There was an important milestone in the regeneration of the Regina Road estate this week with the results of a ballot showing residents overwhelmingly in favour of the homes being demolished and rebuilt. I’d like to thank Regina Road residents for getting involved and having their say on the future of their estate. This is a key milestone for all our residents in our drive to raise standards in all our council homes, putting residents at the heart of decisions about housing services.
I was also pleased to hear the progress that has been made in tackling damp and mould, with our special taskforce set up to carry out inspections, take a proactive approach to preventing issues, and respond more swiftly to reports in both council homes and the private-rented sector.
All council tenants and leaseholders should expect to have warm, safe and dry homes that they are proud to live in, and I am committed to delivering this pledge as part of the transformation of Croydon’s housing service.
At Cabinet this week, we agreed a new £6m Household Support Fund, from government funding, that we will be distributing across the borough to help thousands more vulnerable households to cope with the cost of food and energy bills. Since 2021, we have helped more than 88,449 people with essential costs, such as food, water bills, electric and gas meter top-ups. Our services will be reaching those most in need, such as providing meal vouchers to school children during the holidays. Applications are now open to a wide range of households needing urgent support – so please get in contact if you need help.
We’ve reached the end of Foster Care Fortnight where we have heard first hand from young people about their experience of being in care and from foster carers about the experience of fostering a child.
Also, this week, Croydon’s #DementiaActionWeek offered an action-packed programme, topped off by a lively performance from the Singing for the Brain group in Purley Way, who helped to raise awareness about the serious issues around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
There were events across the borough this week as part of Croydon’s London Borough of Culture. This includes the return of Commons Festival at Stanley Arts as well as Talawa Theatre hosting an upcoming play called Recognition, which will celebrate Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, starting from the 1st of June.
Finally, I’d like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Bank Holiday weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
