Hannah Cretney

Urgent Business (If any)

From: Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.30 pm - December 03, 2025

Recommendations Approved

Equality Strategy 2023-27, Annual Report 2024/2025

From: Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.30 pm - December 03, 2025

...to consider and note the Annual Report 2024-25, endorse proposed actions for improvement, and present the report at Council, all in relation to progress in delivering the Equality Strategy 2023-27.

Recommendations Approved

Scrutiny Stage 2 Responses to Recommendations arising from: Scrutiny & Overview Committee

From: Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.30 pm - December 03, 2025

This report invited the Cabinet to approve its response to the Scrutiny recommendations originally presented in the Stage 1 report to the Cabinet meeting held on the 24 September 2025. This response includes: - Action plans for the implementation of agreed recommendations, or; - Indicating where a recommendation is already in progress, or; - Reasons for rejecting the recommendations.   Following approval by Cabinet, the response to the scrutiny recommendations will be reported back to the next meeting of either the Scrutiny and Overview Committee or the relevant Sub-Committees.   The Constitution requires that in accepting a recommendation, with or without amendment, from a Scrutiny and Overview Committee or Sub Committee, Cabinet shall agree an action plan for the implementation of the agreed recommendations and shall delegate responsibility to an identified officer to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee or Sub Committee, within a specified period, on the progress made in implementing the action plan.   Scrutiny’s recommendations highlight potential opportunities for reinforcing performance management, strengthening governance, and increasing transparency for residents. They are presented for consideration, focusing on options that may improve oversight of performance, and service delivery.   Should these recommendations be taken forward, they could help deliver the priorities in the Mayor’s Business Plan - embedding good governance (Outcome 1, Priorities 1 & 4).

Recommendations Approved

Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy Mid-Year Review Report 2025/26

From: Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.30 pm - December 03, 2025

This Report reviews the Council’s treasury management activities for the first six months of financial year 2025/26. It is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) codes of practice in respect of capital finance and treasury management. The codes require that Members are advised of treasury management activities of the first six months of each financial year and of compliance with various strategies and policies agreed by the Council. The report:   • Reviews compliance with the Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) and Annual Investment Strategy as agreed by the Council (Budget Council) on 26 February 2025. • Reviews treasury borrowing and investment activity for the period 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025; • Demonstrates compliance with agreed Treasury and Prudential Indicators and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance; and • Complies with the Treasury Management Code: Treasury management in the public services – Code of practice and cross-sectoral guidance notes, 2021 as detailed more fully in paragraph 5.3 of the report.

Recommendations Approved

Croydon Safeguarding Annual Reports 2024/25 (Adults Board (CSAB) and Children’s Partnership (CSCP))

From: Cabinet - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 6.30 pm - November 19, 2025

As London’s largest borough, with nearly a quarter of our residents under 18 and a growing elderly community, the Council has a responsibility to safeguard and care for both children and adults. The Annual Reports for the Croydon Safeguarding Adult Board (CSAB) and the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) underscore the commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community and tell a powerful story of progress, resilience, and partnership.   Despite a year marked by significant financial pressures and increased scrutiny from national inspection regimes, both Boards have delivered real impact. From tackling serious youth violence and reducing anti-social behaviour, to strengthening our learning culture and embedding the voice of residents, including children in everything we do — the achievements are substantial and worth celebrating.   We’ve seen stronger governance, more inclusive engagement, and a growing culture of transparency and challenge. The CSCP has delivered 86% of its Business Plan, introduced new tools to improve multi-agency practice, and embedded learning from previous reviews. It is justifiably proud of its appointment of a Young Scrutineer. The CSAB has made real strides in areas like homelessness, self-neglect, and transitional safeguarding, whilst also strengthening its relationships with community groups and statutory partners.   The Local Authority key partners (Adult Social Care & Health and Children's Social Care) have both received 'Good' gradings from CQC and Ofsted.   Both Boards are taking an innovative approach to working more closely together — and with the Safer Croydon Partnership — to tackle cross-cutting issues like exploitation, suicide prevention, and violence against women and girls. This 'One Council' approach is not just efficient — it’s effective, and it’s helping us deliver better outcomes for Croydon’s most vulnerable residents. There has been significant support and challenge of the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) to evidence their safeguarding arrangements which has led to new collaborations and positive impact for some of our most vulnerable residents.   Challenges remain such as persistent funding inequalities, and the sustainability of some partnership functions is under pressure. However, the commitment from partners, the creativity of our workforce, and the voices of children, adults and families continue to drive us forward.   These annual reports are not just a statutory requirement — it’s a reflection of a borough that is determined to safeguard its residents, learn from experience, and keep improving. We are proud of what has been achieved - and clear about what still needs to be done.

Recommendations Approved