To debate the following motions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.
Conservative Group Motion
This council RESOLVES that:
‘Council does not support the Labour Government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Payment ‘
Labour Group Motion
This council RESOLVES that:
‘This Council celebrates both the role libraries play in the wonder of reading and their wider role as a home to community groups, a refuge from loneliness and a safe, warm place to study - particularly for the many residents who can’t find these things in their own home.
This Council notes that 66% of residents to the Council’s own consultation oppose the planned closures and the Council itself has stated that the changes are not intended or projected to save money.
This Council understands that residents are justifiably angry at these changes being forced upon them while community groups have little faith in the Mayor’s vague ‘mitigation plans’.
This Council notes the Mayor promised in his manifesto that he would “listen to Croydon” but is now ignoring the voices of both residents and community groups.
This Council does not support the closure of four of the borough’s libraries.
Full Council resolves that the Mayor should suspend his decision to close the libraries at Broad Green, Shirley, Sanderstead and Bradmore Green in order to find a way to retain these libraries as part of a revamped library service.’
Minutes:
Before the commencement of this item, Councillor Ria Patel raised a Point of Order, she invoked paragraph 117 of Part 4A of the Constitution, requesting equal time for all groups to speak on two motions under debate. She cited paragraph 3.61 of Part 4A of the Council Procedure Rules, emphasising the importance of representing residents in a public meeting and criticised restrictions on minority group participation.
The Civic Mayor clarified that, according to the Constitution, only majority groups (Labour and Conservative) were entitled to speak on these motions.
The Monitoring Officer confirmed the constitutional provision allowing only majority groups to debate motions and stated that previous advice had been provided to councillors on this issue, including discussions in the Constitutional Working Group and advised that the meeting proceed in accordance with the current rules.
The Civic Mayor upheld the Monitoring Officer's advice, and the meeting continued under the prescribed procedure.
Conservative Group Motion
Councillor Luke Shortland proposed the motion opposing the Government's planned cut to the winter fuel allowance. The motion highlighted the impact on pensioners earning as little as £13,000 annually, with an estimated 40,000 pensioners in Croydon would be affected.
Councillor Luke Shortland criticised the Government for targeting vulnerable pensioners with the unexpected cuts and urged all councillors to support the motion and demonstrate solidarity with pensioners.
Councillor Janet Campbell attributed the need for difficult financial decisions to the UK’s economic state and advocated for the Government’s broader strategy of energy efficiency and renewable investments to tackle rising bills.
Councillor Yvette Hopley emphasised the devastating impact on vulnerable pensioners, including increased health risks and pressure on local services and condemned Labour MPs for voting in favour of the cut despite evidence of severe consequences.
Councillor Stuart King, the Leader of the Opposition, defended the Government’s decision as part of broader efforts to manage inherited economic challenges.
Councillor Luke Shortland in closing reiterated that the motion focused solely on whether to support the cut, calling for councillors to prioritise Croydon Residents.
The motion was put to the vote and was carried.
RESOLVED that:
“Council does not support the Labour Government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Payment”
In response to the Debate and decision,the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lynne Hale, expressed gratitude to those supporting the motion, emphasising the strong opposition to the Government's decision and confirmed that the Council would write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to urge reconsideration of the cuts.
Labour Group Motion
Councillor Nina Degrads introduced the motion, emphasising the pivotal role libraries play in supporting all segments of the community. She highlighted the adverse impacts of proposed closures, particularly on vulnerable groups, and questioned their justification given the lack of financial savings. She called for the rejection of library closures, citing libraries as safe spaces, study environments, and hubs for essential community support.
Councillor Andy Stranack opposing the motion, outlined plans to transform the library service, presenting it as a solution to address underperformance. He argued that:
· Current services reach less than 10% of residents.
· Proposed changes would include increased opening hours, outreach programs, and an accessible library bus service.
He criticised the motion for lacking alternative solutions and urged members to oppose it to support modernised and expanded library access.
Councillor Stuart Collins, who seconded the motion spoke in support of the motion, focusing on the importance of Broad Green Library as a community asset. He highlighted its role in hosting programs, preserving cultural heritage, and combating crime, emphasising its value to a disadvantaged area with limited resources.
Councillor Tony Pearson dismissed the motion as political deflection, highlighting the mismanagement of the library service in the past. He endorsed the transformation plans, praising them for increasing accessibility and better serving residents.
Councillor Nina Degrads, in exercising her right of last reply, reiterated that the closures would harm vital community lifelines. She cited public opposition to the plans and urged the Council to suspend closures and explore alternatives to retain the libraries.
The motion was put to the vote and was carried.
RESOLVED that:
This Council celebrates both the role libraries play in the wonder of reading and their wider role as a home to community groups, a refuge from loneliness and a safe, warm place to study - particularly for the many residents who can’t find these things in their own home.
This Council notes that 66% of residents to the Council’s own consultation oppose the planned closures and the Council itself has stated that the changes are not intended or projected to save money.
This Council understands that residents are justifiably angry at these changes being forced upon them while community groups have little faith in the Mayor’s vague ‘mitigation plans’.
This Council notes the Mayor promised in his manifesto that he would “listen to Croydon” but is now ignoring the voices of both residents and community groups.
This Council does not support the closure of four of the borough’s libraries.
Full Council resolves that the Mayor should suspend his decision to close the libraries at Broad Green, Shirley, Sanderstead and Bradmore Green in order to find a way to retain these libraries as part of a revamped library service.’
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lynne Hale expressed disappointment with the debate, emphasising the Council’s commitment to modernising library services. She outlined key improvements, including extended opening hours, increased activities, and no budget cuts arguing that the proposals addressed systemic issues and stated that pausing the plans would not offer new solutions.