To debate any motions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.
Minutes:
The Executive Mayor read out the first Council Debate Motion:
“This Council would like to praise its staff for the way they have worked and supported our residents through the Covid pandemic and Croydon Council's financial difficulties. It has been an unprecedented time of disruption and change. Whilst accepting that the process is ongoing and that there are more changes and difficult decisions to come it is right to pause and thank those who in many cases have borne the brunt of the effects of the decisions and failures of others.
To all Croydon Council's staff. Thank you.”
Councillor Hale seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.
Councillor Campbell stated that many officers within the Council were residents of the borough, some of whom faced many issues such as increase in National Insurance contributions, the energy crisis or the reduction in Police services and resulting rise in crime. Councillor Campbell asked whether Members were aware of how many officers were accessing food banks and topping up salaries using universal credit. Councillor Campbell informed Members that a ‘thank you’ did not address the issues that officers faced and advocated for anonymous surveys on how the administration was doing in terms of leadership to improve outcomes.
Councillor Ben-Hassel stated that under the previous Head of Paid Service restructures within the Council could have been handled better and she hoped that the new executive team would handle restructures more efficiently. Councillor Ben-Hassel informed Members that as the Chair of the Scrutiny Streets, Environment & Homes Sub-Committee she looked forward to the work force strategy update in September, where she would be able to assess the impact of the pressures placed upon officers. Councillor Ben-Hassel concluded by stating that there was an issue with recruitment and the number of vacant posts which had caused many officers to work under unnecessary pressure.
Councillor Hale exercised her right to speak and acknowledged that the Council’s workforce had the terrible financial and leadership issues to contend whilst supporting residents through the Covid pandemic. Councillor Hale accepted that there were numerous issues within the Council which left staff working through backlogs, having to make critical decisions with untrustworthy data and many departments had had several interim appointments at senior and Corporate Director level. Councillor Hale stated that the administration would seek to fix the Council’s finances and that the Cabinet paper, ‘Opening the Books’, which set out plans to deep-dive into the Council finances, would be key to finding a solution to the Council’s financial situation.
Councillor Hale seconded the motion.
This was put to a vote and carried unanimously.
The second debate motion was introduced by Cllr King.
“This council is alarmed at the deepening Cost of Living crisis facing residents and businesses in our Borough.
This council notes that Croydon's voluntary sector, which works directly with Croydon families in or at the edges of poverty, are reporting desperate increases in demand from residents struggling to meet their rents, pay for fuel and feed their families. They predict a terrifying winter if action isn’t taken now before further increases - particularly on energy bills - begin to bite. Many of our residents are suffering real hardship and are looking to the council and Mayor to take action to support them. The Mayor has the power and authority to provide tangible and real help.
This council also acknowledges the pressure the national Cost of Living crisis will place on the council's budget, both directly and indirectly, as demand for services grows and budgets are eroded by rampant inflation. This pressure will also be felt by the borough's voluntary and community sector.
This council calls upon the Mayor to develop and publish a comprehensive strategy and package of measures to support Croydon residents and businesses impacted by the national Cost of Living crisis, and to publish it no later than 31st October 2022.“
Councillor Young seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.
Councillor Jason Cummings stated that the current cost of living crises affected people at all levels, and that they had to re-evaluate their personal budgets. Councillor Cummings explained that the recent financial situation at the Council made it difficult to manage the rising cost of utilities and that the Council website had a section dedicated to help with the cost of living. Councillor Jason Cummings concluded by stating that he supported most of the motion that had been proposed and seconded it as the Mayor had the power and authority to make a difference; however, he said that no report would be forthcoming.
Councillor Stranack stated that he agreed with most of the motion. Councillor Stranack explained that the war in Ukraine had put a massive strain on the Council’s resources and highlighted Voluntary and Business Sector partners were delivering help to residents. Councillor Stranack stated that his work with voluntary sector groups had allowed the opening of many holiday camps for those receiving free school meals and that the business sector had provided cheap school meals over the summer holidays.
Councillor Young exercised his right to speak and stated that inflation in the UK had hit a 40 year high at 9% and this was forecast to rise as high as 12% later in the year. Councillor Young expressed concern that the most vulnerable residents in the borough would be badly affected if appropriate action was not taken in a timely manner. Councillor Young concluded by stating that the Executive Mayor had failed to process the energy rebate for residents who needed it most and that a strategic approach was required ahead of October.
Councillor Young seconded the motion.
This was put to a vote and carried unanimously.