This week, we shared our medium term-financial strategy which provides an update on the Council’s finances and reinforces my pledge to put residents first and make every penny count.
We are on track to achieve an extra £27m savings this year, taking our total savings in 2025/26 to £48m. We have done this in a responsible and sustainable way, without slashing services or hiking up taxes but through modernising and digitising our services and focusing on prevention.
But Croydon remains one of the most financially challenged Councils, and we must keep up our drive to make savings and become more cost effective and efficient.
Meanwhile I am working with our Commissioners and the Government to discuss a package of support for the Council’s historic debt. I am determined to repair the damage I inherited, and I promise to keep you updated on our progress. Read the strategy in full.
Wellesley Road crossing
It was brilliant to visit Wellesley Road to see how the works are progressing on the new pedestrian crossing. This is part of our £40m investment to improve the look and feel of the town centre. I watched as the old underpass was filled with concrete, an impressive piece of engineering. The work should be finished soon, making crossing our town centre from East Croydon to North End so much easier. Watch this video to get an idea of all the work going on.
You may have also seen improvement works have started in George Street, which will be followed by Dingwall Road. Meanwhile, residents are invited to a public exhibition at Croydon Minster next week, to see the new designs for Minster Green. These are among 10 projects we are delivering now in our town centre – to create a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant town centre. Find out more.
Supporting Croydon’s young people
I was delighted to join the awards ceremony for young people in care who completed the Inspiring Minds programme, delivered by Majestic Community Services and supported by the Croydon Youth Consortium’s Innovation Fund and Reedham Children’s Trust. This programme offers looked-after young people the chance to build confidence and gain insight into the world of work. Congratulations to everyone who took part – your hard work and determination are inspiring.
I also joined the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership and Reaching Higher for a day focused on listening to children and young people, something which is central to building a safer, stronger Croydon. We have done a lot of work in this area from appointing Young Scrutineers, empowering care-experienced Ambassadors, launching the Croydon Cares app to expanding peer mentoring. Family Hubs and outreach work are also improving early help and safeguarding.
Visit to the Asian Resource Centre
I was once again delighted to attend the Asian Resource Centre of Croydon AGM. ARCC is a hugely valued organisation in our borough, providing practical support, guidance and community connection for residents from all backgrounds. They will soon be re-opening Broad Green Library as a new community base, where they will be creating a welcoming space for learning, wellbeing and cultural activity. I look forward to seeing this new chapter take shape and to continuing our work together to support Croydon’s communities.
16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence
Next week is the start of the global 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December. Gender-based violence has no place in Croydon and through the work of our Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Delivery Plan we stand together with our partners to protect and empower victims, challenge perpetrators and create a safer borough for all.
We will be marking the 16 Days with our annual walk through the town centre, showing solidarity with survivors. We will also be holding our first ever VAWG Conference, at Croydon College on 27 November. Our Town Hall will also be lit orange, the official colour of the movement. Find out more.
I look forward to being a part of these very important events and I am confident our borough will come together to show support for the cause.
I wish you all a happy weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
