This week we announced the proposals for our 2024/25 budget, which sets out how we will build on the work being done to resolve the council’s finances, while providing essential services to residents. We are making progress, but the council is still facing real challenges. Unfortunately, that means making some difficult decisions to secure Croydon’s future – but I remain committed to fixing the problems I inherited and to getting the council’s finances back on track for the sake of Croydon’s residents.
Croydon’s Improvement and Assurance Panel (IAP) has set out its plan for leaving Croydon in July 2025, or sooner, confident that we are on a pathway of continuous improvement. Unlike many councils which have issued Section 114 Notices, the government has not instructed commissioners, nor removed any decision-making powers in Croydon. This demonstrates the government’s confidence that we are making the changes needed to get the council back on track. Find out more.
Community safety patrol
I joined the police, local charities and community organisations for a coordinated patrol of the town centre last week. This was arranged to provide reassurance following recent tragic events. It was really good to see firsthand how the police and partners are listening to our young people, answering their questions and signposting them to lots of different kinds of support available in our borough.
Marathon March
It was great to get walking with family and colleagues for the Marathon March on Saturday, which took in 26.2 miles around the borough and beyond, finishing with a lap of Selhurst Park stadium. The charity event raised funds for the Palace for Life Foundation, which will help to provide more support and opportunities for our borough’s young people. More than £100,000 has been raised so far – well done to everyone who took part!
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
Despite the wind and rain, the Ukrainian community came out in force as we proudly raised the Ukrainian flag outside the Town Hall, showing continued support as we welcomed the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine to Croydon as part of the London Borough of Culture programme. The performance by the symphony orchestra was truly fantastic. Over the past 18 months we have greeted over 600 people from Ukraine into the borough and we are committed to supporting our Ukrainian friends in their struggles and ongoing fight for freedom.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
