Earlier this month we confirmed our plans for Croydon’s £2.5m allocation from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The new money will mean that over the next three years, we will grow our existing work to support local businesses and help our high streets to thrive. As part of this work, we will also invest over £500k of the fund in community regeneration projects in Purley, Thornton Heath, Selsdon and New Addington.
The new funding will also help us to develop our plans for a new model of ‘community hubs’ across the borough bringing together council and community services. It was great to meet with one of the local community partnerships earlier this week to hear about the valuable work they are doing in the community.
Yesterday the Deputy Mayor and I joined community members in Sanderstead to help plant purple crocuses to help raise awareness for efforts to end polio. I also met with Croydon FM to hear about their excellent work promoting our borough and giving a voice to debate in our community.
Further ahead, I am delighted that as part of our London Borough of Culture 2023 celebrations, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will be performing at Fairfield Halls as part of their UK tour next year. This will be their first visit to the UK in two decades and we can’t wait to welcome them to Croydon for this special night on 18 October 2023. I know the people of Croydon will be as proud as I am to stand in solidarity with them during our year of culture.
Finally, as the weather turns colder, I want to encourage everyone in Croydon to make sure you boost your immunity by taking up your flu and Covid booster vaccines now if you’re eligible. If you’re worried about energy bills and the cost of living, you can find help and support on our webpages.
Have a good weekend
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
