing Resident Engagement Strategy 2024-2029 to Full Council for adoption. This strategy outlines long-term goals to enhance resident engagement and influence over service delivery, developed through extensive consultation with residents. Councillor Lynne Hale welcomed Mr Leslie Parry, Vice-Chair of the Tenant & Leaseholder Panel, who presented proposed changes to the structure for resident engagement. The strategy aims to create a board or group involving senior managers and residents, with data and communication being key elements. Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron inquired about targeted approaches for groups whose voices are not currently being heard. Mary Larbie, Director of Housing Management, explained the need to identify these groups and their locations to tailor outreach efforts. Mayor Jason Perry affirmed the council's commitment to reaching harder-to-reach groups and listening to residents.

Update on Housing Needs and Homelessness Transformation

The Cabinet noted the progress made in the Housing Needs and Homelessness Transformation initiative. Councillor Lynne Hale highlighted key achievements, including the establishment of a Homelessness Prevention Partnership board to formalise engagement with key partners. Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron welcomed the report and thanked officers for their work, while also asking about training to ensure officers can meet specific resident needs and improve the culture within housing services. Mayor Jason Perry acknowledged the significant work undertaken to rebuild the service. Susmita Sen added that expectations and standards have been raised, with an extensive programme for culture change underway. Beatrice Cingtho-Taylor, Director of Housing, Homelessness Prevention & Accommodation, reassured the Cabinet that training is comprehensive and that a noticeable shift in culture has occurred.