The government announced yesterday that it is ‘minded to’ appoint commissioners at Croydon, owing to the Council’s financial situation caused by its historic debt and increasing service demand. My top priority has always been to fix the Council’s finances for our residents. We have done everything possible to achieve this at a local level whilst protecting vital services. Despite all the improvements, it appears the government wants to centralise control into the hands of commissioners.

Croydon has made savings of £167m over the last four years and will make £50m more savings this year. We have generated over £230m in capital receipts, including £130m of asset sales and have plans to sell a further £68m assets this year. We have been managing our finances robustly and have embarked on a two-year transformation plan to significantly reduce the cost of delivering our services.

I do not agree with the government’s proposals and the Council will be making representations on their statement. I will be making it very clear – on behalf our residents, businesses and partners – that I am not willing to support any cuts that would decimate local services, nor am I prepared to break my promise to residents of no more council tax rises above the government cap. Find out more.

Wellesley Road crossing update

Works are due to start on creating a new street-level pedestrian crossing in Wellesley Road, to reconnect East Croydon with the town centre. The new crossing will replace the former underpass, which was permanently closed last year after fire damage caused by antisocial behaviour, and will now be permanently closed.  We are working closely with our partners at TfL to finalise the technical aspects and work is expected to start in July, with the crossing ready to use before Christmas. The scheme is one of five improvement projects in motion to support my new town centre vision – to attract new visitors, residents, businesses and investors to Croydon. Find out more. 

Remembering Grenfell

Saturday 14 June is the eighth anniversary of Grenfell. We will be lighting up Croydon Town Hall green this weekend to remember the 72 people who perished, their families, and everyone who was affected the tragedy.

Council work experience

Croydon is one of the youngest London boroughs and I always enjoy meeting our young people and listening to their views. I was pleased to welcome pupils from Oasis Shirley Park this week who did a great job whilst on work experience placements throughout our Council offices.

New Addington Carnival

It was great to see so many of our residents at New Addington Carnival last weekend, enjoying the entertainment, food and petting zoo. St John Ambulance were also on hand to support and give demonstrations in first aid to visitors. Thank you to all the organisers for putting on a great community event.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon