I was deeply saddened by the incident at a synagogue in Manchester yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and with the Jewish community at this very difficult time.

We are working closely with Croydon Police and other partners to ensure that Croydon’s communities feel safe. I have reached out to faith leaders in the borough to offer my support, and the Council and Police are in contact with Croydon synagogues and members of the Jewish community to give our reassurances.

We are proud of Croydon’s strong communities. Let us continue to stand together against hate and violence in all its forms.

Adult Social Care rated ‘good’

Today we welcomed the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) assessment of our Adult Social Care and Health services as ‘good’ – recognising the high-quality care and support we are providing to our residents. This is a proud moment for Croydon – and we have achieved this despite being among the most financially challenged councils in the country and experiencing high demand for services. We will continue to build on this success by listening to, and working with, our residents, carers and partners, making sure services keep getting better.

Pride in Place brings £21.5m to boost local pride and community spaces

It is excellent news that Croydon has been awarded £21.5 million through the Government’s new Pride in Place Programme, which aims to revitalise high streets, enhance public spaces, and foster stronger community pride. Of this, £1.5 million will be delivered over two years via the Pride in Place Impact Fund. New Addington North has also been selected as one of only two neighbourhoods in London to benefit from the long-term strand of the programme, receiving up to £20 million over the next decade to support regeneration. The initiative will be led by a Neighbourhood Board made up of residents, Councillors, MPs, businesses, and community organisations, who will work together to shape a 10-year vision for the area. This will help to build on the investments that I have already been making in New Addington and we await further details on how the scheme will be governed. Find out more.

£1.4m to invest in communities

We are delighted that Croydon received the highest government grant in London from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), totalling £1,433,340. This money will be used to make improvements in our district centres, help residents to develop skills and businesses, and invest in community spaces and parks. There are lots of projects ahead of us and we look forward to working with voluntary groups and residents on the plans. Find out more.

Congratulations to England’s Red Roses!

Rugby fans who tuned into the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, will have been delighted to see the England women’s team lift the trophy – and among them a Croydon champion. Sadia Kabeya, who played for Streatham-Croydon RFC when she was younger, was awarded Player of the Match in the final. She is a huge inspiration for women and girls involved in the sport – congratulations Sadia!

Black History Month 2025

October is Black History Month, and we launched the celebrations today with a flag raising outside the Town Hall. This year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ and a wide variety of events are being held that support this theme. Get involved and see the full programme on their website.

Croydon Harvest and Walnut Fair

It is certainly feeling autumnal and what better time to celebrate the season then at Croydon Harvest this weekend. Do come along to see performances in folk dancing from around the world, street theatre shows, face painting and animals from Vauxhall City Farm. It’s a wonderful celebration of Croydon’s history and culture here in the heart of our town centre.

The Eagles do it again!

Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Conference League this week marks a proud moment for our borough. This historic victory in their first major European competition is a testament to the club’s ambition and spirit. Congratulations to the team and everyone involved – Croydon is right behind you.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon