This week marked the 100-day milestone of my new four-year term and what a packed few months it has been. Our focus is on the issues that matter most to residents – cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, better roads and a stronger local economy.

We have introduced new and improved schemes as part of our Business Plan 2026-30 – from a Pothole Patrol making journeys safer, to more investment in our parks and outdoor gyms. We’ve been working with partners to drive forward the regeneration of the town centre and create new jobs, whilst the new Croydon Means Business programme is supporting local businesses and start-ups to thrive.

We are cleaning up our neighbourhoods and making it easier for our residents to dispose of bulky waste. This week I launched community collection days, new mobile recycling centres and confirmed more districts that will benefit from our focused blitz cleans – all part of our commitment to restoring pride in our borough.

There’s still a huge amount to do, but we’re building momentum and showing that Croydon is moving in the right direction. Find out more about what’s being delivered.

Putting residents at the heart of decision making

It was great to see so many residents at the first of my new quarterly meetings with Croydon’s Residents’ Associations on Tuesday. I’ve set these up as part of our commitment to listen to residents more and put their priorities at the heart of local decision making. Other up-coming opportunities will be at the new Motorists’ Forum, Friends of Parks meeting and the Faith Leaders’ meeting.

I am also speaking up for Croydon residents with central government, raising issues that affect our borough and pushing for the support we need to succeed. This week, I wrote to First Secretary of State Louise Haigh and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner about devolution, which aims to move power from Westminster to local areas. We welcome this change, but it will make little difference to Croydon communities if funding and decision-making stop at City Hall.

I am calling for more powers and funding for Croydon, so we have the resources and flexibility to deliver services effectively. Decisions should be made as close as possible to the people they affect – our residents.

GCSE results day

Congratulations to all the young people who collected their GCSE and BTEC results yesterday. Initial results show most of the borough’s secondary schools are reporting an improvement on last year’s grades. If you didn’t get what you were expecting, don’t worry – there is support available. See the Croydon Council website for more information. Read the story.

Celebrating Croydon’s communities

It has been a wonderful week of celebrating the many different communities, cultures and traditions of Croydon, which make our borough a vibrant and unique place to live.

Hundreds of people come together with friends, families and allies for Croydon Pride on Saturday. The Council was pleased to support Saturday’s event – huge thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, performers and everyone who made it a success.

On Saturday, I joined Croydon’s Hindu community for the Ratha Yatra celebrations in North End. ISKCON’s temple has been part of South Norwood for 38 years and this joyful festival has brought faith, music and colour to Croydon town centre for 16 years.

Over the course of the weekend, we also marked the anniversaries of independence for both India and Pakistan, with the raising of their national flags outside the Town Hall. Both communities have made a vital contribution to Croydon and it was wonderful to see so many at the Town Hall for both flag raising events.

It was also great to end the week at the Tamworth Estate for their annual summer party – we have a fantastic residents’ association who go above and beyond not only representing residents but also hosting events such as the summer party. My thanks go to all those involved with organising, and once again making the event such a success.

Have a great weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon