This item is for Council to receive a statement from the Executive Mayor reflecting on the previous year and outlining his priorities for the year ahead.
The Leader of the largest group of which the Executive Mayor is not a Member will be invited to respond.
Minutes:
Mayor Jason Perry presented his annual statement to Council and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. He highlighted efforts to address the Council's financial challenges and provide strong governance, resulting in positive recognition from the government. Mayor Perry emphasised the transformational steps taken, including amendments to the scheme of delegation to enhance Council operations. He outlined achievements in housing, economic partnerships, and community engagement, underscoring ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and improve services.
He stated that one of the major achievements was that, despite financial challenges, the debt had been kept stable and Croydon had even operated under budget for the past financial year due to careful spending plans. He also listed the following as a few of the achievements over the last year:
· The introduction of Blitz Clean-up Campaigns both in Norbury and Thornton Heath.
· New playgrounds across the borough apart the playground investment with four to five new ones every year.
· Reintroduction of the Public Space Protection Order in Thornton Heath.
· The Launch of a Young Entrepreneurs Academy,
· Commissioning the resident survey and publication of the results.
· Actively supporting the development of family hubs. The development of a three-year plan to tackle violence against women and guards. Several grants to outreach youth programmes.
· The launch of the Corporate Parenting Strategy and the Joint Protocol with Housing to support Croydon’s care experienced young people.
· The publication of the Dementia Strategy and Action Plan
· The introduction of the Housing Strategy and development of the suite of strategies that sit below it.
· A planning application received for a new leisure centre on the Purley Pool site and the regeneration of the surrounding area.
· Partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and Greenwich Leisure to revive 32 courts across 14 parks and four new all-weather cricket pitches in partnership with English Cricket.
Mayor Perry further stated that the Deputy Mayor for Business in London, Howard Dawber, had highlighted during a recent visit that Croydon was a top investment priority due to its substantial potential. Additionally, he reported that the establishment of an Economic Growth Charter with London Gatwick, which had contributed £265 million to Croydon's economy in 2023 and created over 3,600 local jobs. He expressed his anticipation of more agreements like this in the future.
He said that according to the latest report from the Improvement and Assurance Panel, the Chairman noted significant advancements across various domains, such as financial management, governance, and the enhancement of council housing. This progress was achieved amidst challenges like increasing costs and the growing demand for services, particularly in supporting vulnerable children and adults. The panel specifically praised the dedication to addressing financial issues and highlighted resolute decision-making in achieving these goals. Furthermore, the report acknowledged that strategic appointments to the Council's senior leadership team had positively influenced the organization's culture.
Mayor Perry reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, promising continued dedication to Croydon's residents and future development.
The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King, responding to the Mayor’s Annual Statement acknowledged the progress made so far while also highlighting ongoing challenges. He acknowledged the resolution and determination shown by all parts of the authority in attempting to fix the council's finances, highlighting the efforts of the political and managerial leadership as well as the role played by all members, including colleagues on scrutiny.
Councillor King emphasised the need for the Council to support residents effectively, especially during the cost of living crisis, and he said a vision was needed to address the basics such as cleanliness and service accessibility.
Councillor King welcomed the publication of the Council's Transformation Strategy because he believed that transforming the way the Council delivered services was one of the key ingredients necessary to ensure the Croydon’s return to a place of independent financial stabilitybut stressed the need for a clear vision for Croydon's future beyond basic services.
Councillor King noted that while the leadership had a vision for Croydon Council, a well-articulated vision for Croydon as a place was needed. He expressed a desire for the mayoral system to flourish and succeed, emphasising that its success was tied to the town's success. However, argued that the vision for the borough must go beyond merely delivering basic services. He closed by calling on the Executive Mayor to leverage his considerate personal mandate to create and deliver a comprehensive vision for Croydon involving key stakeholders.