Agenda item

To receive notice of petitions presented by Members on behalf of local residents.

The Council received notice of petitions presented by Members on behalf of local residents.

The mayor invited Cllrs Hay-Justice, Shahul-Hameed and Ali to put forward their petitions.

Members heard from Cllr Hay-Justice, who referred to the following:

• Disappointment that the Govt had chosen not to grant the landlord licence to the Borough.
•  The news that 90 new homes will be welcomed.
• Award to the borough of the largest rough-sleeping grant.

Cllr Shahul-Hameed made the following points:

• A survey is under way in preparation for the Home Office’ Safer Streets Fund and the bid will be submitted this week.
• On supporting businesses, the Croydon division of the SE London Chamber was sufficiently launched with the aim for becoming a voice for local businesses.
• Croydon Council has become one of the first councils in the country to urge residents to unite in its Race Matters and Equality pledges.

Members then heard from Cllr Muhammud Ali, who said:

• It is important that support is in place for local govt in combatting Climate Change and fund schemes. Residents are encouraged to contribute to consultations and surveys.

The mayor took the opportunity to ask members to be concise in their responses in light of the time allowed.

Discussion continued on several issues, and other petitions were raised to include:

• Maintenance of cemeteries and neglect of council services with regards to its green spaces.
• The need to streamline services and delivery rates according to agreed schedules.
• Provision of services and affordable new homes and initiatives in place, to address outstanding issues and failings.
• Investigations into public health statutory notices.
• Work with landlords around informing them of their statutory requirements.
• The unsustainable steep rise in costs for temporary accommodation and ways in which this will be addressed.
• How assessments have been made to address demand on housing and what provisions are being considered.
• Inspection of properties and stock condition surveys to ensure that they are fully habitable.
• Residents’ concerns over existing housing issues.
• Fuel poverty and its effects on residents. 
• Considerable savings through the in-year review of the Council’s capital spending programme and reduction of the council’s borrowing.
• The cost of COVID to the Borough in terms of loss of life of residents and significant financial loss to the council.
• The quality of the submission to the Secretary of State (SoS) for the Landlords Licensing Scheme.
• The decision of the SoS on the council’s submission and the financial impact of this loss of income (around £2.5million), including subsequent impact on other services.
• Balancing the Council’s budget.
• Re-structuring of senior officer roles and the review of procurement governance, with an indication of the timescale expected and the scale of savings sought.
• Evidence on the council’s delivery and restoration of confidence around better control of its finances.
• The key risks of not making the savings needed to balance the budget.
• Financial losses to the Council on sales of its assets, such as that of the Croydon Park Hotel.
• The introduction of speed limits, compliance and enforcement and its effect on safety in residential areas.
• The petition to re-consider plans to dispose of Grange Park lodge and the lack of alternative measures.

Colleagues were assured that work is underway to address these issues and were updated on procedures in place. Members were reminded that Capital disposals have to be agreed by Council and confirmation was received that no monies were held for forwarding licensing schemes. Members recognised challenges for vulnerable residents and the importance of central government support.