To receive questions from Councillors.
Minutes:
In response to questions, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Lynne Hale, assisted by Cabinet Members, stated the following:
Library Closures and Resident Consultation:
· The importance of consulting residents while managing financial constraints, noting priorities such as safety, housing, and financial stability.
· The library transformation consultation had been extensive, spanning 15-18 months and involving over 40 public events to ensure residents' feedback was incorporated.
Budget Management and Overspend:
· There were outlined strategies to ensure a balanced budget, including departmental reviews and recovery plans for areas like homelessness and SEN transport, with a focus on sustainable financial planning and avoiding the use of general fund reserves.
· Ongoing controls and early savings from transformation programs were confirmed and the importance of the autumn financial statement for clarity stressed
· Commitment to transparency was affirmed, the "open book" approach and the publication of a financial strategy were noted and sector-wide pressures acknowledged.
Minority Opposition Group Representation:
· That representation rights followed the Council's constitution and further discussions with the Monitoring Officer was suggested as the Green Group was overrepresented compared to its Council seat allocation.
Affordable Housing and Planning Issues:
· Planning requirement failures were cited as reason for the refusal of a community-led planning application, but progress had been made in acquiring housing, such as Red Clover Gardens.
· The Deputy Executive Mayor offered to meet with the Community Land Trust for possible solutions to advance the planning application.
Financial Overspend and Mayor’s Commitments:
· There were ongoing recovery efforts in key areas and the commitment to financial stability was emphasised
· There were improved forecasts regarding overspends although challenges remained.
Winter Fuel Allowance Impact:
· It was confirmed that 43,000 pensioners in Croydon could lose their winter fuel payments, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and which could lead to added strain on Council support systems and reconsideration was urged at the national level.
Mental Health Initiatives and Support:
· Initiatives stemming from a mental health summit, including collaborations with health groups and the BME Forum were outlined. The Council’s commitment to mental health support was reaffirmed. Efforts would be made to renew engagement with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) volunteers to utilise their skills effectively.
Impact of VAT on Private School Fees:
· Concerns were expressed over the proposed VAT on private school fees, highlighting inadequate planning and potential strain on local schools and education systems. It was agreed that impact assessment and consultation were needed before formalising the policy.
Homelessness and Nightwatch Collaboration:
· The valuable work of the Nightwatch Charity was acknowledged and it was confirmed that there were no plans for legal action against them. The Council was committed to working closely with the charity and other partners in addressing homelessness and rough sleeping.
CCTV in Croydon:
· Improvements to Croydon’s CCTV system, include the introduction of a more responsive, digital system and the planned deployment of rapid cameras in key hotspots.
· There was strong support for expanding the Safe Haven program initiated by youth in New Addington, and commitment to supporting youth-led safety initiatives.
Transformation Programme Funding:
· The pace of the transformation programme, and its flexible allocation across financial years ensure efficiency and Croydon’s transformation efforts were being recognised for progress at London Councils.
· A whole-Council approach to managing surging service demands and ensuring that savings initiatives were brought forward was emphasised.
Council Tax Single Occupancy Discount:
· Concerns were expressed about the potential removal of the single occupancy council tax discount and the unfair impact it could have on pensioners. Clarity was needed from the government on the matter.
· Discretionary support for those in extreme hardship would continue despite the governments ‘s decision
Littering and Fly-Tipping in Selhurst Ward:
· Issues of littering and fly-tipping in Selhurst Ward were acknowledged and assurances given that concerns would be reviewed and addressed.
· Following up on earlier meetings, Councillor Scott Roche would take further action on the issues raised by Selhurst residents.
Violence Against Women and Girls Plan:
· The Deputy Mayor reflected on the emotional tribute to Ellie Anne, a victim of knife crime, and outlined the continued commitment to Croydon’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan. The plan emphasised prioritising victims' voices, with ongoing efforts to enhance safety and prevent further tragedies.
· Councillor Kolade added that early intervention and educational outreach on healthy relationships were key components of the plan, with further progress still needed.
Waste Management Contract:
· Although only one bid was received at the final stage, the process started with four bidders and involved competitive dialogue. The contract management team would oversee continuous improvements to ensure value for money.
· The option of an in-house bid had been considered but ultimately rejected by the Cabinet.