The Croydon Council meeting on 10 December 2025 addressed several key issues, including fair funding for the borough, the Equality Strategy, and the appointment of an interim chief executive. The council voted to support fair funding for Croydon and approved the appointment of Elaine Jackson as Interim Chief Executive. An amendment to the Equality Strategy annual report was approved, with Councillor Rhea Patel of the Green Party, successfully arguing that the council can do better .

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Fair Funding for Croydon:

  A joint debate motion, supported by all political groups, called for fair funding for Croydon. Councillor Jason Cummings, Cabinet Member for Finance, opened the debate, stressing that the funding formula used by the government disadvantaged Croydon, and that arguments should focus on elements of the formula that do not recognise the pressures faced in Croydon. He cited the example of deprivation measures failing to take account of housing costs.

  Councillor Stuart King, Leader of the Opposition, responded that the previous Conservative government had made a conscious choice to continue Croydon's unfair treatment. Councillor Patel stated that Croydon Greens had long been advocating for fair funding. Councillor Clare Bonham said that London was still being punished one year into a Labour government. Councillor Lara Fish spoke of the improvements that had been achieved in New Addington despite the lack of fair funding. Councillor Callton Young OBE, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, thanked the Labour central government for making fair funding a reality for Croydon residents. Councillor Mario Creatura said that Croydon Labour's recent local campaign was baffling. Councillor Rowenna Davis said that it was only the Labour government that had acted.

  Following the debate, the motion was passed unanimously. Mayor Jason Perry responded that the council was united in calling for fairer funding for Croydon.

• Equality Strategy 2023-27 - Annual Report:

  Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, presented the Equality Strategy Annual Report, highlighting progress made, including a zero pay gap between staff who declare themselves to have a disability and other staff, and a zero gender pay gap. He noted challenges remained, including pay gaps with some ethnically diverse staff.

  Councillor Patel proposed an amendment stating This council notes the progress that has been made and believes Croydon can do better . Councillor Esther Sutton seconded the amendment. Following a debate, the amendment was agreed. Councillor Patel highlighted the invisibility of Romani, Gypsy, Roma, Irish and Scottish Traveller communities in the report, and called for a cross-departmental strategy co-produced with these communities. Councillor Trishni Reshekaron said that the progress report on the equality strategy did not reflect the realities of what residents face. Councillor Helen Redfern said that the Green amendments were performative politics designed for sound bites rather than delivering for Croydon's residents. Councillor Sutton spoke on broken promises, specifically the promise to care experienced people. Councillor Alasdair Stewart said that the Green amendments would create an almost endless bureaucracy. Councillor Jessica Hammersley-Rich said that the progress reported barely scratches the surface.

  Following the debate, the amendment was carried with 34 votes in favour and 32 against.

• Appointment of the Interim Chief Executive:

  Mayor Perry, as chair of the appointment and disciplinary committee, moved the recommendation to appoint Elaine Jackson as interim chief executive for 12 months, following the resignation of Katherine Kerswell. He thanked Elaine Jackson for her leadership. Councillor King seconded the recommendation, which was then carried with 64 votes in favour, none against, and no abstentions.

• Treasury Management Annual Review for 2024-25 and Treasury Management 2025-26 Mid-Year Review:

  Councillor Cummings moved the recommendations in the reports, which were seconded and agreed.

• Members Allowance Scheme 2025 to 2026:

  Councillor Sean Fitzsimons moved the recommendations in the report, which were seconded by Councillor Simonson and agreed.

• Youth Justice Plan 2025 to 2026 Approval, Delegation of Recruitment, Appointment and related matters in respect of the Independent Chair and Members of Local Pension Board, Report on the Use of Special Urgency for Key Decisions for the Third and Fourth Quarter of 2025, Council Calendar 2026-27 and Ethics Committee Independent Person Term Extension:

  The recommendations as contained in these reports were moved on block, seconded, and agreed.

• Questions to the Mayor and the Executive:

  During this item, councillors posed questions to Mayor Perry and his executive, covering topics such as:

  • Pride in Place funding for New Addington
  • Town centre regeneration
  • Air quality strategy
  • Housing conditions at College Green
  • The stabilisation plan
  • Blitz cleans
  • Support for carers
  • Blue badge fraud
  • A disabled bay painted around a legally parked car
  • Ankle tagging for persistent shoplifters
  • The children's centres consultation
  • The council's accounts

  The meeting also addressed petitions regarding road safety on Spa Hill and improvements to Court Wood Park.