The Scrutiny & Overview Committee of Croydon Council was scheduled to discuss the council's financial performance for the 2025-2026 period, focusing on the Period 9 Financial Performance Report. The committee was also set to review the proposed implementation of property licensing schemes for privately rented properties across the borough.

Scrutiny Recommendations

The committee was asked to approve recommendations made by its sub-committees for submission to the Executive Mayor for his consideration. These recommendations stemmed from the work of the Homes Sub-Committee, the Streets & Environment Sub-Committee, and the Health & Social Care Sub-Committee, covering various aspects of council operations and service delivery.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to review the most recent version of the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025-26. Additionally, members were to consider any other items that should be provisionally added to the work programme for the upcoming 2026-27 period.

2025-2026 Period 9 Financial Performance Report

The committee was presented with the Period 9 Financial Performance Report, which covers the period up to December 2025. The report was intended to provide an overview of the council's financial performance against the 2025-26 budget and the current forecasted position. The committee was asked to note the report, consider its conclusions, and determine if any actions or recommendations needed to be made to the Cabinet for further consideration.

Private Sector Property Licensing Scheme: Implementation of Property Licensing Schemes for Privately Rented Properties

A report detailing the proposed implementation of property licensing schemes for privately rented properties was presented to the committee. This report, which was also due to be considered by the Cabinet on 25 March 2026, outlined the rationale and details of the proposed schemes. The committee was asked to review the information, consider its conclusions, and decide if any recommendations should be brought to the attention of the Cabinet.

The report indicated that the proposed schemes aimed to address issues such as poor housing conditions, ineffective management, and anti-social behaviour in certain areas. It was noted that the schemes would be self-financing through licence fees and were intended to run for a period of five years. The report also detailed the consultation process undertaken regarding these proposals, including the feedback received from various stakeholders.

The committee was asked to review the proposed licensing conditions, objectives, and fee structures for both the selective licensing scheme and the additional HMO licensing scheme. An Equality Impact Assessment was also provided to consider the potential impacts on protected groups. The report highlighted that the proposed schemes were intended to work in conjunction with existing council strategies and national legislation, such as the Renters' Rights Act, to improve standards in the private rented sector.

The report also detailed the financial implications, legal considerations, and human resources implications of implementing these schemes. It was noted that the proposed fees were intended to be cost-neutral over a ten-year period and were benchmarked against those of other London boroughs. The report concluded that the proposed schemes were a necessary measure to address the identified issues and would contribute to improving housing quality and tenant welfare in Croydon.