As we begin the New Year, I am looking forward to continuing the hard work required to ensure that Croydon Council continues to make progress in fixing its finances and becoming sustainable for the future. We have already made considerable achievements in tackling historic issues and I remain determined that we will continue to remain focussed on the task ahead, so that we may restore pride in our borough.
In 2024 we must continue to fix the finances by delivering a balanced budget and continuing negotiations with the government to resolve Croydon’s historical debt burden of £1.6billion.
Furthermore, we need to continue transforming the council’s housing service, which will include the redevelopment of Regina Road; delivering on my promise for a new pool for Purley; tackling the ‘broken windows’ and restoring pride to our borough; creating a new, exciting vision for a regenerated Croydon town centre and reforming planning policy to ensure we protect the character of our communities.
Storm Henk
This week Storm Henk caused considerable damage and disruption across London, including areas in Croydon. I would like to thank the emergency services and our council staff who responded swiftly to the clean-up of the storm, particularly council staff and contractors who worked through the night to clear a fallen tree on the railway line at Kenley. Please stay safe and continue to report any fallen trees via our Love Clean Streets app or on the council website.
Health and wellbeing support
January is a time when many of us want to make improvements to our health and wellbeing but you don’t have to do it alone, as there is a wealth of advice and support available. Visit Live Well Croydon for help with drinking less alcohol, losing weight and how to go about stopping smoking, and support for mental health and wellbeing can be found on our council website.
With the cold and flu season upon us I would also encourage residents to keep well by booking in, as I did at Selsdon Library (pictured), for the annual flu jab and Covid-19 booster, which are available at most chemists. Check for eligibility online for the flu jab and Covid-19. Find out more about vaccination drop-ins and bookings in Croydon here.
Question time
My next Question Time is being held in New Addington on Tuesday January 30 at 6.30pm at New Addington Community Centre, 88 Central Parade, CR0 OJB. These events across the borough give local residents an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to them. They are about delivering on my promise to listen to the people of Croydon and work with them to make Croydon a place where people are proud to live, work and visit. Register your place.
Happy New Year
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor
