The Council debated and ultimately approved the budget for 2024/25, which includes an increase in Council Tax. Members also discussed and approved changes to the Council's Constitution and the submission of the draft Croydon Local Plan Review.

The Council's Budget 2024/25

After considerable debate and a private adjournment, the Council approved the budget for the financial year 2024/25. This decision was made with 34 votes in favour, 3 against, and 32 abstentions. The approved budget includes a 2.99% increase in the Croydon element of the Council Tax charge, equating to an additional £53.98 for a Band D property. Furthermore, a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept levy was agreed, adding £36.11 for a Band D property. The overall Croydon Council Tax bill will see a total increase of 5.69%, or £127.35 for a Band D property, when the Greater London Authority precept is included.

The Council's total net expenditure budget for 2024-25 has been set at £361.267m. This includes a detailed programme of revenue savings, income generation, demand pressures, and legacy budget corrections across directorates. A £5m budget has been allocated to support the council's transformation programme. The Reserves Policy was also agreed, alongside authorising the Corporate Director of Resources to collect National Non-Domestic Rate and Council Tax.

Significant changes were made regarding Council Tax for unoccupied and unfurnished properties. For dwellings unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least one year, the Council Tax will increase by 100% for periods less than five years, 200% for periods between five and ten years, and 300% for periods of ten years or more, with no discount applying. Similar increases will apply to substantially furnished but unoccupied dwellings from the financial year 2025-2026. The Council Tax Support scheme will remain unchanged from the previous year.

The Council also approved the 2023-29 General Fund Capital Programme, with planned expenditure of £479.68m, including capitalisation directions. The 2024-25 Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme will see a total investment of £57.24m with no borrowing. An increase to the 2023-24 HRA capital budget of £3.914m, funded by HRA reserves, was agreed due to increased major repairs and improvements. The Council's Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2024-25 were also approved, along with the Prudential Indicators and the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement. Members were reminded of the requirement for training in treasury management. The Council noted that its historic legacy borrowing and debt burden remain critical to its revenue budget sustainability, and dialogue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities continues to seek further financial support.

During the debate, Mayor Jason Perry highlighted the council's investment in creating a safe and secure environment and addressing violence and crime, stressing the need for balanced budgets without burdening taxpayers. Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, stated that the Labour Group would abstain from the vote, acknowledging the statutory requirement to set a budget. Councillor Ria Patel, speaking for the Green Group, reiterated their reasons for voting against the budget.

Earlier in the meeting, the Council debated amendments proposed by the Labour and Green Groups. The Labour Group's amendment, which focused on tackling disadvantage and responding to resident priorities, was defeated by 33 votes to 36. The Green Group's amendment, aiming for a fairer, greener, and more compassionate council, was also defeated, with only 3 votes in favour, 34 against, and 32 abstentions.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution

The Council approved proposed changes to its Constitution. These changes relate to the Corporate Parenting Panel, the Health and Wellbeing Board, and Tenders and Contract Regulations.

The Local Plan Review

The Council approved the submission of the draft Croydon Local Plan Review and its associated Sustainability Appraisal. This plan outlines the council's strategy for development and land use across the borough.

Scheme of Member's Allowances

The Council agreed to freeze the Member Allowance Scheme for 2023/24, rejecting a proposed 3.88% increase. The Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25 was also agreed. The Director of Legal Services has been authorised to publicise the scheme and make necessary updates to the Constitution. The General Purposes Committee will undertake a review of the Members Allowance Scheme in 2024, with any recommendations for uplifts to be proposed to Full Council in late 2024 or early 2025.

Announcements

Mayor Jason Perry announced that the Greater London Assembly had awarded £53.8m to Croydon Council for the redevelopment of Regina Road. He thanked Councillor Lynne Hale, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, and officers for their efforts. The Chair also reminded Members of their obligation under section 106 of the 1992 Act to disclose outstanding Council Tax arrears and not participate in budget votes. A process for considering the budget item, involving questions to the Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, followed by executive proposals and amendments, was agreed.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 February 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

Disclosure of Interests

A general dispensation was granted to all Members by the Monitoring Officer to allow for the discussion and decision on the Budget report and Scheme of Members’ Allowances.