The Mayor, supported by the Cabinet, will respond to questions from Councillors (80 minutes).
Minutes:
In the Executive Mayors announcements, the Mayor welcomed and congratulated Councillor Denton on her appointment as the Ward Councillor for South Croydon following the recent by-election. The Executive Mayor then informed Council that Croydon had two fires in the recent heatwave resulting in the loss of wildlife; however, there was no loss of life or property and he thanked the emergency services for their efforts.
Councillor King asked the Executive Mayor whether he would accept the recommendation in the Opposition motion to develop and publish a comprehensive strategy to support Croydon’s residents and businesses impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the cost-of-living crisis had affected many countries across Europe and the Western world. The Executive Mayor informed Council that the council was currently in a poor financial position; however, it would do everything to support its residents during this difficult time. The Executive Mayor stated that he had written to the Secretary of State about the cost-of-living crisis. The Executive Mayor felt it was important for the council to use the £3 million hardship fund to help those in need, the £1 million of hardship fund for those that fell outside of statutory demands as well as other measures of government funding.
Councillor King asked a supplementary question, which queried whether the Mayor’s failure to provide a straight answer was evidence that the he was unable to listen to the residents of the borough. Councillor King also stated that the Mayor was not listening to Croydon on matters such as the livelihood of residents throughout the borough.
In response the Executive Mayor stated that the previous Administration had failed to listen to financial advice which led to the poor financial situation that the Council was currently faced with.
Councillor Benson asked the Executive Mayor what the new administration had done to help the council to tackle the grass-cutting situation across the borough.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that he knew that grass cutting was a problem across the borough but particularly in the New Addington ward. The Executive Mayor went on to explain that this was a result of poor financial management by the previous administration. The Executive Mayor informed Council that he was pleased that seasonal staff had been put in place and he stated that every area of grass would be cut and the Council would go back to a regular cutting cycle.
Councillor Benson asked a supplementary question and queried how the Council could manage the frustration throughout the borough regarding the frequency of the grass cutting considering the backlog without putting pressure on already limited services.
The Executive Mayor stated that the Council would put extra measures in place to manage the grass cutting. The Executive Mayor went on to explain that weather would have an impact on any proposed schedule for grass cutting and so he preferred a rough guide to a strict timetable. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Roche to address Councillor Benson, who stated that it was one of his priorities to ensure that the schedule was more transparent.
Councillor Sutton asked the Executive Mayor when he would identify the priority neighbourhoods for climate adaptation and when he would unveil his plan of action to the Council.
In his response, the Executive Mayor stated that the council would need assess adaptations when they considered the local plan and dealt with contract renewals. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that he had signed up to the climate pledge.
Councillor Bonham asked the Executive Mayor whether he intended to provide a proper commitment to clean parks throughout the borough.
In response, the Executive Mayor acknowledged that grass cutting was an issue in the parks across the borough and informed the Council that there had been conversations with local Friends groups about how parks would be run and managed moving forward. The Executive Mayor also stated that he would like to continue to have green flag parks in the borough. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Roche to speak, who stated that he had met an external group (London Bloom) which had offered assistance with funding for local groups to manage the parks in the borough.
Councillor Campbell asked the Executive Mayor how he would ensure that vulnerable residents would have their health needs met.
In response, the Executive Mayor acknowledged that the cost-of-living crisis would affect the most vulnerable residents in the borough more than any other group. The Executive Mayor stated that the council would look to the government to see what support they could provide to address the energy crisis. The Executive Mayor went on to explain that the Council would need to get control of its finances as this would enable them to help those who needed assistance through the cost-of-living crisis. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Cummings to speak, who stated that on the Council’s website there was a ‘help with the cost-of-living page’ which provided information on a range of subjects.
Councillor Campbell asked a supplementary question and queried how the Executive Mayor would utilise the information about the most vulnerable residents in the borough.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that they would use this information to acquire more funding for the borough and that he would be working with Croydon University Trust to secure funding.
Councillor Lee asked the Executive Mayor how residents could claim their energy rebate.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the government had set a strict criterion for the £150 rebate to be issued to residents. The Executive Mayor acknowledged that this process was frustrating as those in need found it difficult to receive the rebate. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that many residents had failed security checks which had made the process longer; however, 80% of residents had received their rebates.
Councillor Young asked the Executive Mayor why he was withholding funds allocated for the day and activity program from vulnerable residents during the cost-of-living crisis.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated the Council had received the holiday funding from the government and that this had been used to support groups over the summer and the only funds that had been withdrawn had been to pay officers to run the scheme. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Stranack to speak, who stated that the money that had been allocated was for the easter, summer and Christmas holidays. Councillor Stranack then informed the Council that the reason that some of the funds had been held back was because money had been allocated for the Christmas break. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Cummings to speak, who stated that the financial situation at the council meant that they did not have the resources to address every issue immediately.
Councillor Young asked a supplementary question and queried whether spin was in contradiction to the 7 Nolan principles.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the council had withheld the holiday funds and that they had allocated funds for the Christmas holidays. He stated that there was also additional money available.
Councillor Fox asked the Executive Mayor what he would do about the graffiti in Waddon ward.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that he knew that a huge amount of effort had gone into cleaning graffiti in the ward. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that it was still trying to clean the streets and graffiti to restore hope and pride to residents across the borough. The Executive Mayor explained that the graffiti removal service had been removed by the previous Administration and that he was working with contractors to secure a deal to reintroduce it. The Executive Mayor stated that the Council’s ‘Love Streets’ app would allow residents to report graffiti.
Councillor Fox asked a supplementary question about what proactive measures had been put in place to address anti-social behaviour.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that he was working to clean the streets and to introduce public space protection orders to deal with antisocial behaviour on all levels across the borough.
Councillor Reshekaron asked the Executive Mayor how he planned to provide financial support for the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
In his response, the Executive Mayor stated that temporary accommodation and housing was a huge problem within the borough. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that he was working on using government grants to improve the homelessness situation. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Hale to speak, who stated that plans had been shared with the Scrutiny Streets, Environment & Homes Sub-Committee and that she wanted to place the residents at risk in temporary accommodation at the right time which would require the Council to help vulnerable residents at the first opportunity.
Councillor Reshekaron asked a supplementary question and queried how the Executive Mayor planned to help residents in social housing who had accrued rent arrears due to the cost-of-living crisis.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated whilst the Council had funds and initiatives in place, they would be seeking more help from the government to help residents across the borough.
Councillor Ramsey asked the Executive Mayor about his views on the Planning department and what immediate action the current administration had taken.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the current Planning regime was in place to suit developers rather than residents. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that he would seek to implement better design guides and change the local plan.
Councillor Ramsey asked a supplementary question and queried how the revocation of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD2) would impact the Planning department’s role and their approach in determining the viability of planning applications.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD2) would not be part of the guidance used moving forward and that the inappropriate design guide led to issues across the borough and the local plan would help to prevent out-of-character developments.
Councillor Graham asked the Executive Mayor whether he believed that reopening Purely Pool during the cost-of-living crisis was a good use of public funds.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that he had written to the Secretary of State about energy costs, and he was chasing the government for assistance in dealing with the costs that the Council would be taking on. The Executive Mayor concluded by proclaiming that the reopening of Purley Pool was a key election pledge and that it would be re-opened by the Administration.
Councillor Shortland asked the Executive Mayor how he would regenerate the town centre.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that he had had conversations with Westfield, Hammersen and the Whitgift foundation and that they were committed to delivering a rejuvenated town centre. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that Westfield had brought forward their plan for the former Allders building which would bring much more pedestrian traffic.
Councillor Shortland asked a supplementary question and queried whether the backtracking on the previous plans for Westfield by the former Administration had made an impact on the number of jobs and new homes available for the younger residents within the borough.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that there would be small pockets of regeneration in Croydon which would lead to more investment in future and help to rebuild the town centre.
Councillor Degrads asked the Executive Mayor whether he had a plan to support struggling families immediately and over the next six weeks as schools were closed for the summer holiday.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the Council was supporting families through government funding and holiday clubs would be running throughout the summer period. The hardship fund would be used to support families that were on the Free School Meals scheme.
Councillor Degrads asked a supplementary question about what advice the Executive Mayor could provide to struggling families and how they could be encouraged to develop skills to improve their futures.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that there were several funds including the holiday fund which were being advertised. The Executive Mayor also informed the Council that there were additional funds for those who fell just outside of the system who may be suffering and he suggested that Members direct those struggling to the various grants and funds detailed on the Council’s website.
Councillor Denton asked the Executive Mayor about the progress in completing and selling the houses and flats constructed by Brick by Brick.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that there were two major sites that were nearly completed. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that there were around 21-23 other sites which had some issues around planning obligations and that many of these obligations had now been dealt with so several sites would be up for sale soon.
Councillor Denton asked a supplementary question and queried whether the Executive Mayor thought that the removal of SPD2 would help to preserve the character of South Croydon ward, and whether he would restore areas of special character which were removed by the previous Administration.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the removal of SPD2 would help to prevent overdevelopment and that the review of the local plan would strengthen character across the borough.
Councillor Srinivasan asked the Executive Mayor about the action he would take to support vulnerable households which were at risk of falling into poverty.
In response, the Executive Mayor acknowledged that the cost-of-living crisis would affect a number of people within the borough and that there were measures in place including a number of government funds immediately available. He also mentioned that there was a section on the council’s webpage which provided information for residents about the funds that were available.
Councillor Srinivasan asked a supplementary question which queried the conversations the Executive Mayor had had with government officials to raise concerns about the disproportionate impact of food poverty on vulnerable households.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that he had written to the government about this issue, and that he would look to manage the Council’s finances properly to ensure that they were in a better position to deal with these crises when they occurred.
Councillor Pearson asked the Executive Mayor about the scope to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in other areas of the borough, particularly in New Addington.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that Public Space Protection Orders were an important tool to use in dealing with antisocial behaviour. The Executive Mayor informed the Council that he had taken steps to introduce the town centre Public Space Protection Order, and that this would go out to consultation shortly. The Executive Mayor concluded, saying that he would look to restore Public Space Protection Orders in New Addington, Thornton Heath and Norbury to help police officers to deal with antisocial behaviour.
Councillor Pearson asked a supplementary question about the other initiatives that would be introduced to make the borough safer and more pleasant to live and work within.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that cleaning the streets, removing graffiti, and dealing with low level antisocial behaviour were the first steps in improving the borough and that Public Space Protection Orders were the next step to empower the police.
Councillor Foster asked the Executive Mayor to confirm that the Council planned to be digitally inclusive moving forward.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the Council would want to ensure that they were digitally inclusive particularly for those with limited access to the internet. The Executive Mayor suggested that having better access to libraries and providing more open services to residents would help the Council to be more digitally inclusive.
Councillor Foster asked a supplementary question about how the Council could ensure that it stood alongside third sector groups so that it could continue its work across the borough.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the Council was in the process of rebuilding its relationship with the third sector and creating a new environment to work out how to deliver for residents moving forwards. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Stranack to speak, who stated that he had recently visited Selsdon Baptist church and through the King’s Fund they provided community hubs. They were also providing health advice and information about housing and other issues.
Councillor Redfern asked the Executive Mayor what Croydon Council was doing to address child sexual exploitation in the borough.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that the Council had mechanisms in place to recognise this issue and respond effectively to prevent child exploitation from taking place. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Gatland to speak, who stated that the governance of their safeguarding was down to the Safeguarding Children’s partnership.
Councillor Redfern asked a supplementary question and queried whether the Executive Mayor could categorically state that the opinions expressed about the victims being the ‘wrong sort of girls’ were not tolerated in Croydon’s Children’s Services.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that those opinions were not tolerated by him, and that the Council would not support that position. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Gatland to speak, who highlighted that there were children who were missing from care and how vulnerable they may have been. Councillor Gatland stated that it was important that everybody looked out for indicators around returning home interviews.
Councillor Bonello asked the Executive Mayor why he thought that the Children’s Services department was underspent.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that there was an underspend as there had not been a need to grow the budget further; however, he would be keen to investigate whether the Council was covering all its bases. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Gatland to speak, who stated that the underspend was down to the reduction of children in care and the number of vacancies in the department.
Councillor Bonello asked a supplementary question and queried whether the Executive Mayor would commit to not reducing the department’s budget further.
In his response, the Executive Mayor stated that the Council would like to maintain its good Ofsted rating in Children’s Services. The Executive Mayor explained that he would not commit to not changing the budgets due to the serious financial situation at the Council; however, he was willing to re-evaluate the way in which the department worked. The Executive Mayor invited Councillor Cummings to speak, who stated that the underspend within the department happened under the previous Administration and that there would be reasons detailed for any future budget changes.
Councillor Brew asked the Executive Mayor whether he would provide him with a progress report on the re-opening of Purely Pool.
In response, the Executive Mayor explained that Purley Pool should have re-opened after the pandemic and that there had been grants available that had not been used and the pool remained closed. The Executive Mayor stated that the Administration would look at the most sustainable way to re-open Purley Pool.
Councillor O’Dame asked the Executive Mayor what measures would be implemented to ensure appropriate conditions for residents who were not eligible for Croydon Council’s discretionary support.
In response, the Executive Mayor explained that the discretionary fund was available for families who were not due to receive benefits. The Executive Mayor stated that the Administration would need to focus on initiatives which helped to upskill residents for them to move out of low paid jobs.
Councillor O’Dame asked a supplementary question which queried what immediate support the Executive Mayor would provide to residents who fell outside of the target range to receive support from the hardship fund and benefits.
In response, the Executive Mayor stated that there were government grants that the Council would be using to support residents most in need.
The chair asked for the remainder of the Councillor to submit their questions in written form to receive responses electronically due to time constraints.