The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Wednesday 24 September 2025, approving the renewal and expansion of the Public Space Protection Order for Croydon Town Centre, alongside a significant update on the borough's growth and regeneration initiatives. The meeting also saw the approval of the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26 and the continuation of the Mayor of London's Universal Free School Meals offer for the upcoming academic year.

Scrutiny Committee Recommendations

The Cabinet received and approved responses and action plans arising from recommendations made by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee and its sub-committees. These recommendations, originating from meetings in March and July 2025, focused on areas such as the Stabilisation Plan, climate action, and safeguarding. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to officers to report back on the progress of these action plans to the relevant scrutiny committees.

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Croydon Town Centre

The Cabinet unanimously approved the renewal of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Croydon Town Centre for a further three years. This decision, supported by over 79% of consultation respondents, aims to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). The order will be expanded to include new areas, such as Oval Road, Park Hill Park, more of London Road, Wandle Park, and Tanfield Road. Additionally, the terms of the PSPO have been amended to include a new restriction on the use of amplified sound equipment, responding to public concerns about noise nuisance. The Cabinet also agreed to consult on the introduction of a borough-wide PSPO specifically targeting street drinking. Chief Inspector James Weston of the Metropolitan Police highlighted the PSPO as a vital tool for officers in making the town centre safer, particularly in engaging with individuals involved in street drinking and ASB. Councillor Ola Kolade, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, echoed this sentiment, noting the 24% reduction in ASB since the PSPO's introduction in 2022. Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, welcomed the renewal and expansion but raised questions about the inclusion of e-scooters and the process for authorising amplified sound systems.

Growth and Regeneration Update

An update on Croydon's Growth Plan, Town Centre Vision, and Regeneration Programme was presented, highlighting significant progress and ongoing investment. Executive Mayor Jason Perry outlined that nearly £40 million of public funds are committed across the borough, supported by the Growth Zone, Levelling Up Fund, and UK Shared Prosperity Funds. Works are underway on the Wellesley Road pedestrian crossing and the East Croydon link bridge, with designs advancing for George Street, Dingle Road, and Surrey Street. The iconic Alders building will soon see the opening of six new commercial units, branded as Alders Parade. Investment is also being directed towards district centres, with £3.2 million allocated through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for 15 projects, and a further £1.4 million committed for 2025-26 in South Croydon, Norbury, and Caulston. Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, emphasised that Croydon is London's largest regeneration opportunity, with plans to create thousands of new homes, jobs, and business spaces. Councillor Chris Clarke, Shadow Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, raised concerns about stalled construction sites like the Neste Tower and St George's Walk, asking about the strategy for these sites. Mayor Perry assured that the planning department is actively working with developers and owners to overcome hurdles and bring forward plans.

Youth Justice Plan 2025/26 Approval

The Cabinet approved the Youth Justice Plan for 2025/26, recommending its referral to Full Council for approval. Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, highlighted that Croydon's re-offending rates remain below both regional and national averages at 29.1%. The plan details the Youth Justice Service's work with 289 children in 2024-25, focusing on a child-first approach and addressing the root causes of crime. Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, welcomed the plan's focus on prevention and diversion, noting its role in providing young people with safe spaces and positive role models. Councillor Amy Foster, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, inquired about the link between school absence and offending, and Councillor Eden Mullaney, Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Safety, asked how the plan would address children from homes affected by domestic abuse. The plan details a multi-agency approach, including collaboration with the police, health services, education, and the voluntary sector.

2025-26 Period 2 Financial Performance Report

The Cabinet received the Period 2 Financial Performance Report, which forecasts a £16.5 million underspend for the General Fund revenue outturn. Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, described this as a positive sign, indicating the impact of the stabilisation plan, with £17.2 million of the £27.3 million stabilisation plan target already evidenced. However, he acknowledged ongoing demand pressures in key statutory services and the national issue of inflation. The report also highlighted the significant burden of Croydon's historic debt, with £72 million forecast in interest payments this year. Councillor Cummings clarified that the non-pay inflation and growth budgets are standard procedures and not directly connected to the stabilisation plan, with growth budgets being reallocated to departments to hold them accountable for performance. Councillor Young raised concerns about the use of the £25 million growth funding, questioning whether the Improvement and Insurance Panel or Commissioners' endorsement was sought for its allocation. Councillor Cummings explained that the £25 million holdback was superseded by the £27.3 million stabilisation plan. Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, expressed continued concern about the timeliness of financial information and the ongoing growth in spend in adult social care, children's social care, and temporary accommodation.

Mayor of London Free School Meals Offer 2025/26 Academic Year

The Cabinet approved the acceptance of the Mayor of London's Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) Programme grant for the 2025-26 academic year. The grant allocation is £6,111,967.50, a reduction from the previous year. The funding will be set at £3.00 per pupil for Years 3-6, based on an estimated 87% take-up. Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, noted that schools with higher take-up can apply to the GLA for top-up funding. A cross-departmental task force has been established to implement a universal registration process by October 2025, a mandatory requirement for the grant funding. Councillor Amy Foster, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, inquired about proactive communication with schools regarding the broadening of access to free school meals through Universal Credit. Councillor Gatland confirmed that all communication with schools regarding government funding is proactive and disseminated through a weekly newsletter.

The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of all recommendations presented.