I'm very pleased to see the latest report from Croydon's independent Improvement and Assurance Panel, which states that Croydon Council has achieved “significant developments” in its journey towards reform and recovery.
The report highlights the progress made since the Council’s financial collapse in 2020. It states that most of the priorities outlined in Croydon’s Exit Strategy have been met on time and to the required standard, keeping the Panel on track to withdraw from Croydon by 2025.
Jim McMahon MP, Labour's Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, has welcomed the findings and acknowledged the Council’s “significant developments” towards reform and recovery stating that “the strong relationships between the Council, the Panel and the Ministry are a good example of working in partnership to support a shared focus on recovery and reform."
He expressed satisfaction with Croydon’s “clear commitment to move to a new operating model” through its Future Croydon transformation programme. My goal is to become London’s most cost-effective local authority while ensuring residents remain central to decision-making.
Whilst we have made strong progress, there is much more to be done to fix our finances. Like other councils, we are facing increasing demands on services, such as social care. I will work with this Government, just as I worked with the previous Government, to fix Croydon's finances. I will also continue to work closely with the Panel to keep moving forwards, deliver value for money for our residents and restore pride in our borough.
