The Croydon Council cabinet met to discuss the 2026-30 medium term financial strategy, safeguarding, social care, housing and financial performance, and agreed to implement recommendations regarding scrutiny, safeguarding, social work and housing. The cabinet approved recommendations to keep the Council Tax Support scheme unchanged, and to review it in 2026-27. They also approved the Regina Road regeneration project, and noted progress on the housing strategy.

Financial Strategy and Performance

The cabinet reviewed the 2026-30 MTFS Update, which outlines the council's financial challenges and strategies for the next four years. Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, noted a decrease in the exceptional financial support (EFS) requirement for the next budget, but stressed that the figure remained high. The strategy includes assumptions about macroeconomic factors and the fair funding reform settlement. The cabinet agreed to note the updated financial forecast and medium-term financial strategy assumptions, as well as the ongoing discussions with the government regarding financial sustainability. They also approved a recommendation to Full Council to keep the Council Tax Support scheme unchanged, but to review it during 2026-27.

Councillor Cummings also presented the 2025-26 Period 5 Financial Performance Report, highlighting an £800,000 improvement since the last report. The report forecasts a £22.6 million underspend in the general fund, reducing the need for capitalisation directions¹ from £136 million to £113.4 million. Councillor Leila Ben-Hassel, Chair of Scrutiny, had previously raised concerns about the regularity of financial performance reporting, and Councillor Cummings acknowledged the importance of transparency in financial matters.

Housing and Regeneration

Councillor Lynne Hale, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, presented an update on the progress review of the housing strategy, highlighting improvements in landlord services, repairs, and temporary accommodation. The cabinet agreed to note the progress made in Croydon's five-year Housing Strategy between December 2023 and August 2025.

The cabinet also discussed the update on Regina Road (Part A), a regeneration project to demolish and rebuild the housing estate. Councillor Hale noted the commencement of demolition of the first tower block and the unanimous approval from the Planning Committee for the planning application to redevelop the estate. The cabinet agreed to note the contents of the project update report.

Safeguarding and Social Care

The cabinet considered the Croydon Safeguarding Annual Reports 2024/25 for the Adults Board (CSAB) and Children's Partnership (CSCP). David Williams, the independent chair of the CSAB, and Keith Makin, the independent scrutineer of the CSCP, presented their respective reports. Councillor Yvette Hopley, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, and Councillor Maria Gatland, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, praised the progress made in safeguarding and the good ratings received from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted². The cabinet agreed to note the reports and the activity aligned with the Executive Mayor’s Business Plan.

The cabinet also reviewed the Principal Social Worker Annual Reports 2024 – 2025 for Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care. Sharon Judd, Principal Social Worker for Adult Social Care and Health, and Jo George, Principal Social Worker for Children, Young People and Education, presented their reports, highlighting workforce development, practice improvements, and readiness for inspections. The cabinet agreed to note the annual reports.

Scrutiny Recommendations

The cabinet approved responses to recommendations arising from scrutiny committees. These included recommendations from the Homes Sub-Committee, Streets & Environment Sub-Committee, and the Children & Young People Sub-Committee.