The Mayor spoke of the recent deaths of two former Councillors. Mrs Anne Watson and Mr Amrit Devasar.

Councillor Tony Newman said that Anne Watson was a much respected and admired ward councillor for Broad Green who had made a huge contribution to the Social Services Committee. She had been a founding member of Croydon Woman's Aid and was still championing the cause for women suffering violence till the end of her life.

Councillor Newman described Amrit Devesar as a "gentlemen" of the Council who hated all forms of injustice and supported all minorities. He had been a councillor for Bensham Manor and had done ground breaking work at that time with the Croydon Community Relations officers in New Addington.

The Council stood and observed a moment of silence in respect of the two former councillors.

RESOLVED that subject to an amendment to the minutes under point 11 Ward matters - Councillor Chatterjee had referred to the boundary of Shirley Ward looking like a ‘scotty dog' not a ‘spotty dog', the Minutes of the Special Council meeting and Ordinary Council meeting both held on Monday 3rd December 2012, be signed as a correct record.

Resolved to agree the meeting of the Special Council Meeting held on 3 December 2012.

All Members of the Council confirmed that their interests as listed in their Declaration of Interests Forms were accurate and up-to-date.

Councillor Lynne Hale declared a personal interest as a general declaration due to the complexity of the agenda as members of her family are employed by Croydon Council.

Councillor Dudley Mead declared that he had been appointed to the court of the Whitgift Foundation and that he had no pecuniary interest. Councillor Margaret Mead declared in the spirit of openness that she was a court governor of the Whitgift Foundation, and Councillor Toni Letts declared she was a foundation governor at the Whitgift Foundation.

Councillor Tony Newman moved a procedural motion that the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council be bought forward as there were a number of people in the public gallery for that item. The Chief Executive advised that this was not procedural as the Extraordinary Meeting had been summonsed to start at 10pm or the rise of the full Council meeting.

None

 The Mayor reported on key events he had attended since the last meeting.He had attended a number of carol concerts, including one at the Minister and the Tenants & Leaseholders Christmas party where he presented a number of awards to individuals and groups who had made outstanding contribution to the Council's housing community.

The Mayor had also presented awards at the ALD award ceremony where the music and drama displays had been a credit to students and tutors
The Mayor and Mayoress had attended the season closing concert at the Samuel Coleridge Taylor festival at St John's Upper Norwood, which was given by Croydon talented musicians' and singers.

On New Year's Day the Mayor attended the London New Years Day Parade and thanked Councillor Hale and her team of councillors and officers who escorted the Croydon float for the funds raised for the Mayors charities.

The Mayor had also visited Cousldon Primary School and attended the Croydon College University centre graduation ceremony where 300 graduates received their degrees.

The Mayor advised that he had attended the Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony that morning. The theme for this year was to build bridges across differences.

The Mayor advised Council of forthcoming charity events:

7th Feb lunch at the Chateau, with guest speaker Chris Bigland

8th March annual Charity Dinner at Croydon Hilton.

1st March - Councillor Chatterjee is undertaking a sponsored swim at Waddon Leisure Centre in aid of the Mayors charities.

14th April - Annual Mayor's Walk from Whittington Stone in Archway to Mansion House a distance of 5 miles.

Leaders Announcements

Councillor Mike Fisher spoke his delight that two major developers, Westfield and Hammerson had joined together to redevelop the Whitgift Centre. This development was key to the regeneration of the town and the town centre and economic growth across the borough. Whilst still needing to go through the planning process the Leader said this was good news for retailers and jobs in the borough and creating affordable housing. This would confirm Croydon as a top centre in the south for retail and commercial investment.

Councillor Mike Fisher invited Councillor Tim Pollard to make an announcement concerning the Upper Norwood Joint Library and the museum and archive service.

Councillor Pollard said he was pleased to announce that an in principle agreement has been reached with Lambeth Council over the future of the library. The agreement paves the ways for a full transfer of the management of the library to a not profit community organisation at some point in the next year. Officers and councillors from both authorities have been working together to bring forward this proposal, part of which will include, subject to consultation, the transfer of the staff to the employment of Lambeth Council from April 2013. Another aspect is that Croydon's 50% share of the ownership of the building will be transferred to Lambeth Council subject to an ouverage agreement should the property be sold or developed in the future. Croydon's annual contribution to the library running costs of £75k for 2 years would give the library a significant budget moving forward. He went on to say that strong links had been forged with the local community organisations who are interested in taking over the management of the library. This proposal will assist Lambeth Council in taking forward their community library project.

Councillor Pollard went on to speak about the Local Studies and Archive service saying that many enquiries had been received about the future of the local studies and archive service, a highly valued and appreciated service. Many options had been considered and the final proposal is to move the local studies from the 3rd floor to the vacant exhibition area on the ground floor. This would allow for a fully integrated museum and archive service. The opening hours will be the same or better than currently and it will also mean that the Council's art collection could be displayed. Temporary art exhibitions would continue in the court area. Councillor Pollard in summing up said that the Clocktower would offer a vibrant and visual art programme and he commended the officers who had worked to bring this proposal forward.

The Leader made an announcement regarding the interim arrangements for the Chief Executive following the announcement that Jon Rouse would be leaving the service of the Council on16 March 2013.

These proposed arrangements will be recommended for consideration at Corporate Services Committee on Monday 25 February and for approval to Full Council on 26 February.

Jon Rouse's last day of service with the Council will be 10 March 2013. Interim arrangements would be effective from 11 March 2013.

• Nathan Elvery, currently Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services is be the interim Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service and Returning Officer for an initial period of up to twelve months.

• Hannah Miller, Executive Director of Adult Services, Health and Housing to continue in her Deputy Chief Executive role (currently shared with Nathan Elvery), and it is proposed that there will only be one deputy chief executive during the interim period.

• During the period of the interim arrangements, the statutory responsibilities of Section 151 Officer (the officer legally responsible for the administration of the Council's financial affairs) are proposed to be undertaken by Richard Simpson, Director of Finance and Assets and the current deputy Section 151 Officer.

The Leader thanked Jon for his work over last 5½ years saying he had made an enormous contribution leading officers during the significant transformation period for the Council. He went to say that he had been an outstanding servant of Croydon and during his tenure and that he admired his leadership qualities and passion for serving the public and doing right by the people of Croydon. The Leader wished him every success in his new role as Director General at the Department of Health.

Councillor Fisher as Chair of the Mayoralty and Honorary Freedom Selection Sub-Committee made an oral recommendation to the Council that Councillor Yvette Hopley be invited to allow her name to be submitted to the Annual Council meeting on May 20 May 2013 for election to the office of Mayor for the Council Year 2013/14.

Under the provisions of the Council Procedure Rules (Croydon Constitution, Part 4A), written questions had been submitted and written replies were given by the relevant Cabinet Member. These were placed in the Chamber and Public Gallery, oral supplementary questions were asked by members of the public and oral replies were provided by the relevant Cabinet Members.

Oral Supplementary questions were asked by:
PQ001 -13 - Ms Findlaker (question asked by a student of the Brit School)
PQ005 -13 - Mr Collier
PQ007 -13 - Mr Rendle
PQ008 -13 - Dr Elliott
PQ009 -13 - Mr Cartwright
PQ010 -13 - Mr Hickman
PQ011-13 - Mr Martin
PQ012- 13 - Mr Samuel
PQ013-13 - Dr Nicodemi
PQ016-13 - Mr Sowan

In each case there was an oral reply from the relevant Cabinet Member.[Note the written Public Questions and written replies can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/agenda]

Petitions were presented formally by Councillors as follows in accordance with Council Procedure Rules:

1. A petition presented by Councillor Susan Winborn on behalf of residents, parents and carers of Park Hill Infant School

This petition will be referred to the relevant Cabinet Members. In accordance with the Council's Constitution the reply to this petition will be included in the agenda for the next Council meeting.

In accordance with the Council procedure rules, the printed responses were open to questions from Councillors.

Councillor Newman - asked a question about the location of cameras and advised that further names had been added to the petition.

Councillor Hoar replied advised that there was an issue with power supply and line of sight that affected the location of cameras.

Councillor Graham Bass described Purley as a pleasant place to live in, splendidly located, urban one way, countryside the other, excellent access to work and leisure, diversity, good houses and green areas. He spoke about the planning process for the Purley Plan saying that this would give clarity and local protection once completed. He went on to speak about the funding received from the GLA for flood planning. He spoke about the newly refurbished Purley town centre but questioned the level of parking charges. In summing up Councillor Bass spoke of Purley hospital due to open later in the year but questioned the parking provision.

Councillor Ayres spoke about the governance of New Addington. He stated that the most regularly repeated comments from residents and business in New Adding ton is the failure of this council to consult with them which he categorised as contempt for the democratic process and the opinion of the residents and the tax payers. He stated that more and more decisions were being taken and threats made against elected Members for seeking to find out what decisions have been made and stated that devices were used to close down scrutiny and debate including threats of criminal prosecutions. Councillor Ayres than went on to state what action the Labour party would take when elected in 2014 to change governance arrangements in New Addington. He closed by inviting all Members to distance themselves from the lack of transparency.

Councillor Claire George-Hilley opened by saying that she was delighted that the new, state of the art, Waddon leisure centre would open on 31 January 2013. She went on to say that the leisure centre offered the very best facilities, a multi purpose sports hall, gym, swimming pool with facilities for the disabled, a viewing gallery, a learners pool, community meeting facilities, café and crèche. The Centre sitting at the heart of the community would transform Waddon. She also spoke about the ‘Love Waddon' action day held in the summer where local residents came out to help clear up their neighbourhood.

Councillor John Wentworth said that families were well served by Upper Norwood schools but that Members would be aware of the worrying situation with Westwood School. He went on to say that the other 8 schools in the Ward were either good or outstanding and doing a good job for the community. He went on to highlight the achievement of David Livingstone Primary School, which had been totally transformed under the inspirational leadership of Mark Ducker from Gonville and the STEP Academy Trust. The school is now the top performing primary school in Croydon and he congratulated them. He said there was no room for compliancy, HM School Inspector shows only 64% of Croydon children attended good or outstanding schools, ranking as 104th of 130 local authorities in England. When compared to Lambeth 84% attend good or outstanding ranking them 14th in the country. In summing up he spoke about the Upper Norwood Joint Library saying that it had good support from the community but in order to succeed it needed proper funding.

Councillor Lynne Hale spoke about the many people from across the Borough who regularly give their own time to put something back into the local communities. Many local organisations are run by volunteers, all of whom have a dedication to improving the quality of life for other people in their local area. She gave the example of Dennis Eldridge who was to stand down after a lengthy stint as Chairman of Sanderstead Residents Association and thanked him and his Committee for their work in safeguarding the interest of the residents of Sanderstead. Councillor Hale went on to speak about the New Year's Day Parade and Croydon's entry that blended the classical world of Mozart with the contemporary beats of the borough's most infamous musical export to the world - the dubstep phenomenon. The float featured rising dubstep DJ star Toby Harrison, along with a quintet of brass players from the Croydon-based London Mozart Players. She thanked the Councillors and officers who had helped collect donations for the Mayors Charities.

Cabinet Members replied orally to matters raised.

Steve Hollands, Chair of Scrutiny & Strategic Overview Committee, presented a written report to Council summarising the proceedings of that Committee since the last ordinary meeting of the Council, including matters considered by the Scrutiny Sub-Committees. 

The following Councillors asked questions

Councillor Lenton - pre budget scrutiny meetings

Councillor Councillor Kellett - scrutiny meetings being held away from the Town Hall

In each case the Chair of the relevant committee gave an oral reply.

Council RESOLVED that the report of the Scrutiny & Strategic Overview Committee be noted.

Councillor Newman gave notice that the Council Tax Support scheme recommendations contained in the business report be referenced back for debate. Moved by Councillor Sean Fitzsimons and seconded by Councillor Simon Hall.

At 7.45 the Leader moved a procedural Motion to suspend standing orders in order for the recommendation deferred for debate agenda item to be taken after questions to the Leader, then to resume the business report item. This was seconded by Councillor Dudley Mead and agreed by Council.

The Leader presented the Business Report summarising the proceedings of the Cabinet since the last meeting of the Council, including matters considered by Cabinet Committees.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules, written questions had been submitted in advance by Council Members and written replies had been given by the relevant Cabinet Members. The questions and answers had been placed in the Chamber. Supplementary questions were asked by Members of the Council and replies were given by the relevant Cabinet Members.

Each Cabinet Member was asked in turn if they had anything to add to their report. Questions were then invited from the Chamber for each Cabinet Member who replied orally to the questions asked by Members of the Council on specific paragraphs or submitted questions.

The following Members asked questions on the Business Report

Cabinet Member

Leader: Councillors, Newman, Chatterjee, Letts, Avis, H Pollard, Smith, Lenton and Hall.

The Council moved to item 'Recommendations Deferred for Debate' then resumed the Business report item.

The following Members asked questions on the Business Report

Cabinet Member

Councillor Perry: Councillor Collins, Chatterjee, G Ryan, H Pollard, Neal & Gray

Councillor Tim Pollard: Councillor P Ryan, Kellett, Hollands, Chowdhury, Bee, Cromie

At 9.00pm the Leader moved a procedural motion 1.11.9 to move to the next item of business Seconded by Council Dudley Mead and agreed by Council

The following Cabinet Members made announcements.

Councillor Dudley Mead advised Council that a previous question to him had asked for information regarding the number of housing association units in 2000-6 there were 1331, since 2006 figure is 2193 a 72% increase. With regard to shared ownership units these were 336 in 2000/6 up to 892 now a 70% increase, and since 2006, 102 Council houses had been built with a further 44 in the pipeline.

Councillor O'Connell advised that he would be attending the LGC Awards, Croydon had been nominated for 4 services awards.

Councillor Margaret Mead spoke about the ‘Time to Change' campaign and that she and Councillor Bashford had signed the pledge to tackle discrimination around mental illness.

Councillor Bashford spoke about the ‘Time to change' campaign.

Following the announcements by Cabinet Members the recommendations contained in the business report were put and it was RESOLVED to:

1. Note the business report of the Leader and Cabinet; and

2. Approve the Cabinet recommendations below relating to the Council Tax Support scheme and as amended by addendum circulated at Council and highlighted in paragraph 4 below.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1) to note the outcome of the consultation;

(2) Subject to (3) below, to recommend the adoption of the Croydon Council Tax Support Scheme to full Council on the terms consulted upon.

(3) to delegate to the Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director Corporate Resources & Customer Services in consultation with the Council Solicitor, the authority to update the Council's Council Tax Support Scheme to reflect the changes introduced by the publication of the Regulations as set out in paragraph 4.6 of the report in advance of consideration for adoption by full Council;

(4) to recommend to full Council the provisions on council tax discounts and exemptions be altered as detailed in paragraph 9 of the report together with the premium to be charged on long term empty properties.

Councillor Fitzsimons speaking against the recommendations opened the debate saying that this was a vindictive policy aimed towards the poor residents of this borough. He went on to say that thousands of families, single people and people with young adults living at home would suffer. He said that a charge of £180 could be levied for some families living in council houses if their homes are in band E or F or G. Those on low income would find it difficult to manage as they were already having a tough time under this government and that many ordinary people who work claim Council Tax Support to get them through the working week. He called on the Council to reject the scheme and to reject the recommendations.

Councillor Bashford speaking for the recommendations said that the papers had previously been to Cabinet and only one opposition Councillor had asked any questions. She went on to paper explained the changes to the Council tax system that would come into affect from April 2013. The Council Tax benefit scheme was a national scheme defined and fully funded by central government but administered by the local authority, from April each local authority will set their own scheme to meet their needs and priorities. Whilst the funding has been passed to the local authority it has been cut by 10% nationally meaning that Croydon needed to find a further £4.8million to maintain the current system from the general fund either in increased Council Tax or reduced services. There had been consultation with local residents on the proposals and the report outlined the responses. She went on to say that proposals would provide additional revenue of £1.96m and will encourage empty and unoccupied premised back into use that will assist the homeless and wider regeneration. Councillor Bashford said that the most vulnerable groups, those on disability living allowance, single parents with children under 5, pensioners and those on carers allowance had been protected by the scheme. In summing up she said that whilst difficult the changes were in line and better than some other boroughs.

Councillor Butler in speaking against said that this matter under debate, because the government had decided to cut this essential service. She went on to say that it is low income earners that will suffer and that the scheme was an attack on attack on some of the most poor and vulnerable at a time they were already suffering because of government policies. Councillor Butler asked what is fair when low paid hard working families have to pay an extra £180 in Council Tax whilst the better off pay no increase. In summing up she said it is least well off that use council services the most and they are suffering twice with cuts to those services and increases in Council Tax Support.

Councillor O'Connell said he supported the scheme and its principles as detailed at Cabinet. He went on to say that support should be for those with little savings and have a property aspect to it, that everyone should pay something and that every adult in each household should make a contribution relative to their means. In summing up he said there should be the safety net for the most vulnerable and this scheme does that whilst making work pay.

Councillor Hall in speaking against the recommendations said that the government had lead the attack on local government and this scheme was another way to take money from residents. The restriction on the Council Tax scheme could see poverty worsen and means that £2.6 is being taken from the most vulnerable in the borough whilst nothing was being taken from the wealthiest in the borough. In summing up he said that he scheme was flawed, it attacked the poorest including those working.

Councillor Fisher speaking in support of the recommendations said that the Labour group had chosen not to ask questions at Cabinet, apart from Cllr Butler, and now they reference back the paper. He went on to say that the opposition had no answer on what they would do with the £4.8mil pressure on funding or 3.2% on the Council Tax. He said that the scheme protects the vulnerable, protects pensioners', people in receipt of disability allowance, employment support, income support and single parents with children under 5. He went on to say that the Council consultation showed 65% of people agreed with the proposals. In summing up he said that everyone should pay something towards the council service they receive, by protecting and making work pay will make sure that this is fair and equitable scheme.

Following the debate a show of hands was requested. The recommendation contained in the business report was put and carried. For 35 votes, against 33 votes.

A joint motion was submitted for debate in accordance with Council Procedure Rules as follows:

Motion for Debate

Proposed by Councillor Jason Perry

Seconded by Councillor Tony Newman

"This Council welcomes the commitment by Westfield and Hammerson to invest one billion pounds in Croydon to develop the Town Centre. The Council calls upon both companies to work with the Council to ensure that this investment benefits our town and all our district centres. This is a crucial development for the future of our town and a great tribute to the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes by the Council's Members and Officers."

Councillor Perry opened the debate saying he was pleased to be moving the joint motion following the announcement that Hammerson and Westfield had joined together to develop the Whitgift Centre which highlights the regeneration opportunities in the borough. The £1bil investment in Whitgift Centre and Central was a momentous one for Croydon and the planning application would ensure that is it the right package for the town with the focus on quality not quantity. Quality Retail, residential and leisure facilities in a holistic and comprehensive way. It will help local imployment opportunities whilst the retail core should support enhanced economic performance without the impact on existing businesses. The improved infrastructure and excellent employment prospects with 5000 retail jobs in the finished scheme would mean this joint venture will build confidence for investors in the Town.

Councillor Letts opened by saying that change was in the air in Croydon. Only 18 months ago the image of Croydon was one of riots but now, subject to planning, a good news story as one of the largest and most important regeneration project since post war and 1960's was being proposed. She congratulated both Westfield and Hammerson for coming together for this project and congratulated the Whitgift Foundation for their pivotal role in bringing together these two developers. It was important that the Council consider how to balance the dynamics that exist between the businesses, developers, retailers, residents, the consumers and the public sector interest for this project to succeed. In summing up Councillor Letts said that all Members need to be champions for this development.

Councillor Mohan advised that he had been in discussions with businesses in Croydon and nationally asking what they would like to see in order to invest in Croydon. The reply was to sort out the retail core and with this proposed development that will happen. The investment would bring jobs, improvements in infrastructure and new homes to the town centre creating a vibrant and strong community. He went on to say that he urged Hammerson and Westfield to set aside some retail units for business start up and to use their expertise to provide training and business support to young entrepreneurs.

Councillor Watson welcomed the investment of Westfield and Hammerson and had visited their sites in Stratford and Bristol, both were well developed, well designed and quality developments. He went on to say that Croydon needed this regeneration but would also need to protect surrounding district centres. He said that this was a once in a lifetime development and that we must get it right and that it would need to benefit all residents. The design should incorporate local history and had to be more than a place to shop but should also be somewhere to eat, meet and socialise. He went on to say that the surrounding areas also needed to be improved to encourage people to explore nearby district centres.

Councillor Dudley Mead said that there was another party in this development, the Whitgift Foundation who hold the freehold and 25% leasehold and are happy to supports, encourage and embrace this development. The Whitgift Foundation Charter was granted in 1596 to look after the elderly in Croydon and educate its children. It is still doing that today, 150 people in care homes, 3250 children educated, it also provides financial subsides all those in the care and 40% of families who send children to their schools.

Councillor Donna Gray welcomed the news much needed injection of hope for local businesses and local people saying that it will bring revenue and income to the town, jobs, additional facilities and new homes. There may be to be a rethink on local services as demand will impact health and school places. All communities need to be involved especially young people. There will be increased opportunity for employment and training, easy access to the town will be key and the main transport hubs and roads will need to be in keeping with style of development. She said that the development needs to complement not duplicate business in the district centres. In summing up Councillor Gray said that people need to feel confident they can have their say in the development opportunity to build for future generations, whether leisure home or a safer environment for the community.

Councillor Tony Newman opened saying that Croydon in terms of population was a city in all but name. Its size and potential is on par with Manchester, Leeds or Liverpool and the diversity is better bar none but it needed a beating heart. The vision for the development would give a vibrant town centre, fit for purpose and to work with the urban villages of the borough. He went on to say that culture as well as retail would need to be part of the long term offer to attract investment to the town. In summing up this was a once in a generation chance to put Croydon first and ensure long term investment and prosperity and for all share in it.

Councillor Mike Fisher opened by saying that this is a significant moment for Croydon as two of the worlds largest retail developers invest over £1b in the retail centre of the Town. He said this was only half of the story as now we have to deliver that scheme and would do all they can to make sure this goes through as smoothly as possible taking into account the relevant planning process. One of the big challenges is the 5000 job that will be created and we must make sure that Croydon residents get as many of those as possible; local jobs for local people from all parts of the borough both in building stages and when the shops open. He said that is was not just about a retail offer, the development would bring in much need homes, new office stock and good quality leisure that was needed in town centre and would bring a family type atmosphere, especially in the evenings. He acknowledged Cllr Watson's comments that the development must not be to detriment of district centre and small retailers and benefits should felt by all areas. He went on to say that the Council must capitalise on the announcement to get investment into the town, the transport infrastructure, improve road networks, i.e Five Ways and Purley Cross and to use the tram to bring in more people. In summing up he said this was a huge opportunity for the town and a very bright time for Croydon and must grab it with both hands and deliver on behalf of the people of croydon.

The motion was put and carried unanimously.