It was fantastic that our town centre came alive last weekend for Croydon Harvest, featuring the historic Walnut Fair. From live music and dancing to circus performances, farm animals, crafts and family activities, there was so much going on across the town centre.  

Events like this bring people together, celebrate Croydon’s unique heritage and show what our town centre has to offer. Thank you to everyone who came along and to all those who worked hard to make the weekend such a success. 

Our budget for 2027/28 

This week we published our draft budget proposals for 2027/28. We have made progress in getting the Council’s finances back under control, but there is still more work to do and difficult decisions ahead.  

Our focus is on protecting essential services, improving efficiency and doing things differently, including putting more emphasis on prevention and providing support earlier. We are also proposing to keep the Council Tax increase within the normal government limit, rather than asking residents to pay more than this at a time when household finances remain under pressure. The budget proposes a 2.99% increase in council tax, alongside the 2% adult social care precept that government expects all councils to apply, making a total increase of 4.99%.  

These are draft proposals, not final decisions. Following Cabinet, we will be asking residents, businesses and community groups for their views, with public engagement opening on 19 October. I encourage you to have your say. Find out more.  

Four more improved playgrounds – coming soon! 

I have said many times how important good playgrounds are for our young people, which is why we are investing in them and have committed to improving four every year for the next four years. Next up are Rickman Hill Recreation Ground, Courtwood Playground, Milne Park Playground and Mayfield Road Playground, and we want to hear what you think about our plans. Come along to one of our consultation sessions, meet our Parks team and have your say. Find out more about the consultation sessions. 

Thames Water 

I recently met with senior representatives from Thames Water and raised a number of issues that have impacted our borough over recent months.  

During the summer, we saw incidents such as the burst pipe in Norbury Hill, or flooding caused by leaks in Beulah Hill, Croham Road in South Croydon and Teevan Road in Addiscombe. 

At a time of drought and hosepipe bans, seeing water leaking for days and in some cases resulting in substantial flooding caused understandable concern and frustration for local residents.  

I pressed Thames Water on their plans for the borough, both in terms of prompt reactive repairs to leaks as they are reported, as well as wider work and investment in the infrastructure. I know how disruptive water supply issues can be, and I will continue making sure residents’ concerns are heard and that they receive the reliable service Croydon deserves. 

The meeting also provided the opportunity to raise directly with Thames Water the long running and ongoing issue at Norwood Junction. The sewage leak, caused by broken pipework in the area, needs to be resolved. The Council is regularly in touch with both Network Rail and Thames Water and pressing for action as residents have waited long enough for it to be resolved. 

Thank you to our kinship carers 

Finally, this week is Kinship Care Week, and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Croydon’s kinship carers. More than 400 kinship carers across our borough are looking after children and young people within their family networks, providing the love, stability and support they need.  

Taking on this responsibility can be life-changing and challenging, and the contribution our kinship carers make often goes unseen. This week is an important opportunity to recognise everything they do. On behalf of Croydon, thank you for the incredible difference you make to our children and young people every day. 

I wish you all a great weekend. 

Jason Perry 

Executive Mayor of Croydon