The Scrutiny & Overview Committee was scheduled to review the latest financial performance report and consider feedback on growth and regeneration work in the town centre. The committee was also expected to approve recommendations from its sub-committees and note the most recent version of the work programme.

Here's a summary of the topics that were listed for discussion:

Growth and Regeneration in Croydon Town Centre

The committee was scheduled to discuss an update on growth and regeneration work in Croydon town centre. The report, which was also due to be considered by the Cabinet, included updates on the council's Growth Plan, Town Centre Vision, and Town Centre Regeneration Programme, which are funded by a combination of Levelling Up Fund (LUF), Growth Zone (GZ), and other finance, totalling almost £40 million.

The report stated that Croydon is:

London's single biggest regeneration and investment opportunity.

The Croydon Growth Plan, launched in May 2025, responds to the Mayor of London's Growth Plan for London, and dovetails with the National Industrial Strategy.

The report highlights a number of projects, including:

• Reconnecting Wellesley Road with a major new pedestrian crossing.
• Revitalising George Street, Dingwell Road, and North End with new greenery, lighting, and cultural activation.
• Opening new shops in 'Allders Parade' on North End.
• Improvements to Surrey Street Market.

The report also mentions investment in district centres across the borough through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme, including support for the Croydon Food and Music Festival.

The report recommends that the Executive Mayor Jason Perry and Cabinet note the ongoing promotion of the Croydon Growth Plan and the progress with the Town Centre Regeneration Programme.

Financial Performance Report

The Scrutiny & Overview Committee was scheduled to review the 2025-26 Period 2 Financial Performance Report. The report provided the council's financial performance as of May 2025 for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and the Capital Programme.

The report noted that the General Fund revenue budget was forecast to underspend by £16.5 million, which would reduce the necessary level of capitalisation directions¹ from £136 million to £119.5 million. However, it also noted unfunded local government cost pressures related to increases in demand and market prices. The report recommends that the Executive Mayor and Cabinet note:

• The General Fund revenue budget outturn forecast.
• That service directorates are asked to reduce their net expenditure.
• The unfunded local government cost pressures.
• The progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings achievement of £21.3 million (84.9%) against the total savings target of £25.1 million.
• The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget forecast outturn is a breakeven position.
• The General Fund capital programme 2025-26 forecast underspend of £28.7 million (10.2%) against the revised budget.
• That the Council continues to operate Spend Control Panels.

Scrutiny Sub-Committee Recommendations

The committee was asked to approve recommendations made by its sub-committees for submission to the Executive Mayor for consideration. The recommendations arose from the Children & Young People Sub-Committee meeting held on 1 July 2025, regarding the Stabilisation Plan.

The sub-committee recommended that officers explore a way to share how the voice of the child had been embedded into the design, tendering process, and operation of the proposed children's homes in a confidential manner with members.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2025-26

The committee was asked to note the most recent version of the work programme and consider whether any other items should be added. The report noted that the key areas of focus underpinning the work programme would be the council's finances, the Stabilisation Plan, and the wider Future Croydon Transformation Programme.

The report proposed that the meeting scheduled for 21 April 2026 be moved to 13 October 2025 to allow the committee to consider the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) report.