Agenda and draft minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th October 2024 as an accurate record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9^th October 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

Disclosure of Interests Members and co-opted Members of the Council are reminded that, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct and the statutory provisions of the Localism Act 2011, they are required to consider in advance of each meeting whether they have a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI), some other registrable interest (ORI) or a non-registrable interest (NRI) in relation to any matter on the agenda. If advice is needed, Members should contact the Monitoring Officer in good time before the meeting. If any Member or co-opted Member of the Council identifies a DPI or ORI which they have not already registered on the Council’s register of interests or which requires updating, they must urgently complete the disclosure form which can be obtained from Democratic Services at any time, copies of which will be available at the meeting for return to the Monitoring Officer.

Members and co-opted Members are required in general to disclose any relevant DPIs, ORIs or NRIs at the meeting –

• Where the matter relates to a DPI they may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not stay in the room unless granted a dispensation.
• Where the matter directly relates to the financial interest or wellbeing of an ORI they may not vote on the matter unless granted a dispensation.
• Where a Member or co-opted Member has an NRI which directly relates to or affects their or a relevant person’s financial interest or wellbeing, whether they can participate in any discussion or vote on the matter or stay in the room depends on the detailed rules in paragraphs 7 of Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

The Chair will invite Members to make their disclosure of interests orally at the meeting and they will also be recorded in the minutes.

There were none.

To receive notice of any business not on the agenda which in the opinion of the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no items of urgent business.

To receive announcements, if any, from the Civic Mayor, the Executive Mayor, Head of Paid Service and Returning Officer.

The Chair during his announcements, highlighted the following recent and forthcoming events:

Flag raising events

·       St Andrew’s Day - was marked by a flag raising ceremony on Friday 29 November 2024

·       International Day of Persons with Disability - was marked by a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday 3 December 2024

·       Kenyan flag Raisin - will be marked by a flag raising on Thursday 12 December 2024

Civic Events

·      Interfaith Remembrance Event – took place on Thursday 7 November 2024

·       Tram derailment anniversary 2024 – took place on Saturday 9 November 2024

·       Remembrance Sunday 2024 – took place on Sunday 10 November 2024

·       Armistice Day 2024 – took place on Monday 11 November 2024

·       Town Carol Service of Nine Lessons – scheduled for Sunday 22 December 2024 at the Minster

·       Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2025 – scheduled for Monday 27th January 2025 in the Council Chamber

Charity Events

·        Pamper Indulge and Give - 10th Celebration Gala’ scheduled on Tuesday 10 December 2024

·        African/ Caribbean Dinner - has been cancelled

·        Fish & Chips - rescheduled to January 2025 (date tbc)

·        Multi-Faith Dinner - rescheduled to February 2025 (date tbc)

·        Love Not Hate Young Stars of London - scheduled for Saturday 8 February 2025 at Whitgift School

·        5K Walk in Park - scheduled for March 2025 (date tbc)

·        Gala Dinner - scheduled for Friday 25 April 2025

Mayoral Events

·       Christmas Card Artwork Design Competition 2024 (Winner - Grace Cuell

      Yr9, Saffron Valley Collegiate and Runners Up - Jaden Asare & Panav

       Nair Yr7, Beckmead Trust, Chaffinch Brook School)

·       Lighting-up the Christmas Tree & Christmas Carols 2024 - was held on the steps inside the Town Hall and in the Council Chamber Monday 9 December 2024

·       Pongal Celebration – scheduled for January 2025 (date tbc)

Executive Mayor’s Announcements

Executive Mayor Jason Perry expressed his deepest condolences following the tragic passing of young Elianne Andam, whose murder trial had commenced at the Old Bailey. He extended his thoughts and prayers to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Mayor Perry addressed the Metropolitan Police’s decision not to pursue further action in a misconduct case related to the financial settlement with Croydon’s former chief executive. He voiced his disappointment that no additional measures could be taken under current laws and called for legislative changes to prevent similar situations in the future.

Ofsted Report

Mayor Perry announced that Croydon had retained its "Good" rating following a full inspection of children’s services by Ofsted in October. He commended the dedication and hard work of social workers, practitioners, and the senior leadership team, particularly Councillor Maria Gatland, in maintaining this standard despite financial challenges.

He informed Council that the Ofsted report had highlighted significant improvements in most areas of children's services since the previous inspection in 2020. Inspectors praised the commitment of social workers and practitioners in supporting children and young people and acknowledged the valuable contributions of young people in shaping services.

a)    Public Questions (30 minutes)

To receive questions from the public gallery and the following questions submitted by residents in advance of the meeting:

1. There has been a marked increase in the anti-social behaviour in the Addiscombe West area since the implementation of a PSPO order around the town centre. Daily residents witness drug deals being openly done. The addicts then sit on garden walls, doorsteps and the alleys between houses to take drugs. They can be verbally abusive if challenged. I have phoned police only to be told there are no cars available - I was not given a CAD number. What further action are the authorities taking to improve this situation and make the area safer. 

2. What steps has the Mayor taken to ensure that squatters, persistent noise disturbances, drug activity and anti-social behaviour are addressed immediately thy are reported and what assurances can be given to Croydon residents facing these situations that they will not be continually ignored? 

3. Has the Council received the police report back regarding Croydon Council mismanagement of the finances? If so, what action is the police taking? Also, if there was any criminal investigation from the police report will the Council go through the proceeds of crime to retrieve money back? 

4. The Fairfield Halls, one of the largest arts venues in South London has hosted high profile names including the Beatles, Morecambe and Wise to Level 42 and Jimmy Carr. Movies including The Da Vinci Code were filmed there.

 
What about local groups using the Fairfield Halls? A music school is leaving, a resident chamber orchestra is not playing frequently, a local community choir has moved, and a small theatre company closed after 23 years.

  
Can the council investigate returning the Fairfield Halls back into local control? It could serve its community fully as well as being a high-profile arts venue. 

The Council received four public questions. The questions and responses from the Executive Mayor and relevant Cabinet Members were published on the Council’s website before the meeting.  The questioners also received the following answers to supplementary questions:

Question No. 1  

The questioner was unable to attend the meeting, and the Chair asked that the written response to the question published in the agenda be sent to the questioner by email and published in the minutes. 

Question No. 2

The questioner for was also unable to attend the meeting.  The Chair asked that a written response to the question published in the agenda be sent to the questioner by email and published in the minutes. 

Question No. 3

In response to a supplementary question, Mayor Jason Perry refuted the suggestion that the Council should be disbanded, asserting that significant progress had been made in stabilising finances and addressing longstanding issues. He highlighted recent efforts to restore financial discipline, including implementing government checks and controls. He also referenced a recent Corporate Peer Challenge Review, the results of which were expected in the new year, predicting it would show substantial improvement in key areas. Despite ongoing financial challenges, including an annual £60 million debt repayment—one of the council’s largest expenditures—He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to securing a resolution. He noted that discussions with the government regarding debt relief, including potential write-offs and grants, were ongoing, and the council would continue advocating for a sustainable financial solution.

Question No. 4

In response to a supplementary question, suggesting that Fairfield Halls adopt an alternative operational model, similar to Stanley Halls, Councillor Andy Stranack agreed that venues must be financially self-sufficient while supporting community and cultural activities. He acknowledged the success of Stanley Halls and noted the Council’s broader efforts to enhance community access to cultural spaces. He highlighted recent events, such as a Christmas celebration attended by over 1,000 people at the Central Library, Queen’s Gardens, and Braithwaite Hall. Furthermore, he reiterated the Council’s commitment to identifying and utilising additional venues across Croydon, including the Whitgift Centre, for cultural programming.

For Members to debate the following Member Petitions:

1.    Zebra crossings have been proven effective in reducing pedestrian accidents by up to 70% (source: Department of Transport UK). By implementing one on Harold Road, we can ensure the safety of our children and all residents who need to cross this busy street daily. A zebra crossing between Chevening Road and College Green would provide a clearly marked and safe crossing point, enhancing visibility and encouraging drivers to adhere to the speed limit.

Harold Road has become increasingly hazardous due to the frequent parking of vehicles back to back, which significantly obstructs the view of drivers and pedestrians alike. This situation is of particular concern given the proximity of Harold Road to Westow Park and the local shops where many children and families visit after school hours. The current conditions pose a serious risk to their safety, as visibility is severely limited and pedestrians, especially young families may find it difficult to cross the road safely.

We urge the local council of London Borough of Croydon and Transport for London to take immediate action.

A zebra crossing would not only improve safety but also provide peace of mind to all who use Harold Road and visit Westow Park. The safety of our children and local residents should never be compromised.

2.    The sudden changes to our climate are the biggest threat to humanity and our way of life that we have ever faced. We know that these changes continue to be made worse by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and so we need to do all we can to stop that.

Croydon Council should not be investing in supporting the extraction or burning of fossil fuels - it is completely immoral to try to make profits out of our own destruction.

On 7 February 2022, Croydon council formally approved the Croydon Carbon Neutral Action plan (1), after declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019. This set the implementation of strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy for the pension fund, but did not set a deadline for divestment. Platform London calculates that £78.4M of Croydon’s pension Fund is invested in fossil fuels (2), and contributes to the £867.7M invested in fossil fuels by the London Collective Investment Vehicle (3).

We, the undersigned, urge the council to build on its Responsible Investment Policy (4) and:

• Divest all assets directly held in fossil fuel companies by May 2026: This should include companies directly contributing to the extraction, production, and refinement of fossil fuels.
• Divest all assets indirectly held in fossil fuel companies by May 2030: This should include companies directly involved in the supply chain of the fossil fuel industry, who are complicit.
• Publish an annual summary of where assets are held: within, or as an addition to the Annual Report Pension Board.
• Provide a clear breakdown of how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is calculated by the Fund’s investment managers: Greater transparency of how this mechanism is used  ...  view the full agenda text for item 161/24

The Chair informed the meeting that Council had received three Member

Petitions and as the second and third petitions were related to the same

subject matter – the Council’s Pension Fund, a joint response to both

petitions had been proposed.  

Therefore, for the efficient conduct of Council business, the Chair moved

that, in respect of the second petition, Part 4A, Council Procedure Rules,

Paragraph 3.33 (the requirement for immediate response) be waived and the

following process be adopted for the consideration of both Member

Petitions:

For Member Petition 2 

·       Councillor Esther Sutton would Speak for 1.5 minutes  

·       Lead Petitioner – Gill Slater would speak for 1.5 minutes 

·       The right of response from the administration would be reserved until after Petition 3 was heard. 

For Member Petition 3

·       Councillor Ria Patel would speak for 1 minute 

·       Maysoon Delahunty and Ferial Saadar would speak for 2 minutes.  

·       The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings and the Chair of the Pensions Committee, Councillor Callton Young, would then provide a joint response to both Member Petitions for up to 4 minutes. 

This was seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland, and Full Council agreed the outlined process for the consideration of Member Petitions 2 and 3.

Member Petition 1 - Harold Road Traffic:

Councillor Claire Bonham and a young resident, Arlo Mirza, presented a petition for a zebra crossing on Harold Road due to safety concerns.

Councillor Scott Roche, the Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, in response stated that the highways and traffic team would submit a bid for funding to investigate the feasibility of converting the existing raised table into a zebra crossing.

Member Petition 2 - Fossil Fuel Divestment

Councillor Esther Sutton and Gill Slater presented a petition calling for the divestment of the pension fund from fossil fuels.

Member Petition 3 - War Crimes Divestment:

Councillor Ria Patel and Ferial Saadar presented a petition calling for the divestment of the pension fund from companies supporting war crimes.

Councillor Callton Young,  the Chair of the Pensions Committee in responding to both petitions explained the legal and financial constraints of the pension fund, the challenges of exclusionary policies and the Council’s commitment to responsible and sustainable investment.

To note the Annual Report detailing progress made in delivering the Equality Strategy 2023-27.

Councillor Andy Stranack in moving the recommendations contained in the report, highlighted the progress made in the equality agenda over the past year.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland and for reasons set out in the report and appendix, Council Resolved:

To note the Annual Report detailing progress made in delivering the Equality Strategy 2023-27.

To approve and adopt the Statement of Licensing Principles 2025-2028.

Councillor Patsy Cummings, Chair of the Licensing Committee, moved the adoption of the three-year statement of principles under the Gambling Act 2005.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland and for reasons set out in the report and appendices, Council RESOLVED to:

2.1   Consider the recommendations of the Licensing Committee and outcome

        of the statutory consultation;

2.2    Note that there were no Scrutiny and Overview Committee

         recommendations made in respect of the Statement of Licensing

2.3    Consider the endorsement by Cabinet of the Statement of Principles

          and the Licensing Committee recommendations;

2.4     Approve and adopt the Statement of Licensing Principles 2025-2028,

          Appendix 1 to the report and authorise officers to undertake the   force.

          necessary notification and publication requirements to bring the

          Statement into force.

To approve the adoption of the amended Pay Policy Statement 2024-2025.

The Chair of the Appointments and Disciplinary Committee, Mayor Jason Perry, moved the recommendations in the report.

He explained that the amendment originated from the move of the responsibility to update the Council's Pay Policy Statement from General Purposes Committee to the Appointments and Disciplinary Committee. He said that the amendments followed a review of the market supplement policy, overseen by the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service under delegated authority.

Mayor Jason Perry urged councillors to critically assess and adopt the amended policy, which would be republished per Section 139 of the Localism Act 2011. He reiterated the Council’s legal obligation to present and publish the revised pay statement and concluded by thanking committee members for their contributions before formally putting the recommendations forward for adoption. Councillor Luke Shortland seconded the motion.

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, Full Council

RESOLVED:

To approve the adoption of the amended Pay Policy Statement 2024-2025 (as attached at appendix 1) and to proceed to republish it in accordance with the requirements of section 39 in the Localism Act 2011.

To consider the contents of the mid-year report on the treasury management activity for 2024-25.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings, in moving the recommendations in the report emphasised the need for flexibility in borrowing. He noted that economic uncertainties, including a general election, a new government budget, and rising homelessness, had made it essential for the Council to adopt a more adaptable financial approach.

He explained that the strategy had included proposals to raise both the operational boundary and the authorised borrowing limit to improve financial flexibility. He further stated that this measure would enable the Council to undertake necessary investments without requiring full Council approval for boundary adjustments. He reassured that the strategy had undergone thorough review by the Audit & Governance Committee, Scrutiny & Overview Committee and Cabinet. Councillor Luke Shortland seconded the motion.

For the reasons set out in the report, Full Council RESOLVED to:

a)    Consider the contents of the mid-year report on the treasury management activity for 2024/25.

b)    Consider the recommendations from the Executive Mayor and Cabinet relating to this report.

c)     Agree to increase the current Operational Boundary and Authorised Limit to £1,769.5m and £1,819.5m respectively to bring it in line with the projected Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) for capital expenditure and for the prudential management of the Council’s financial affairs

To endorse the Youth Justice Plan in line with statutory obligations detailed in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Maria Gatland, presented the Youth Justice Plan for adoption, emphasising its aim to prevent and reduce offending behaviour among children aged 10 to 18. She stated that the plan aligned with other key strategies, including the Youth Safety Plan and the Mayor’s Business Plan.

She highlighted the plan’s focus on addressing disproportionality and meeting the health needs of young people. She noted concerns about the overrepresentation of boys from Black and mixed backgrounds, children known to social care, and looked-after children. Additionally, she stressed the importance of incorporating the voice of the child and promoting restorative justice practices. This was seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland.

For the reasons set out in the report, Council RESOLVED:

To note the Annual Report detailing progress made in delivering the Equality Strategy 2023-27.

To agree the proposed changes to the Constitution.

Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, the Chair of the General Purposes Committee moved the proposed changes to the Constitution, including amendments to the Council Procedure Rules and the Budget and Policy Framework. The motion was seconded by Councillor Luke Shortland.  

           For the reasons set out in this report and appendices, Full Council 

           RESOLVED the following:

            Council Procedures Rules and Budget & Policy Framework

2.1.1     to Approve the amended version (as set-out in Appendix 1 and sub-appendices) of the Council Procedures Rules - Part 4A and Budget & Policy Framework - Part 4C of the Council’s Constitution.

Miscellaneous Changes to the Constitution (Scheme of Co-option, and Appointment of Chairs, Deputy Chairs & Vice Chairs of Committees)

2.1.2     to Approve the amended version (as set-out in Appendix 2 and sub-appendices) of Part 4E (Scrutiny and Overview Procedure Rules); Part 4F (Non-Executive Committee Procedure Rules) and Part 6D (Scheme of Co-option) of the Council’s Constitution.

Other

2.1.3     If 2.1.1 and / or 2.1.2 agreed, to Authorise the Monitoring Officer to update the Council’s Constitution accordingly including authority to make any very minor amendments for tidying up, drafting slips, or clarification purposes before publication.

To agree the Council Calendar 2025-26.

The Chair of the General Purposes Committee, Councillor Sean Fitzsimons, moved the recommendations for the adoption of the Council calendar for 2025-2026, with a correction to the October 2025 Full Council meeting date now scheduled to hold on 22 October 2025. Councillor Luke Shortland seconded the motion and for the reasons set out in the report Council RESOLVED to:

2.1    note the Full / Budget Council meetings for the municipal year

         2025-26 (as set-out in Appendices A and B).

 2.2   agree the meeting dates for all other committees for the municipal

         year 2025-26 (as set-out in Appendices A and B).

2.3    note the draft Cabinet meeting dates for the municipal year 2025-

          26 (as set-out in Appendices A and B).

To receive questions from Councillors.

Mayor Jason Perry used the first three minutes of this section to make announcements highlighting the following:

Solidarity Walk Against Domestic Abuse: The Mayor reported on the Council’s participation in a town-centre march marking the start of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment through the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Delivery Plan, which includes safety measures, staff training, community programs, and partnerships.

Town Centre Regeneration: Mayor Perry provided updates on regeneration efforts following discussions with key stakeholders, stressing that the redevelopment must align with community needs and aspirations.

Support for Residents: The Mayor outlined support schemes, including the Rent Partnership Fund, Household Support Fund, and food hubs, encouraging residents to utilise these resources.

Mayor Jason Perry and Cabinet Members provided the following responses to questions from Members:

Budget Preparations for Next Year

Mayor Jason Perry acknowledged financial pressures, particularly in housing, children's services, and transport for special educational needs. He noted that the final government settlement was expected on December 19, after which clearer budgetary decisions could be made. Until then, indicative figures were submitted to the government. While governance improvements had been made since 2020, financial uncertainties remained, and the council would work collectively to mitigate pressures.

Long-Term Measures for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

Mayor Perry outlined the VAWG Strategy, including staff training, expansion of the Community Ambassador Program, survivor inclusion through Experts by Experience, and continued funding for Family Justice Services. He said  the Council was committed to tracking quantifiable targets via the VAWG Delivery Group and collaborating with community organisations.

Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic

Mayor Perry clarified that the Council’s motion to recognise care experience as a protected characteristic was under consultation with young people in care. While discussions had occurred, a formal decision was pending. He assured that youth input remained central to policymaking.

Healthy School Streets Initiative

A planned Healthy School Street around Harris City Academy was cancelled due to flawed initial consultation. A second consultation was conducted, and based on feedback, the scheme was not pursued. Mayor Perry confirmed that future traffic and safety initiatives would involve full public consultation.

Accountability for Financial Mismanagement

Mayor Perry supported legal reforms for individual accountability in financial mismanagement and emphasised the need for government discussions to establish new measures balancing individual and collective responsibility.

Improvements in Children’s Services

Ofsted rated children's services as "Good" since 2020, recognising improvements such as prioritising care-experienced young people, the Young Ambassadors Program, co-chairing the Corporate Parenting Panel, and supporting youth goals. Mayor Perry reaffirmed the commitment to further enhancements.

Further Improvements in Children’s Services

Mayor Perry acknowledged progress since 2020 but emphasised the need for continued efforts. The Council was implementing an improvement plan, strengthening social work, and developing a sufficiency strategy to ensure adequate placement options for young people.

Budget Allocation and Community Safety

The majority of the budget was allocated to children's services and vulnerable community support. With £16-17 million per year allocated to debt servicing, financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 166/24

To agree any in-year changes to appointments.

Councillor Catherine Wilson, the Chief Whip of the Labour Group announced the following appointments:

Councillor Stuart King – Reserve Member, Planning Committee

Councillor Ellily Ponnuthurai – Chair of Scrutiny Homes Sub-Committee

Councillor Catherine Wilson – Chair of Ethics Committee.

The Chair moved, it was seconded, and Council RESOLVED to approve the changes to the Labour Group appointments.

To debate the following motions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rules:

Conservative Group Motion

This Council RESOLVES that:

Council notes the Labour Government’s first Budget, which increases the rate of Employer National Insurance and lowers the threshold at which it starts to apply. This will require Croydon Council, as well as external contractors, to pay more tax for each employee hired.

Council notes that the Government has said it will provide some support to the public sector for these costs, but the amount of support is not yet clear. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that this support will cover the costs borne by Croydon Council's external contractors - especially in Adult Social Care.

Council urges the Government to ensure that Councils across the country are compensated for the full cost of the rise in Employer National Insurance, especially given its potential impact on the Adult Social Care sector.

Labour Group Motion

This Council RESOLVES that:

This Council believes women and girls are not safe enough in Croydon.

This Council welcomes the leadership the new Government is bringing to this important issue and supports its target to reduce by half violence against women and girls within a decade. 

This Council welcomes the VAWG strategy and delivery plan as an important step but feels it should be strengthened in the following ways:

1. Include numerical targets to sit alongside statements of intent.

2. Adopt Labour’s target of halving violence against women and girls in a decade and incorporate it into the council’s plan.

3. Distribute a printed hard copy directory of VAWG services in the community.

4. Recruit and train 100 Domestic Abuse champions from the community to help prevent VAWG.

This council reaffirms its commitment to work with partners, including the Government, as part of a whole-system approach to safeguard victims and pursue perpetrators.

Conservative Group Motion

Councillor Yvette Hopley, The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, criticised the decision to increase employer National Insurance (NI) contributions, arguing that it would disproportionately impact the elderly and vulnerable. She highlighted the financial burden on Croydon’s care sector, where 168 registered providers and over 2,300 residents rely on council-arranged care. She warned that rising costs could lead to increased pressure on GPs, hospices, and the NHS and urged members to support the motion for full government compensation.

Councillor Callton Young, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, stated the government was addressing long-term economic challenges. He acknowledged the difficulty of raising NI contributions but emphasised the necessity of securing public service funding. He pointed to the £1.3 billion already allocated to local authorities, including £600 million for social care, and argued that further compensation could destabilise economic recovery.

Councillor Simon Fox, who seconded the motion, raised concerns over the increased financial strain on councils and the risk of service delays. He stressed the importance of sustainable social care funding and called for full government support.

Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King asserted that government support was already pledged, with further details expected soon. He emphasised additional government measures, such as new housing funds and financial flexibility for councils, which he believed would help mitigate financial pressures.

In closing, Councillor Hopley reiterated the need for full compensation to protect Croydon’s elderly and vulnerable residents. She warned that some care providers were already reducing staff due to cost pressures, which would further strain council resources.

RESOLVED

This Council RESOLVED that:

Council notes the Labour Government’s first Budget, which increases the rate of Employer National Insurance and lowers the threshold at which it starts to apply. This will require Croydon Council, as well as external contractors, to pay more tax for each employee hired.

Council notes that the Government has said it will provide some support to the public sector for these costs, but the amount of support is not yet clear. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that this support will cover the costs borne by Croydon Council's external contractors - especially in Adult Social Care.

Council urges the Government to ensure that Councils across the country are compensated for the full cost of the rise in Employer National Insurance, especially given its potential impact on the Adult Social Care sector.

Following the vote, Mayor Jason Perry confirmed that the Council would continue advocating for government funding through London Councils, the Local Government Association (LGA), and direct discussions with ministers.

Labour Group Motion

Councillor Enid Mollyneaux opened the debate by urging the Council to recognise the urgent need to improve safety for women and girls. She welcomed the new government's commitment to halving violence against women and girls within a decade and stressed the importance of setting clear, measurable targets within the Council’s strategy.

To improve support for victims, she proposed distributing printed directories of available services in key community locations to ensure access for those without digital  ...  view the full minutes text for item 168/24