The Cabinet of Croydon Council met on Wednesday, 27 March 2024, to discuss a range of significant issues including the council's transformation plan, a partial review of the local plan, and proposed changes to parking charges. Key decisions were made regarding the approval of the Future Croydon Transformation Plan, the publication of the proposed submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review, and the initiation of statutory consultation on proposed parking charge amendments.

Future Croydon: The Transformation Plan 2024-2029

The Cabinet approved the Future Croydon Transformation Plan 2024-2029, a strategic document outlining the council's approach to modernising services over the next five years. The plan aims to make Croydon the most efficient borough in London by maximising the use of technology and prioritising residents. Councillor Lynne Hale, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, described the plan as a pivoting point for Croydon with radical customer focused plans. Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted that the plan would be achieved through a complete transformation of council operations to meet future challenges. The reporting cycle for the plan's progress was agreed to be clarified at a future meeting. The Cabinet also approved an update to the existing Council Improvement Programme 2022-2027.

Partial Local Plan Review

A significant discussion took place regarding the Partial Local Plan Review, which aims to prioritise design and character over density, introduce new policies for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and protect green spaces. The Cabinet agreed to publish the Proposed Submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review for a six-week representation period. Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, stated that the consultation would be conducted in accordance with national tests of soundness. The plan will be recommended to Full Council for submission to the Secretary of State for examination. Minor and factual changes to the Proposed Submission draft were delegated to the Director of Planning and Sustainable Regeneration, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration.

Proposed Parking Charge Amendments 2024/2025

The Cabinet initiated a three-week public consultation on proposed parking charge amendments for 2024/2025. The changes aim to create a fairer, simpler, and more consistent approach across the borough. Key proposals include increasing and retaining one hour of free parking in district and local centres, introducing a new two-hour maximum stay for these bays with a nominal charge for longer parking, and standardising free parking durations in specific areas. Councillor Scott Roche, Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, emphasised the benefits for shoppers and businesses, including an increase in free parking allocations. The amendments also include adjustments to emission-based discounts for parking permits and charges, with reduced discounts for more polluting vehicles. The operational hours for district centre car parks will be extended to 24 hours, with a nominal flat fee for overnight parking.

Scrutiny Stage One and Two: Recommendations Arising from Scrutiny

The Cabinet received and noted recommendations from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee. Councillor Rowenna Davis, Chair of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, highlighted positive responses to several recommendations, including an independent review of future budget consultations and the invitation for councillors to join walkabouts to monitor fly-tipping and graffiti removal. The Committee also noted that Croydon's crime rate is below the London average, though it experiences a disproportionate number of youth-on-youth crimes. The Cabinet agreed to provide a substantive response to the recommendations at a future meeting.

Update on the Housing Transformation Programme

An update on the Housing Transformation Programme was presented, highlighting significant achievements since October 2023. Councillor Lynne Hale, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, noted the acceptance of a voluntary undertaking by the regulator of social housing and a substantial government funding award for the Regina Road regeneration project. The Cabinet noted the progress, including the voluntary undertaking given to and accepted by the Regulator of Social Housing.

Period 9 Financial Performance 2023/24

The Cabinet reviewed the Council's financial performance for Period 9 (December 2023). Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, reported a small improvement in the council's overall forecast position for the year-end, despite ongoing pressures on housing and children's and adults' services. The report indicated a forecast underspend of £1.5m for the General Fund revenue budget, after the budgeted utilisation of £63m in capitalisation directions. However, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget was forecast to overspend by £12.0m. The Council's historic borrowing and subsequent debt burden were noted as critical to the revenue budget's non-sustainability, with ongoing dialogue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for further financial support.

Procurement Pipeline

The Cabinet approved the 18-month Procurement Pipeline, which aims to enhance strategic planning, improve resource allocation, and streamline procurement processes. Councillor Jason Cummings stated that the proposed changes would benefit the market and local voluntary sector by providing visibility of future contracts. Delegated decisions over £500,000 were approved, subject to recommendations from the Contracts & Commissioning Board and approval from the Lead Cabinet Member and Cabinet Member for Finance.

Oracle Improvement Programme Business Case

The Cabinet approved the Oracle Improvement Programme Business Case, which outlines an investment of £3.922 million to ensure the council fully utilises the Oracle system. Councillor Jason Cummings described the programme as a useful case in point on the council journey to improve data and consistency. The programme will be funded through earmarked reserves.

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman Decision Finding of Fault Causing Injustice and Action Plan to Prevent Reoccurrence

The Cabinet addressed a decision by the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman finding fault causing injustice. Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, offered sincere apologies on behalf of the council for the issues that had occurred. The Children's Services department fully accepted the findings and recommendations, with measures in place and being closely monitored. The Cabinet endorsed the Action Plan in response to the recommendations and adopted the report as the Executive’s formal response.

Other Discussions

The Cabinet also discussed the Partial Local Plan Review, with a specific point raised by the Shadow Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Chris Clark, regarding the wording on affordable homes. The Executive Mayor noted that suggestions should have been made earlier and that any proposed amendments would require review.

The Housing Transformation Programme update included a discussion on Croydon Council's participation in the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign.

The Capital Programme and Capital Strategy 2023-29 was approved, focusing on the maintenance of council assets. The report highlighted nil borrowing for the financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy 2024/25 was approved, detailing how the council manages cash flow and borrowing.

The Review of Council Tax Care Leavers Relief Scheme was discussed, with changes proposed to ensure fairness and savings by limiting relief to care leavers for whom Croydon is the Corporate Parent.

An update on Croydon Companies Supervision and Monitoring Panel was noted, covering the progress in simplifying and reducing the council's company portfolio.