We are making good progress in fixing our council finances and have set out new proposals for our 2024/25 budget, to help keep us heading in the right direction. I want to encourage all Croydon residents to have their say on our budget proposals for 2024/25, that will see us spend around £400m, whilst making essential savings of £31m. We need to continue to save money as a council whilst still being able to provide efficient services. I am dedicated to listening to our residents and businesses and to hearing your thoughts and views on these proposals. The consultation is open for six weeks and closes on 19 December. Have your say.
I am delighted that a new creative digital lab opened off Purley Way this week. Working with Start Up Croydon and South London Partnership we secured £500,000 of investment to help support local businesses and enable residents to upskill, with the support of local education providers. The lab has a digital production suite, post-production video and audio editing facilities, recording studio for podcasts and a training suite. When I was elected, I promised to help make Croydon a place of opportunity for business. This new facility will help start-ups develop the skills needed in a fast-changing digital landscape, whilst supporting Croydon’s role as one of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones.
I am holding my fourth Mayor’s Question Time event, this time in Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood, aiming to give locals the chance to quiz me on my priorities and the council’s work. During my election campaign I committed to hosting ‘roadshows’ where local residents could ask questions and hear from me directly. I want to be a visible and accountable Mayor for the people of Croydon and hearing your views on the matters that concern you is very important to me. The event is at Phoenix Community Centre on Wednesday 29 November at 6.30pm. Register here for a ticket.
Lastly, I hope that all Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across Croydon enjoyed a happy Festival of Lights as part of their Diwali celebrations last weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
