Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the draft minutes of Cabinet, Wednesday, 24 April 2024.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 24 April 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

Members and co-opted Members of the Council are reminded that, in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct and the statutory provisions of the Localism Act, they are required to consider in advance of each meeting whether they have a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI), an 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 should 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 to disclose any DPIs and ORIs 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 meeting unless granted a dispensation.

-      Where the matter relates to 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 their financial interest or wellbeing, or that of a relative or close associate, they must disclose the interest at the meeting, may not take part in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not stay in the meeting unless granted a dispensation. Where a matter affects the NRI of a Member or co-opted Member, section 9 of Appendix B of the Code of Conduct sets out the test which must be applied by the Member to decide whether disclosure is required.

The Chair will invite Members to make their disclosure orally at the commencement of Agenda item 3, to 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 none.

2.1               The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

1.     Receive the recommendations arising from the meeting of the Scrutiny & Overview Committee held on 26 March 2024 (Appendix 1).

2.     To provide a substantive response to these recommendations (a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report) at the Cabinet meeting on 24 July 2024.

The Executive Mayor introduced both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Scrutiny reports – Recommendations and Responses to Recommendations. Both reports were taken together.

The Chair of Scrutiny and Overview Committee, Councillor Rowenna Davis, shared with Cabinet that:

-       The Scrutiny and Overview Committee (the Committee) recommended as part of the work on community safety that all Councillors of every party and position engage with their Safer Neighbourhood Teams which is particularly important in terms of community intelligence.

-       The Committee noted that efficiency and accountably could be improved if feedback on proposed recommendations and whether they were already in progress could be received and clarified early in the process.

-        In regard to the council’s relationship with the voluntary sector, the Committee (and Executive Mayor) felt that more could and should be done to help. Every voluntary organisation spoken to as part of the round table listening event raised concerns about their relationship with the council in terms of communication and culture. Whilst also facing huge funding challenges the voluntary sector tries to communicate respectfully and work together with the council but it was felt that the council were not reciprocal. 

-       The Committee acknowledged the concerns and noted that the council was at the beginning of the journey to reset the relationship with promising plans to support local groups to be able to bid for council contracts, including extra training and support. Although it is too early to judge the success of these ideas the intention and direction of travel was welcomed.

-       The Committee proposed a few extra recommendations to help strengthen and improve the relationship with the voluntary sector.

2.1               The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

1.     Receive the recommendations arising from the meeting of the Scrutiny & Overview Committee held on 26 March 2024 (Appendix 1).

2.     To provide a substantive response to these recommendations (a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report) at the Cabinet meeting on 24 July 2024.

1.1.         The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

1.   Approve the responses and action plans attached to this report

as Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 4; and

2.   Delegate authority to the officers identified in Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 4 to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, or relevant Sub-Committee, within the periods specified in the agreed responses and action plans, and on progress made in implementing any action plan.

1.1.         The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

1.   Approve the responses and action plans attached to this report

as Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 4; and

2.   Delegate authority to the officers identified in Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 4 to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, or relevant Sub-Committee, within the periods specified in the agreed responses and action plans, and on progress made in implementing any action plan.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

2.1      Note the Mayors Business Plan performance report (Appendix A and B) with latest data available on 28 February 2024 (unless otherwise stated) regarding overall council and partnership performance, and actions being taken to improve outputs. 

2.2      Note that it is necessary to review measures within outcomes one, four and five of the Mayor’s Business Plan to reflect changes to statutory reporting and the requirements of independent boards, as detailed in points 7.3 and 7.4 of this report.

2.2      Note the enhanced escalation process for areas where performance requires improvement, as detailed in section 8 of this report.

The Executive Mayor introduced the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-2026 Performance Report which looks at the journey of improvement for Croydon. Cabinet Members were invited to address the KPIs in their area.   

The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Lynne Hale shared with Cabinet that housing continued to be a very challenging area in terms of delivery with data being central to many of the problems faced,  the unreliability of it and the absence of any data at all. Accurate homelessness and temporary accommodation data will be submitted to the government at the end of May, for the first time following a two year pause due to the unreliability of the data.

A significant period of change has taken place, there has been a phased transition to a new IT system, the NEC system resulting in the build up of accurate and reliable information including data on households in temporary settings and the realisation that repairs demand is considerably higher than anticipated. As a result, there will be a review of the KPIs for 2024-2025 which will provide more realistic targets based on sound data and will be conducted in consultation with the Executive Mayor, the Housing Improvement Board and IAP. Any proposed changes to measures/targets will be presented to Cabinet for review and sign off.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Maria Gatland was pleased to note that targets were being met. Cabinet noted the improvement in the M20 indicator which historically had shown as  red, now there is much more connection with schools and colleges, extra case workers who are funded externally, and social media all of which resonated with young people. The Education, Health and Care plans also improved and demand continues.

Councillor Gatland highlighted the M37 child protection plan remained red as it takes time to deliver change, and is also impacted by families moving in and out of the borough. An active plan is in place for improvement in conjunction with Islington, the sector led improvement partners. There is a lot of work going on to enhance the lives of young people in the borough, and for further reassurance a meeting will take place with the Child protection Chairs soon.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Yvette Hopley informed Cabinet that the indicators remain the same as when last presented. Cabinet noted that the red indicators were those were a number of clients that have been in the system for a long time. However, there is much work in progress currently, especially with Partners and over the next six months a significant change to the figures will be seen in the reports.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, Councillor Andy Stranack updated Cabinet on the latest collated data for Croydon’s year as the London Borough of Culture and was pleased to note that the targets set out at the start of the programme by the funders had already been exceeded. The innovative approach to partnership working with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 160/24

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

2.1      Make the following Experimental Orders (as listed in Annex 2) permanent:

i) THE CROYDON (TRAFFIC MOVEMENT) (NO.22) Experimental ORDER 2023- Brighton Rd cycle scheme changes to bus lane restrictions (Order Ref 2023/40)

ii) The Croydon (Prohibition and Restriction of Stopping, Loading and Waiting) and (Free Parking Places) (No.4) Experimental Order 2023 – Brighton Rd cycle scheme changes to waiting & loading restrictions (Order ref 2023/41)

 iii) The Croydon (On-Street Charged-For Parking Places) (No.4) Experimental Order 2023 – Brighton Rd cycle scheme changes to parking bays (Order Ref 2023/42)

2.2      For the reasons set out at paragraph 3.3 agree to the removal of all light segregation (wands and defenders) along the cycle lanes given the issues identified from the technical review as detailed more fully at Appendix 1 annex 2.

2.3      Note that officers will separately be undertaking a review of parking places in roads adjoining Brighton Road and junctions which adjoin the Brighton Road to assess whether additional measures might be required to ease congestion and traffic progression in those roads and through those junctions, following on from concerns raised in relation to the impact of the operation of the various Experimental Orders (listed at 2.1) on adjoining roads and junctions. The review will include making adjustments to existing parking places and introducing new ones, additionally specific junctions have been identified   for inclusion in the review. (See Appendix A annex 4 for more details)

2.4   Note that if it is necessary, following this review in 2.3, to seek additional traffic management measures, these will be addressed either under existing delegated authority of the Corporate Director Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery or brought forward for further consideration by the Executive Mayor or Executive Mayor in Cabinet as appropriate.

The Executive Mayor introduced the Brighton Road Cyle scheme which has been reviewed and a number of changes proposed. The technical review highlighted several benefits to the scheme however concerns were also highlighted in the schemes current form which will need to be altered to make it more accessible and safer.

Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Scott Roache informed Cabinet

that the consultation identified problems with light segregation (the wands and defenders) and that it has been recommended to remove them. The recommendations represent a balanced approach to ensure the Brighton Road functions as a key corridor and high street,

.

The Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, Nick Hibberd further outlined some of the key aspects of the report, namely the light segregation. Officers feel that these issues should be dealt with promptly. Dialogue has been ongoing with TFL. The proposal is for the whole of the experimental cycle lane to be made permanent and the light segregation to be replaced with road markings. Cabinet noted that an additional road safety audit was commissioned which did not raise any road safety concerns in relation to the proposals.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King requested that the decision was deferred. Councillor King questioned that refusing to take the time that is still available to properly engage with TfL unnecessarily increased the risk of the clawback of money. Furthermore, is the decision maker aware that the financial risk could be greater as when Tower Hamlets rode back on its active travel measure, TfL suspended its LIP funding. The right course of action would be to defer the decision, engage properly with TfL, who will fund improvements and work with them, the emergency service and other stakeholders to improve the cycle lanes rather than undermine them.

The Executive Mayor, Jason Perry responded that there is detailed safety evidence and knowledge around this scheme which show that there are safety concerns, and that the proposals will improve safety. The decision has not been rushed, there are ongoing discussions with TfL and the report is open about the risks. The decision is based on data and based on making it a safe scheme for all road users.

The Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, Nick Hibberd added that in terms of the timeline, following any decision made a further regulatory process will need to be followed. If the experimental order expires the cycle lane would need to be removed in its entirety whereas the object is to make the cycle lane permanent. The Corporate Directorfor Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery also highlighted the difference between local authorities and London boroughs who have removed infrastructure in its entirety where there is a greater risk of clawback than in this proposal which is to make the scheme permanent. Lastly, if there were potential for additional funding to invest in a different kind of cycle lane for London Road, that would require a whole new design and approval  ...  view the full minutes text for item 161/24

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved:

2.1           to note the findings of the ASCH Peer Challenge contained in Appendix 1, and summarised in 4.7 of this report;

2.2           to support next steps and the journey of continuous improvement the Directorate is undertaking, as set out in section 4.9 – 4.10 of the report and our Assurance Improvement Plan at Appendix 2;

2.3           to support publication of the Peer Challenge Report and our associated Assurance Improvement Plan.

The Executive Mayor introduced theAdult Social Care & Health Peer Challenge – Findings & Next Steps which outlined the findings from the Adult Social Care & Health (ASCH) Peer Challenge provided by the LGA to provide feedback on services, and highlighted  a number of areas of good practice and key areas of improvement.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Yvette Hopley, shared her thanks to everyone who took part in the review. Much was learnt. A plan has been implemented and will be delivered.

The Corporate Director for Adult Social Care & Health, Annette McPartland, echoed the thanks of Councillor Yvette Hopley. Cabinet noted that it had been an open and honest discussion with ongoing challenges and improvements to be implemented. The Peer challenge has been beneficial to Croydon in preparation for CPC.

The Executive Mayor also offered his thanks to everyone who took part.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Janet Campbell added her thanks and was glad that staff were adhering to the Care Act. Councillor Campbell asked how the challenges were being addressed especially with the strain on staff, the delays caused by vacancies and the targets not being met. What measures are being implemented to support officers?

The Corporate Director for Adult Social Care & Health, Annette McPartland responded that she was in agreement with the comments made but stated that nothing is perfect. The team are analysing how things can be improved, so that Croydon can be the best.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved:

2.1           to note the findings of the ASCH Peer Challenge contained in Appendix 1, and summarised in 4.7 of this report;

2.2           to support next steps and the journey of continuous improvement the Directorate is undertaking, as set out in section 4.9 – 4.10 of the report and our Assurance Improvement Plan at Appendix 2;

2.3           to support publication of the Peer Challenge Report and our associated Assurance Improvement Plan.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

2.1       Approve the commencement of a statutory consultation on the draft Air Quality Delivery Plan 2024-2029 attached at Appendix 1 to this report, for a period of 8 weeks.

2.2       Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Streets & Environment, to consider the outcome of the statutory consultation on the draft Air Quality Delivery Plan, approve such amendments to the draft Plan as are necessary and approve the final Croydon Air Quality Delivery Plan 2024-2029 for adoption. 

The Executive Mayor introduced the Air Quality Delivery Plan 2024-2029

Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Scott Roache, provided Cabinet with the reasons for a statutory consultation and the actions proposed to reduce pollution, raise awareness and change people’s behaviours.to ensure that Croydon is a clean and safe place to live.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, Councillor Christopher Herman asked the Executive Mayor if he was fully behind the incentives for greener forms of transport.

The Executive Mayor responded “yes”.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

2.1       Approve the commencement of a statutory consultation on the draft Air Quality Delivery Plan 2024-2029 attached at Appendix 1 to this report, for a period of 8 weeks.

2.2       Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Streets & Environment, to consider the outcome of the statutory consultation on the draft Air Quality Delivery Plan, approve such amendments to the draft Plan as are necessary and approve the final Croydon Air Quality Delivery Plan 2024-2029 for adoption. 

The following motion is to be moved and seconded where it is proposed to exclude the press and public from the remainder of a meeting:

“That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within those paragraphs indicated in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.”

The following motion was moved by Councillor XXX and seconded by Councillor XXX to exclude the press and public:

“That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within those paragraphs indicated in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.”

The motion was put and it was agreed by the Committee to exclude the press and public for the remainder of the meeting.