The mayor outlined
arrangements for the questions put to Council, reminded colleagues
that 30 minutes would be allocated for this item. Members noted
questions received in advance of the meeting:
- When will Croydon get
their money back (£260million) for Brick-by-Brick?
- Cllr Ali responded saying that a decision will be made at the
Cabinet meeting next week. Recommendations to continue the
unfinished work will be made in order to
retain the value in relation to the public’s
investment.
- Parking bays within
Purley are taken up by building contractors – what will
Croydon do to manage and properly enforce on-street parking
rules?
- Cllr Hamid responded and referred to support by the Council via
grant systems. Cllr Muhammad Ali said that illegal parking can be
reported immediately, and the service has been to undertake
additional patrols to address the concern.
- Has a venue been
sourced for the count for the referendum?
- Cllr Hamida Ali referred to an item later in the report which
will discuss the referendum, dealing with the logistics and
implementation. The decision of the venue has not yet been
made.
- What are the
council’s guaranteed plans towards gaining public trust after
mishandling of funds?
- Cllr Ali said that she hoped that progress made by the
administration in trying to address the issues and the cultural
change will give residents confidence that this is a priority.
Progress is in hand but more needs to be done.
- There were concerns
about unsatisfactory SEND support to a school in Croydon
and in particular, regarding the
appointment of a non-qualified teacher as Head with no teaching
experience. Are the Council concerned that parents feel that they
are unable to raise their concerns and what will the Council do
about this?
- Cllr Fleming acknowledged that the Council are aware of this and
assured colleagues that all schools are monitored in regard to safeguarding. This is a temporary
measure to cover sick leave. Provision of SEND pupils follows a
process which is followed.
- Planning permission has
been granted for new homes – what provision is being made for
extra provision for healthcare, transport and other infrastructure
requirements and services once these are built?
- Cllr Rees responded and agreed to write to the questionee with
links and further information on the infrastructure delivery
plan.
- Can clarification be
given on Planning Department staff shortages and delays and the
reasons behind these?
- Cllr Rees outlined the corporate drive to reduce agency staff
which has led to a reduction of staff, and he referred to
challenges around recruitment and retainment. A recruitment drive
is currently taking place across all grades – however, this
will take time. He asked colleagues to note that demand for
planning permission have also increased with an increase to people
working from home.
- What is happening
around investment in libraries and increase to opening hours?
- Cllr Rees outlined the consultation underway to make opening
times more flexible with late opening at least one day a
week.
- The impact on the
environment is often ignored – why does Croydon encourage the
building of new sites on green areas?
- Cllr Rees referred to the need for new homes and said that all
applications are determined according to planning frameworks and
policies. However, changes are being made to try and hear the
voices of residents and the Council does endeavour to respect land
and find a balance between the appropriate level of
development.
- How many homes in
Croydon do not have access to food waste collection services?
- Cllr Ali confirmed that 4500 properties do not have access, and
these are all flats above shop properties, and it is hoped that
this will be resolved. Members noted mandatory requirements for
collection of food waste.
At this point, a motion
was moved by Cllr Fitzpatrick for an extension to the meeting of 20
minutes to ensure proper consideration of Council Business. This
was seconded by Cllr Jade Appleton and agreed by Council
members.
Leader of the Council,
Cllr Hamida Ali informed colleagues of recent meetings with
clinical staff and work with the NHS on the vaccination
rollout.
Members were invited
to raise any questions. They raised concerns about the
administration and leadership of the council in the past.
Discussion continued around current issues and the challenges
faced, together with proposals in place in
order to secure and deliver a better future for the
borough.
Members heard about
work being done to ensure delivery of the best services possible
for the council’s residents as a priority for the council,
including capital investment in libraries within the borough.
Revenue challenges were discussed, and Cllr Lewis outlined options
for delivery. Residents were reminded of current consultations and
encouraged to participate.
Colleagues went on to
discuss implications around disuse of hybrid meetings and the lost
retention of opportunities for members who were unable to attend
meetings in person, to exercise their proper role. Discussion also
took place with regards to loss of communal spaces and constructive
collaboration with residents to find ways forward to replace these.
Concerns were also raised regarding the management of
Brick-by-Brick and the Leader reminded colleagues that this would
be further discussed at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Members heard about
upcoming summer programmes for children across the borough, the
Legacy Youth Zone and the results of the
recent Ofsted inspection.
Colleagues commended
the work of NHS workers and noted arrangements for the new Health
and Wellbeing Space.
Further questions were
raised with regards to the increase in cost to the Council for
refurbishment of Fairfield Hall and other issues around capital
delivery. Cllr Lewis reminded colleagues of the importance in
investment as an integral part of the council landscape and
contribution to the Borough of Culture in 2023.
Cllr Fleming was asked
for an update on retrieval of costs around unaccompanied
asylum-seeking young people. Members received a summary of the sums
involved and conversations between senior officers and the
Home Office Minister to ensure that the
council is receiving the right level of recompense. They were
assured that this will remain at the forefront of discussion and
updates will be provided regularly, particularly around the funding
gap for the care-leaving population.
In discussion, members
raised further concerns as follow:
- They felt that items
that should have gone to Committee had not.
- Issues around audio
and visual difficulties in accessibility of this
meeting.
- Regular examination
of public health and integrated care plans need to be in
place.