Community safety remains a priority
Keeping our communities safe remains one of my top priorities, which is why I am exploring an innovative new pilot scheme that could see prolific shoplifters electronically tagged and excluded from areas such as Croydon town centre. It is encouraging that reported shop thefts have fallen by 4.9% over the past year, but we know there is still more work to do. I am determined to do everything possible to support our local businesses and make Croydon an even safer place to live, work and visit. As part of this work, I recently met with the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner who has successfully trialled this technology, and we are now exploring potential funding and enforcement options with partners and technology providers. Read more about our plans.
Standing up for fair funding
Things cost a lot more today than they did in 2011. Yet when Croydon Council helps a family who has become homeless, the Government still calculates much of its contribution using housing costs from 15 years ago. The Council has to make up the difference, creating a funding gap of around £45m every year. That is money we cannot spend cleaning streets, fixing roads, tackling antisocial behaviour or supporting vulnerable residents before they reach crisis point.
We are working hard to prevent homelessness and reduce our reliance on expensive temporary accommodation, but no amount of careful financial management can fix an outdated national funding system. Councils across the country face the same problem, so this week I called on the Government to bring its funding into the present day and give local taxpayers a fairer deal.
Another milestone for the East Croydon bridge
Last month, we announced the Council had reached a funding agreement with Network Rail, paving the way for the opening of the pedestrian through route at the East Croydon Station bridge. This week, residents living close to the site received a letter from Network Rail confirming the appointment of contractor B&M McHugh Limited. They will take possession of the site from 19 August 2026. Initial activity will focus on surveys, investigations and site set-up ahead of construction works commencing.
This marks another important milestone in delivering this project, which will improve connectivity across the town centre, make it easier for people to move around the area and support the continued regeneration of East Croydon. The new route will provide a significant boost for residents, businesses and visitors alike and we will continue to share updates as the work progresses.
Congratulations to our A-level, T-level and Level 3 students
This week marked an important milestone for thousands of young people who received their A-level, T-level and Level 3 results on Thursday. Early indications show students across the borough have maintained last year’s strong performance, with encouraging numbers achieving the highest A* to A grades. Croydon’s BTEC cohort continues to outperform national averages, maintaining an overall average grade of Distinction compared with a national average of Merit. Our staff joined students at The BRIT School and Norbury High School for Girls as they were opening their results, both schools achieved an excellent set of results.
Congratulations to everyone receiving their results. Whether you are heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, entering the world of work or considering your next steps, this is an exciting moment and one you should be proud of. I wish you every success for the future. If you’re still deciding what comes next, there is plenty of advice and support available to help you make the right choice. Find out more here.
Merky FC HQ Community Day
I had a fantastic time at the Merky FC HQ Community Day last weekend, sponsored by the Croydon Business Association. It was wonderful to see so many local young people and families coming together, enjoying the activities and celebrating community spirit.
I was also pleased to attend alongside our outgoing Chief Executive, Elaine Jackson, whose final day in the role is today. Elaine joined the Council as Assistant Chief Executive in 2020 and stepped into the position of Interim Chief Executive in October 2025, helping to lead the organisation through a significant period of change, including the local and Mayoral elections.
I am incredibly grateful for Elaine’s dedication and leadership during her time with Croydon. Her contributions include overseeing the achievement of a positive Care Quality Commission rating, supporting continued improvements in housing services and ensuring the successful delivery of a safe and well-run election. She has made a lasting contribution to our borough and will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Elaine for all she has done and wish her every success in the future.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
