Thanks to everyone who joined me for the first Croydon Mayor’s Question Time in Waddon this week. During my election campaign I committed to hosting ‘roadshows’ where local residents could both ask questions and hear from me directly. This was the first in a series of these events where I am fulfilling my promise to listen to residents and giving them the opportunity to put their questions to me.
It was clear how much passion many of us have for Croydon and that we care about its future, and I know that together we will get our council back on the right path and restore pride in our borough. I look forward to the next event and will share the details as soon as available.
One of the issues residents raised at Mayor’s Question Time was the Mayor of London’s plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) into our borough. I have publicly and consistently objected to Mayor Khan’s ULEZ proposals and as Croydon’s Executive Mayor I intend to continue doing so. I am concerned, as I know many of you are, about the disproportionate impact this charge will have on Croydon’s residents and businesses – leaving those who can least afford it out of pocket. Croydon has not signed the Section 8 agreement for ULEZ and does not intend to, whilst we consider the council’s position and the legality of Mayor Khan’s decision-making – which may be the subject of a judicial review.
We have great plans to boost the borough with money from our UK Shared Prosperity Fund award. We’ll be using the £2.5m to help Thornton Heath, Selsdon, West Croydon, New Addington and Purley thrive, working with local communities to target the funding where it’s needed most. This is a great example of how I want us to work in partnership with residents and businesses, harnessing their skills, experience and local knowledge to maximise every investment opportunity for Croydon.
February is LGBT+ History Month – an opportunity for us to celebrate our LGBT+ communities and their contributions to Croydon past and present. From the month-long programme of events at Stanley Arts to the Museum of Croydon’s digital Queer+ Croydon exhibition, we have some fantastic events for residents to enjoy.
Have a great weekend
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
