The Council meeting on 17 April 2024 saw the approval of significant changes to the Council's Constitution, including updates to the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Corporate Parenting Panel (now to be known as the Corporate Parenting Board), and revised Tenders and Contracts Regulations. A key decision was the approval for the submission of the draft Croydon Local Plan Review to the Secretary of State, following extensive consultation and amendments to address residents' concerns, with a focus on design-led planning and the protection of green spaces.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution

The Council approved proposed changes to its Constitution, which included updates to the terms of reference for the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Corporate Parenting Panel, which will now be known as the Corporate Parenting Board. These changes aim to improve decision-making and align with statutory expectations.

Significant revisions were also made to the Tenders and Contracts Regulations (TCRs). These changes introduce new governance thresholds and delegations for procurement processes, aiming to streamline bureaucracy and speed up contract renewals. The regulations will also see the London Living Wage replaced by the Real Living Wage, offering flexibility in pricing for contracts performed outside of London while maintaining the London Living Wage for contracts within the capital. The changes are expected to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and allow the Council to focus procurement resources on more strategic contracts.

The Local Plan Review

The Council approved the submission of the draft Croydon Local Plan Review to the Secretary of State for independent examination. This review, which has undergone extensive consultation and revisions, aims to reform the Local Plan to return to a design-led approach to planning. Key changes include the removal of designated intensification zones, a refinement of housing targets, and an emphasis on design and character over density. The plan also introduces new policies regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the identification of Local Green Spaces, and updates to policies addressing climate change.

The Mayor, Councillor Jason Perry, highlighted that the plan would ensure new homes are safe, well-designed, and in keeping with the local area, while also supporting sustainable development and protecting green spaces. Councillor Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, noted that the plan would contribute to meeting the borough's housing needs and align with the London Plan. The Labour Group's amendment, which called for building more homes, including genuinely affordable ones, was debated and ultimately rejected. However, the Mayor stated that forthcoming developments would provide a significant number of new affordable homes and that the Council was committed to delivering affordable housing.

Questions to the Mayor and Executive

During the Croydon Question Time session, several public questions were raised. These included concerns about the economic impact of council parking charges, the Council's commitment to its climate emergency targets, and measures to address homelessness. Questions were also raised regarding road safety on residential roads, the provision of school places for children with special educational needs, sanitation levels in Croydon North, and the expenditure and impact of the Croydon Healthy Homes initiative.

Council Debate Motions

Two motions were debated:

• Conservative Group Motion: This motion recognised progress made in restoring residents' trust in planning matters, noted the scrapping of the Suburban Design Guide, and supported the Mayor's wish to reform the Local Plan with a design-led approach, prioritising design over density and protecting green spaces. The motion was agreed.
• Labour Group Motion: This motion stated that building more homes - including genuinely affordable homes for rent - is the principal way to address the national housing crisis as it affects Croydon. The motion was debated, but ultimately rejected by the Council.

The meeting concluded with the Chief Finance Officer outlining the requirement for Members to pass a budget, and the Mayor moving the budget proposals, which were subsequently agreed.