RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting and Annual Council Meeting both held on Monday 23rd May 2016 be signed as a correct record.

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

There was no business under this item.

Council, having considered the recommendation of the Appointments Committee held on 30 June 2016 RESOLVED:

1.1 To designate Ms Jo Negrini as the Council's Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and associated legislation, and any other statutory roles associated with that position.

1.2 Having regard to the statutory guidance issued pursuant to the Localism Act, as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the associated report, and having considered the proposals within that report, to approve the amendment to its Pay Policy Statement 2016 - 2017 as outlined in paragraph 3.6 of the associated report.

The Mayor advised that his forthcoming charity event would be a Mid-Summer Cream Tea and Pimms event on 21st July. A successful business breakfast had already been organised and more were to follow soon. It was also announced that Croydon had jointly won a Disability Sports award at the London Youth Games. The Mayor also thanked all residents involved in the Big Lunches that took place throughout the borough.

Councillor Tony Newman, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Sara Bashford, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, both delivered messages of thanks to Paul Greenhalgh, Executive Director People and Kate Norton, Senior Members' Services Manager, both of whom were retiring from the Council.
 

The Mayor read out a number of questions from residents that had been submitted in writing prior to the meeting. Cabinet Members delivered oral summaries of the written responses to these questions. The written questions and corresponding answers were published online and can be found here: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/dande/council-questions/2016- questions-and-responses

The Mayor then invited questions from the public gallery:

• Michael Hewish asked a question on the criteria in the Croydon Local Plan for three sites designated as metropolitan open land in Shirley Oaks. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that a written response was already being prepared as the question related to three specific sites.

• James Hogg asked a question on the publication of development sites identified by the Brick by Brick company. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Treasury stated that the Council wanted to consult local people first before publishing the names of the sites; however the vast majority of sites were now in the public domain. Due to commercial confidentiality it was not appropriate at this stage to publish the values of designated sites.

• Keith Cooper asked a question on garden specifications under the Croydon Local Plan for back garden developments. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that the protecting gardens policy added to the Croydon Local Plan ensured that only very large gardens would be considered.

• Diana Fraser asked a question on the incorporation of objections from Shirley residents to the Croydon Local Plan. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that at July Cabinet a list was read out of points raised from the consultation that were incorporated into the plan.

• Alex Arbrison asked a question on areas in Shirley identified as areas of intensification as part of the Croydon Local Plan. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that the next stage was to submit the plan to the Inspectorate; this would provide an opportunity for any challenges to intensification locations to be raised directly with the Inspectorate.

• Dave Greenwood asked a question on the consultation that took place for Shirley residents in relation to the development sites identified by the Brick by Brick company. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that consultation was only taking place with communities directly affected by proposed development sites. Eight thousands representations had been received regarding these development sites.

• Sonj Nair asked a question on traffic congestion on Wickham Road due to proposed intensification of the area in the Croydon Local Plan. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that the Council regularly liaised with TfL on traffic matters and would do so if the Croydon Plan gets approved.

• Oscar Dahling asked a question on progress with the development of Ashburton Library. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport stated that preparatory work was being undertaken on the site and the library was scheduled to be completed early next year.

CROYDON QUESTION TIME: LEADER QUESTIONS

The Leader of the Council announced that a cross-party proposal was due to go to the next Council meeting to offer Canon Colin Boswell and Colonel Ian McRobbie Freedom of the Borough due to their significant contribution to the people of Croydon.

• Councillor Bashford asked a question on making publicly available the data from the most recent consultation on 20mph zones. The Leader stated that Cabinet Members trusted officers to handle the data and would respect the results of the consultation without the need to back check and look at the data themselves.

• Councillor Bashford asked a supplementary question about disabled bays allocation powers being removed from the Traffic Management Advisory Committee. The Leader stated that the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment would consult with all Councillors who raise issues on disabled bay allocation.

• Councillor Lewis asked a question on the importance of cross party approval for the new constitutional changes. The Leader stated that the changes were real joint work between both parties and were an important step in expanding democracy in the Council.

• Councillor Lewis asked a supplementary question on the importance of the changes to be successful. The Leader stated that it was crucial, and could set an example for Westminster to follow.

• Councillor Gatland asked a question on comments the Leader had made regarding the campaign for a directly elected mayor in Croydon. The Leader stated that the original website for the campaign had published some unhelpful comments. In addition, observations had been made that most directly elected mayors had been men.

• Councillor Wentworth asked a question on how the Council will be working with the Croydon Central MP who had recently been promoted to Minister for Housing, Planning and London. The Leader stated that the promotion was good timing for Croydon with the Local Plan requiring ministerial sign off and other projects such as the growth zone and coast to capital.

• Councillor Wentworth asked a supplementary question on the impact of central government proposals for social housing. The Leader stated that the policy was indefensible and expressed a hope that the Central Croydon MP would reduce the worst effects of it.

CROYDON QUESTION TIME: CABINET MEMBER QUESTIONS

Councillor Alison Butler, Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning announced that a contractor had been chosen for the redevelopment of the Taberner House site. It will be a 500 unit development and Queen's Garden would also receive improvements as part of the works. The site will be at least 30% affordable housing and work will commence in the New Year.

Councillor Hamida Ali, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice announced the creation of the Community Grants Scheme (CGS) which would replace the Active Communities Fund. The CGS would streamline the process and make it less bureaucratic. The Council had also won a number of awards from the Metropolitan Police.

Councillor Mark Watson, Cabinet Member for Economy and Jobs announced that capital had been allocated to improve Surrey Street. A public meeting had been held with traders and residents in which there was a clear steer to improve the public realm, establish a Sunday service, and promotion of street art. Progress had already been made on this and should be completed by the end of the year. It was also announced that Croydon would be hosting its first Gay Pride event on 28th August.

• Councillor Perry asked a question on the safety of green spaces in Croydon. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that green spaces would be safe and the local plan allocated residential home building on urban lands only. Green belt land that had been designated for school building was only identified if the additional need for those school places was required, which was following central government guidance.

• Councillor Perry asked a supplementary question on the loss of some heritage sites. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that some sites did not meet the criteria for heritage sites but some new locations had made it.

• Councillor Chowdhury asked a question on the Brick by Brick development company and who would benefit from the new homes being built. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that local residents would be prioritised by establishing local letting agencies and local sales plans. The Council was also looking at rent policies to ensure the new homes were truly affordable.

• Councillor Gatland asked a question on Croydon Local Plan proposals to build schools on playing fields in the Croham Hurst Ward. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that the plan did not propose building on these sites, but identified them as possible locations for new schools should the need arise. The re-classification of green belt land to metropolitan open land provided the same level of protection.

• Councillor Gatland asked a supplementary question on whether the classifications would be reconsidered. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that the grading had been undertaken following national planning policy and was not a down grading but a more accurate grading.

• Councillor Canning asked a question on the differing deadlines in planning applications for Councillor referrals compared to members of the public. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that, following cross party discussions, constitutional changes had been agreed and were approved at the Annual Council meeting to change these deadlines.

• Councillor O'Connor asked a question on what action would be taken to combat hate crime. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice stated that the Safer Croydon Partnership was meeting later in the month and the issue of hate crime was on the agenda. There were other initiatives such as the national action plan from central Government.

• Councillor O'Connor asked a supplementary question on what actions could be taken in schools for tackling hate crime. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice stated that the organisation Show Racism the Red Card was doing significant work in schools across the borough on hate crime.

• Councillor Rendle asked a question on what action was being taken on hate crime due to disability. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice stated that disability hate crime was taken much more seriously than in the past, and the Safer Neighbourhood Board had recently held a meeting on hate crime that explored the steps that the Council was taking.

• Councillor Canning asked a question on the levels of domestic violence during the recent European football tournament. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice stated that independent domestic violence advisors had been paired with police response officers to help cope with the increased pressures to refuges.

• Councillor Pelling asked a question on the recent government decision to privatise the Land Registry. The Cabinet Member for Economy and Jobs stated that public services should be run by the people and not for profit. There was a 94% satisfaction rate for the Land Registry and no reason for the intended privatisation.

• Councillor Fisher asked a question on claims that some of the comments made during the consultation for the Croydon Local Plan were discriminatory. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that some of the representations were not compatible with the Equality Act and so were not put forward. Some of the comments directed towards gypsy and travellers were ill-mannered and if directed towards other groups would be deemed wrong.

• Councillor Fisher asked a supplementary question on the intensification proposals in the Croydon Local Plan for Shirley Oaks. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that she would be happy to meet residents of the affected areas to give further information.

• Councillor Wright asked a question on the consultation processes for proposed sites for development by the Brick by Brick company. The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that many successful meetings had been held with residents.

Councillor Stuart King, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment announced that the multi-story car park at Purley had received a £200,000 investment to upgrade the lifts, shutters and lighting to make it a more accessible facility. These works would be completed by the New Year.

Councillor Simon Hall, Cabinet Member for Finance and Treasury announced an excellent outturn for 2015/16 which reflected the efforts of the Cabinet and officers working in a difficult financial environment of Government cuts to funding.

• Councillor Thomas asked a question on the contract performance of Veolia in relation to green waste collection and street cleaning. Councillor Stuart Collins, Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that over five millions collections were undertaken every year and there had been a lot more engagement with Veolia over contract performance than in previous years. It was important to recognise the good work being done as well.

• Councillor Thomas asked a supplementary question on whether the contract should be awarded to Veolia again based on performance. The Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that the new contract was being made through the South London Waste Partnership and would include new, tougher, KPIs and officers regularly monitoring performance

• Councillor Mann asked a question on what initiatives were planned to educate residents on recycling. The Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that education was being focussed on poor recycling hotspots.

• Councillor Speakman asked a question about the queues outside Purley recycling centre and whether the opening hours could be extended. The Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that there had always been queues at that centre but this had been exacerbated by Surrey County Council closing their neighbouring recycling centres. Extending the hours of the centre would have to be referred to the Environmental Agency, however efficiency of the current operations was being achieved through reconfigured containers at the Factory Lane depot, which eases the temporary closures at the Purley centre when emptying the facility. Extending the opening hours would be looked into.

• Councillor Audsley asked a question on what closer collaboration could be achieved between Veolia staff and local residents. The Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that talks had been held with the Thornton Heath action team develop the relationship with the community and there was a breakfast meeting in Bensham Manor soon which Veolia staff would be attending.

• Councillor Audsley asked a supplementary question on promoting the fact that Veolia pay their staff the London Living Wage. The Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that the talks with the South London Waste Partnership were being fine-tuned on this issue.

• Councillor Stranack asked a question on steps to make Norwood Junction rail station accessible. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that the Council were committed to working with the various partners on this issue, and looked forward to receiving recommendations from the Scrutiny Sub-Committee which had recently looked into the issue.

• Councillor Stranack asked a supplementary question on other possibilities for Norwood Junction. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that he would attend future scrutiny meetings on this issue.

• Councillor Mann asked a question on the severe problems over Southern rail services. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that the newly revised timetable by Southern should be the final straw and that suburban rail routes inside the M25 perimeter should be brought back into the control of the Mayor of London.

• Councillor Thompson asked a question on problems local residents had been facing with the parking ticket service RingGo. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that this issue had not yet been brought to his attention but pledged to discuss this with the Councillor after the meeting.

• Councillor Thompson asked a supplementary question on the large numbers of residents who have suffered such problems with RingGo. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment requested that the information be shared and he would investigate the issues as soon as possible.

• Councillor Pelling asked a question on the issue of "cruise" activity taking place in Imperial Way and what actions were being taken in response by the Council. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that two serious incidents had happened in recent months due to the hundreds of people who partake in the illegal racing. Many actions were being considered, such as physical barriers, in partnership with the police, local businesses and the Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice.

• Councillor Pelling asked a supplementary question on what alternative legal means could be taken to deal with the cruise activity. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment stated that all measures would be considered but the key would be effective partnership with all parties.

• Councillor Bonner asked a question regarding Council investment in New Addington. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Treasury stated that there was a significant list of investments into the ward, but a highlight was a £20 million investment in a state of the art leisure and community centre.

• Councillor Thomas asked a question on graffiti at the Taberner House site and surrounding buildings. The Cabinet Member for Clean Green Croydon stated that a clean-up had recently taken place on St George's Walk and Veolia had been asked to monitor graffiti in the area.

Councillor Timothy Godfrey, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport announced the disappointing news that the Fairfield Trust had gone into administration. An award was received for the architectural plans for the new Fairfield Halls. Quadrant were performing poorly in their contract for grass cutting in the borough, partly due to failing to allocate sufficient resources on the basis of a wet summer, this was being monitored.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning announced a significant success in school placements this year, with 96% of pupils receiving one of their top three choices. The Pupil Planning team were commended for this achievement. Croydon also achieved above the national average for key stage three results.

Councillor Louisa Woodley, Cabinet Member for Families, Health and Social Care announced that the Gateway Service had been shortlisted for an award for services to homelessness. A Council officer also won an award for excellent public health and wellbeing services.

• Councillor Quadir asked a question on grass cutting issues on verges. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport referred the Councillor to his previous comments on the issues surrounding Quadrant's performance.

• Councillor S. Khan asked a question on grass cutting in Norbury Park, which had affected Eid prayers this year. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport stated that officers had been instructed to ensure delivery for the continuation of the contract and to work on steps to ensure such performance issues do not occur again.

• Councillor Brew asked a question on how the Fairfield Trust fell into administration. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport stated that the answer lay with the Board, but that the Council had injected £750,000 to aid the Trust so it was disappointing that despite this the Trust still fell into administration.

• Councillor Brew asked a supplementary question on the schedule for the refurbishment of Fairfield Halls. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport stated that the planning application had been submitted and an asbestos assessment was required before the real value of the works could be finalised.
 

• Councillor Audsley asked a question on opportunities for community social enterprises to operate within the Council's parks. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport stated that Lambeth would be looked to as an example of where such collaboration could work effectively.

• Councillor Audsley asked a supplementary question on the benefits of social enterprises being involved in the borough's parks. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport stated that such projects put the community in the driving seat in the delivery of such facilities.

• Councillor Gatland asked a question on the rate of pupil premium funding that is being returned from the Council. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning stated that there had been ongoing issues at some schools in the borough who were not highlighting where the premium payments were being spent.

• Councillor Pelling asked a question on the Tamil School at Shirley Park Oasis Academy. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning stated that one of the borough's biggest strengths is its diversity and it was therefore important that Croydon provides an academic offer for these communities.

• Councillor Gatland asked a question on what the Council was doing in relation to the academic issues facing white working class boys. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning stated that white and Afro-Caribbean boys had low aspiration, which was a key issue that was being addressed across the borough.

• Councillor Gatland asked a supplementary question on what the Council was doing to combat the very low level of white working class boys going to university. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning stated that schools were able to obtain further support through the Octavo partnership.

• Councillor Audsley asked a question on what the Council was doing to ensure that the borough's children had the necessary skills to benefit from the expected economic growth in Croydon over the coming years. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning stated that there was a commitment to a job brokerage scheme to ensure that Croydon's young people have access to the new jobs growth.

• Councillor Hopley asked a question on the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board. The Cabinet Member for Families, Health and Social Care stated that the Deputy Cabinet Member sat on the Board and so in no way was the Board being abandoned, it was giving other Councillors the opportunity to be on the Board.

• Councillor Hopley asked a supplementary question on the need for key members to be on the Board and concerns over the performance indicators. The Cabinet Member for Families, Health and Social Care stated that the performance indicator for vaccinations was of concern and was due to the high turnover of families in the borough. Work was being undertaken with the director of public health to address this issue.

• Councillor Clouder asked a question on the transformation of adult social care through the Outcomes Based Commissioning scheme. The Cabinet Member for Families, Health and Social Care stated that a staff conference had been held and it has also been taken to CASSUP. This transformation of care had already saved half a million pounds.
 

Councillor Winborn, on behalf of Councillor Helen Pollard, presented a petition on behalf of residents of Exchange Square, Bridge House and South Croydon in Fairfield Ward. The wording of the petition was as follows:

"Exchange Square presents an opportunity to bring to life an historic building in a beautiful square with bags of character. Unfortunately the square has suffered neglect and it is frequented by drug users, drinkers and there is regular anti-social behaviour. Residents of the adjoining properties are regularly intimidated by anti-social behaviour from people outside their apartment buildings as well as those who frequently gain illegal access to the internal areas. If the Square was a thriving business/social centre, the people who flock to quiet areas to take drugs/drink etc would not dwell in Exchange Square

There are indications that the Council's policy of allowing planning consent for homeless and drug rehab centres, as well as bail hostels and methadone dispensing chemists only a few hundred yards from Exchange Square and within Croydon's 'Historic Quarter' is fuelling the problem, hence we request Croydon Council review their planning policies and strategy

By signing this petition, I ask that Croydon Council works with outside agencies such as the GLA to deliver its commitments in the Croydon Masterplan. This is to find new uses for vacant historic buildings such as the Surrey Street Pumping Station and to encourage community use, bring activity to streets and spaces, and enhance the setting of Old Town's heritage assets. I also ask that Exchange Square is included in the BID-funded policing area."

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment confirmed that a written reply to the petition would be provided.

A petition by Councillor Kyeremeh on behalf of ward residents was received. The wording of the petition was as follows:

"We, the undersigned members and residents of the Beulah Road Residents Association and surrounding roads (incorporating Neighbourhood Watch), call on the London Borough of Croydon conduct a review of the provision and enforcement of drop curbs in front of houses. We also request urgently that white lines are drawn in front of resident's drop curbs. We consider this the only way to address the increasing risk of potentially violent altercations between local residents and people who are illegally blocking drop curbs - thereby preventing residents from accessing or exiting their properties. The increase in such incidents has been particularly noticeable since the Council ceased their vehicle removal service."

The Cabinet Member for Homes, Regeneration and Planning stated that due to the complexity of the issues raised, a written response would be provided to the petition.

Two motions were submitted for debate in accordance with Council Procedure Rules as follows:

Motion 1.
Proposed by Councillor Hamida Ali

Seconded by Councillor David Wood

"This Council celebrates our wonderfully diverse communities that make Croydon strong and a great place to live. We stand united with all our communities and residents against any hate crime perpetrated in our town and will continue to work with our partners to ensure hate crime is tackled robustly. We give reassurance to all those living in Croydon that they are valued members of our community"

Councillor Ali speaking for the motion said that this motion was in response to recent acts of hate crime partly triggered by some of the "leave" campaigning over the EU referendum. A large increase in hate crime had been reported since the Brexit result, however underreporting was still an issue. A hate crime action plan was being developed and the Community Strategy identified hate crime as a priority. The fabric of our society was fragile, and residents must not pay the price for our complacency.

Councillor Wood seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak until later in the debate.

Councillor Creatura, speaking in favour of the motion, stated that the Brexit vote was not a vote for racism, and regardless of the result we must unite. The referendum did unleash some dangerous rhetoric. One victim of abuse was one too many.

Councillor O'Connell, speaking in favour of the motion, stated that Croydon's diversity was one of its strengths and there was a great legacy of working together. Words are important but we would be judged by our actions. Everyone should have a right to live in safety with their family, and together we would tackle ignorance.

Councillor Wood, speaking in favour of the motion, stated that whilst he welcomed this motion, it was with regret that such a motion was needed at all. A local resident commented how happy she was to see the unity picture of key local community leaders on the steps of the Town Hall. We should never be complacent about social cohesion; all communities want to be respected, not tolerated. Legitimate debate should not tip into hate.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

Motion 2.

Proposed by Councillor Jason Perry

Seconded by Councillor Jason Cummings

"This Council backs proposals to the Local Government Boundary Commission to reduce the number of Croydon councillors to 60 (from the current 70). This reflects the significant reductions in the Council's workforce and demonstrates a recognition among local politicians that it is only right some of the cuts must fall on themselves."

Councillor Perry speaking for the motion said that over the last 20 years there had been a huge change in local councils. Croydon used to be a committee structure where Councillors were more "hands on", and was why the boundary review in 1999 did not cut the number of Councillors. Since 2000, and the move to a Cabinet system, the Council workforce had shrunk and had become more efficient through changes such as digital technology. For this reason Councillors should also see reductions in numbers as well.

Councillor Wright seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor Hall, speaking against the motion, stated that when the Boundary Commission's proposals recently went to General Purposes and Audit Committee (GPAC) opposition members did not oppose it. The work of Councillors was much more than just formal meetings. In addition, the borough's population was forecast to rise significantly and the Council was now responsible for matters such as public health and integrating social care. The Council was taking an active role in the borough's future through initiatives such as Brick by Brick development company and the Gateway Service. We have a devolution strategy and Councillors play a crucial role in this.

Councillor Shahul-Hameed, speaking against the motion, stated that this motion was irresponsible. Councillors already represent large wards and in Broad Green ward, for example, the population was projected to increase by over six thousand. Councillors must be accountable and they have an important role to play, and a responsibility to represent. We should recognise this role and contribution our 70 Councillors undertake.

Councillor Cummings, speaking in favour of the motion, stated that recent years had been tough for residents with uncertainty over the Brexit vote, austerity cuts and a reduction in the Council workforce. There was currently a proposal in central government to reduce the number of Members of Parliament, and Bexley local authority had recently reduced their number of Councillors considerably. Reducing the number of Councillors in Croydon would send a clear message that we are all in this together. It will mean extra work for Councillors but many already represented large wards.

The motion was put to the vote and was lost.
 

Councillor Newman proposed, and Councillor Butler seconded, that Council approve the recommendations as stated in the report.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the Cabinet recommendations as follows:

1. Equality Policy 2016 -20
2. Croydon's Draft Community Strategy 2016-21

The full report can be found on the Council website: https://secure.croydon.gov.uk/akscroydon/users/public/admin/kab14.pl?operat ion=SUBMIT&meet=48&cmte=CAB&grpid=public&arc=12.

Not required