Croydon Council has welcomed the Commissioners’ first report to the Government and the Minister’s response, which outline Croydon’s progress and action to improve its financial position.
In her Written Ministerial Statement, Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, welcomes Croydon Council’s constructive approach to working with Commissioners: “I am pleased that the Commissioner team have established a constructive working relationship with the Council, and it is encouraging that the political and corporate leadership have committed to addressing the serious challenges that Croydon continues to face.”
The Commissioners’ first report describes the Council leadership working collaboratively with Commissioners and recognises that much is working well at Croydon, alongside areas for further action.
In his letter to the Minister, Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry sets out the Council’s strong track record in delivering improvement under his leadership and planned steps to tackle the Council’s financial challenges.
The Council’s commitment to take further action on finances has been welcomed by the Commissioners. In their report, areas for focus include strengthening the Council’s change programme and pace of delivery, whilst looking for more opportunities to lower costs and increase efficiency across the Council.
“When I was elected in 2022, I inherited a Council that was in both financial and governance meltdown. I have always been clear that my goal as elected Mayor of Croydon – and as a lifelong resident – is to get the Council into a better financial position, and improve the way it is run so that it can deliver the best outcomes for residents.
“The Minister has recognised that we have constructive working relationships here in Croydon. Under my leadership, the Council has made significant improvements. We have achieved good ratings for adult and children’s social care, we have raised standards in Council homes and our auditors confirm we have strengthened financial management.
“We have achieved this whilst saving millions every year by cutting waste, making services run more efficiently and taking a preventative approach. Despite our financial challenges, we have invested in the things that matter to residents and make a difference to their daily lives – from clean, safe streets to thriving district centres.
“But I am very clear that more needs to be done. The Council’s financial problems have deep roots. Whilst we cannot tackle the debt burden I inherited alone, there is more we can do. We need to finish the job.
“I am pleased that the Commissioner team have felt welcomed at Croydon and I want to thank them all for their support to date. I remain committed to working with them, my leadership team and all of our officers, to achieve the best possible outcome for the people of Croydon.”
Read the Written Ministerial Statement here, the Commissioners’ report and Ministerial response are published here. The Executive Mayor of Croydon’s letter to the Minister is published here.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
