My top priority as elected Mayor of Croydon is to fix the council’s finances, so that we can provide residents with good local services and value for money.

We have made enormous strides in tackling our challenges. However, I have been clear that, owing to the council’s extraordinary levels of historic debt, Croydon will not become financially sustainable without a new solution from government.

That is why I have sent an open letter to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. I look forward to meeting the Secretary of State at the earliest possible opportunity and working with our local MPs in the interest of the borough.

 Working together for better council homes

Our plans to rebuild and regenerate the Regina Road estate continue to move forward at pace, with consultation on the redevelopment now underway. We are working closely with Regina Road residents at every stage of the project, which is being funded with a £54m housing grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA) creating 380 high quality homes which includes a mixture of social and affordable homes – maintaining the current number of council homes for our residents. It was great to meet many locals at a Regina Road Fun Day last weekend and to hear their views on the future of their estate. There are opportunities to have your say – find out more.

Helping young people to fulfil their potential

Croydon is proud to be London’s youngest borough and I’m determined to make sure there are opportunities for all our young people to upskill and learn, so they can fulfil their potential. This week we launched a fantastic new initiative – the Croydon Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which will provide support to businesses and start-ups for people aged 18 to 35. Our partner, Enterprise Nation, will deliver a summer bootcamp and it was great to see lots of young entrepreneurs at the launch event and to hear their ideas. Find out how to get involved.

It was also great to welcome 40 young people from the Harris Invictus Academy Croydon for work experience at our council headquarters this week. I also visited Thomas More in Purley to thank them for their winning Christmas card design in my annual competition. Both groups of students asked me fantastic questions during our mini question times. I wish them every success in their future careers!

Just a reminder I will be in South Croydon on Tuesday (16 July) for the next Mayor’s Question Time. Come and quiz me on my priorities for Croydon and the council’s work. Register your place.

Finally, the England men’s team have really kept us on the edge of our seats with their last-minute victories in the Euros, and we will all be rooting for them in the finals against Spain on Sunday. Come on, England!

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon