your ISSUE 80 – SPRING 2018
Croydon celebrates young people as more choose their future – pages 6 & 7
www.croydon.gov.uk
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SPRING 2018
Delivering for Croydon In this edition of the magazine we’ll be setting out some of the exciting things that the council is delivering in Croydon. You’ll have no doubt seen that the £30m refurbishment of the Fairfield Halls is well under way and I’m delighted to report that the public opening is set for early 2019. Through our Don’t Mess with Croydon campaign, we’ve been able to invest more in street-cleaning activities and have now prosecuted more than 200 fly-tippers. The battle to keep our streets clean is never ending, but it is one we are now starting to win. Our main priority is to protect and champion Croydon’s young people and we’ll be investing millions more in services for children over the coming year. You can read about the work taking place on the development of our £6m youth zone; the council is now onsite and looking to open this exciting new facility next year. And I’m really pleased that many local schools are improving. It’s great to see so many getting good and excellent Ofsted ratings, including Croydon College However, there remain many challenges ahead. As you will know, these are tough times for local government finances. Since 2010, Croydon has seen its government grant cut by 50%, which means it is no longer possible to provide the services you care about without an increase in council tax. Last month, the council took the difficult decision to increase local council tax by 2.99% to make sure we can continue to protect key local services; including investing in our children’s services, protecting and improving our libraries and leisure centres and keeping our streets clean and safe. The council’s budget also ensures that we are able to continue to invest in the future of our fantastic borough. I’m also not prepared to see our elderly and vulnerable suffer, so the council has also implemented the government’s adult care surcharge to pay for the services that help them, adding a further 2% to the bill. The weekly increase of £1.50 on an average council tax bill is, sadly, a little higher than we would want to see, but, as council leader, I wanted to set out why we have taken this decision. The days of politicians promising something for nothing are, quite rightly, over and I hope you agree that by working together we can, and are, securing Croydon’s future.
Cllr Tony Newman Leader of the council @cllrtony
Highlights Building for tomorrow...4 A new leisure and community centre in New Addington, and a state-of-the-art youth zone in Selhurst, show that Croydon has an eye on tomorrow and beyond.
Choosing their futures.......................6 The council’s Choose Your Future campaign is picking up the pace as more youngsters make positive life-style choices.
Making them safe.........9 Croydon’s programme of fitting sprinklers in the borough’s highest blocks sees completion of first stage.
Local elections – are you ready?.................10 Everything you need to know for the big day – from registering to vote, to details of the changes to ward boundaries and polling stations.
How your money is spent .................... 12 A breakdown of the budget for the next two years.
Thousands flock to see Lumiere lights........... 14 More than 5,000 visited the illuminated wonderland that lit up Thornton Heath.
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For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Fairfield revamp forges ahead The £30m refurbishment of Fairfield Halls is progressing at pace with plans for a phased opening from the end of the year. With the demolition of the Arnhem Gallery nearly complete, and the building’s interior completely stripped back, the Fairfield complex has undergone significant change in recent months. Cllr Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “Already, Fairfield Halls looks and feels incredibly different inside. It is spacious, streamlined and modern, yet sympathetic to the much-loved architectural and heritage qualities of the building. “It’s going to be a first-class venue we can all enjoy and be proud of, and it’s tremendously exciting seeing the works unfold week by week. “Make sure you follow the story and watch the regular ‘behind the curtain’ films with the new venue director Neil Chandler, available on the Fairfield Halls Facebook and Twitter feeds”. The council has been working in close partnership with the company that will run the venue, BH Live, and Vinci, the contractor undertaking the works, to build on and improve the original plans from the design team, in particular to hospitality, bars, public spaces and kitchens, technical facilities, and back of house.
The location of the new art gallery has been shifted to allow for exhibition space at ground-floor level as well as underground, and the entrance has been moved out of the new ‘glass box’, creating a more attractive restaurant area. The building’s foyer will be much more open, creating space for people to mingle and use the venue at all hours of the day.
would an apprentice help? National Apprenticeship Week took place this month with people being encouraged to choose apprenticeships as a fast track to a great career. While Croydon Council is currently recruiting its second apprentice cohort (see article, page 7), apprenticeships offer real career opportunities across all sectors. Studies show that 87% of employers are satisfied with apprenticeships (www.gov.uk). Employers said that apprenticeships have helped to future-proof their business, bringing new ideas and ways of working into the workplace. Find out how an apprenticeship could help benefit your business at www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice or find out about becoming an apprentice at www.getingofar. gov.uk/
The Ashcroft Theatre will also see significant changes, with additional seating for more than 800. The canopy will be removed creating a more contemporary, stripped back, studio feel. There will be an increasing range of opportunities for people to see the new spaces from the end of this year, with events building gradually to full-scale operation by early 2019.
Fly-tips continue to drop The number of fly-tips recorded in Croydon continues on a downward spiral when comparing the current financial year to figures for 2016/17. From April 2017 to January 2018, there were 16,114 fly-tips, down 22.9% on the 20,889 from April-January in 2016/17. The most recent figures show a drop of 38.5% from 1,882 fly-tips in December 2016 to 1,157 last December. There was also a 9.1% drop from 1,898 fly-tips in January 2017 to 1,726 last month. Since launching its Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Pride campaign in 2014, the council has cleared 87% of flytips within 48 hours and prosecuted almost 200 offenders.
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SPRING 2018
Construction of New Addington leisure centre progresses well The construction of the new multi-million pound leisure and community centre in New Addington continues to make good progress. In January, the leader of the council, Councillor Tony Newman, visited the site with ward councillors to receive an update on the construction programme from the contractors. Enabling works remain under way on site and the contractors are due to begin piling works, which will provide extra support to the new building, in the coming weeks. The new leisure centre will boast state-of-the-art facilities, including a six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool, fitness suite, sports hall and multi-purpose activity studios. The site will also have community spaces and a café. Eight three-bedroom houses, on Chertsey Crescent, are also to be built as part of the scheme.
On site: Councillors Carole Bonner, Tony Newman, Simon Hall and Alison Butler.
BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY When it opens, the youth zone planned for Whitehorse Road, in Selhurst, will offer youngsters a fantastic – and affordable – venue for their leisure time. Work will soon begin on Legacy, Croydon’s new state-of-the art youth zone offering young people a fantastic range of world-class facilities and activities. Developed by the charity OnSide, it will be open, every night, to youngsters aged between eight and 19, and for those up to 25 with additional needs. The centre was named Legacy following a public vote by 3,000 young people. From sports in the four-court sports hall, gym, 3G kick pitch and martial arts room, to music in the state-of-theart music suite with its own recording studio, the new youth zone will offer something for everyone, including art, drama, gymnastics, enterprise and employability opportunities – and hot,
nutritious meals for just £1. Croydon Council has contributed £3.25m of the £6m capital costs as well as £300,000 per year toward the annual £1m running costs. OnSide has raised the remaining building costs through a range of trusts and grants including £500,000 from the Stone Family Foundation. The Youth Zone will open in 2019 with young people paying just £5 for an annual membership and then just 50p per visit. Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning said: “This is a really exciting project that will give young people in Croydon a huge range of sporting and creative opportunities in first class facilities. What makes it really special
is that young people themselves have played an important role in shaping it. I’m delighted to see it moving forward.” For more information visit www. legacyyouthzone.org
Councillor Tony Newman on site with members of the Legacy young people steering group - Ben Bracken, 18, and Kadian Foster, 18 - and project director Jamie Masraff.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Schools go from strength to strength Latest figures show that the borough’s schools are performing above the national average in a number of categories. Croydon schools are on the up, with the latest statistics showing primary standards, and the number of secondary-age students now attending an outstanding school, rising above the national average. Standards in Croydon’s schools are now above the national average at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage, phonics screening check, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, building on improvements seen in recent years. Underlining the progress made, Croydon Council received a letter from
Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, congratulating it for being one of the 10 most-improved local authorities for the phonics screening check. Recent Ofsted inspections in our primary schools have also been positive, improving Croydon’s position nationally. Meanwhile, the percentage of children attending a good or better secondary school has risen to 90%, with 48% of secondary age students now attending an outstanding school,
compared to 27% nationally. At Key Stage 4 (GCSE), the attainment of our pupils is above the England average and progress outcomes are positive. At Key Stage 5, vocational outcomes continue to be extremely positive. Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “Every child deserves an excellent education and we’re continue to drive improvements in schools across the borough – it’s great to see more pupils benefitting from the results”
It’s a green light for Westfield Whitgift redevelopment progresses as Mayor gives scheme his approval. A crucial step forward in the town-centre’s regeneration journey was taken at the beginning of the year. Given the green light by Sadiq Khan, the £1.4bn Whitgift Shopping Centre joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson will transform Croydon’s town centre into one of south London’s leading retail, leisure and dining destinations. And it will bring with it 7,000 new jobs and 1,000 new homes for local people. Mayor Khan said: “This development will play a key role in unlocking Croydon’s potential and I’m confident the benefits of this scheme will be felt for generations to come.” The new retail and leisure facility comes at a time of significant redevelopment in Croydon, which includes the £30m refurbishment of Fairfield Halls. Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, added: “I'm delighted another milestone in this project has been reached and the Mayor of London has approved the Croydon Partnership's plans. The redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre will transform Croydon town centre and the Mayor’s green light brings us a step closer to the works getting under way.”
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Choose
SPRING 2018
your
future
BRIT SCHOOL PERFORMANCE WITH A POWERFUL MESSAGE
You Choose is a thought-provoking play written by young people for young people. The powerful 40-minute performance by Brit School students, which previewed in February, explores the choices young people make and the consequences of these choices for themselves and others. Council leader Tony Newman attended the performance, along with Croydon police borough commander, Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe, Croydon MP Sarah Jones, leading councillors, police officers, and representatives of community and faith groups, as well as young people who have been involved in the Choose Your Future campaign. The play is now being taken into Croydon schools and a 20-minute workshop will follow each performance – giving young people the chance to discuss the issues raised in the play with police officers. One of the performers, Maddi, said: “I feel proud to be a part of something so current and meaningful and to be given the chance to share our own experiences of knife crime. “I hope we do justice to those who have been affected directly by the issue and identify with those who may be going through similar circumstances at the moment.”
Powerful: the cast of the Brit School production of You Choose.
Croydon’s first Young Mayor is…. As this edition of Your Croydon is published, youngsters between the ages of 11 and 18 are voting to elect their first Young Mayor. And, with more young people than any other London borough, this means the Croydon Young Mayor will represent one in 20 young Londoners. In all, 28 candidates stood for election – their nominations supported by 30 of their peers along with their school,
college or employer. Each candidate attended a training boot camp during the half-term break to prepare them for the campaign ahead, which was to include two question-time events and a day of campaigning in Croydon town centre. For more information about the Young Mayor, the candidates and their manifestos visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ youngmayor
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
Let’s talk Croydon’s Youth Takeover Challenge saw 68 young people taking over roles within Croydon Council and Croydon police for one day last November. Chardonnay Henry, who was taking over the role of director of partnerships and strategy at the council, asked what the police and the council were doing to keep young people safe, and challenged them to make themselves more approachable to her age group. Chardonnay suggested to Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan that they set up a pop-up tent in the town centre, and, on 20 December, she joined the police and council officers for the first event.
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The diaries of an
APPRENTICE#2 The council’s apprenticeship programme, which started last October, has continued to grow. A second round of recruitment, with applications closing on 8 April, will add to the nearly 30 apprentices working across the council. Croydon is focused on its youth services, and two of the council’s current apprentices work in the education and youth engagement teams.
Aisha, 19 Youth engagement
A survey on knife crime was completed by 200 young people. It revealed that 62% knew where to seek help, 49% felt safe in their community – and 44% said they knew someone who had carried a knife. The feedback also helped to inspire three weeks of activity in the town centre in February by the council’s youth engagement team, Croydon police town-centre team, Croydon Bid and London Ambulance Service. Events aimed to encourage young people to turn their backs on carrying a blade and included a questionand-answer session with borough commander Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe. As a result of her work, Chardonnay has been nominated for a borough commander’s commendation. Her blog can be read at http://news.croydon.gov.uk/ choose/my-choice-chardonnay-henry/
Top team: Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan and Chardonnay Henry.
“I work in the youth engagement team and have been involved in a wide range of projects working with other young people in the borough. “I have recently worked on the Young Mayor project, encouraging young people to have a voice and helping to promote borough-wide change. “My apprenticeship is a great way for me to progress in work and life. “Over the next few months I plan to get as much knowledge as possible around my job role, and the tasks and projects I will be doing, as well as studying towards a relevant qualification.”
Thuvika, 23 School places “I work on projects involving school safety and compliance. “As part of my role, I have been undertaking data analysis; for example, using the school census to forecast the number of school places available next year. “Doing an apprenticeship is the best option for someone like me as I can learn while getting first-hand experience.” The council apprenticeship scheme is open to anyone aged 16 or over, and living or studying in Croydon. For more information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/jobsatcroydon/apprenticeship or email tomi.moronkola@croydon.gov.uk
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SPRING 2018
Improved waste contract for Croydon New waste contract deal promises improved service for borough and its residents. Fly-tips will be cleared within 24 hours of being reported, and a year-round green garden waste service will be on offer as part of the council’s new deal with contractor Veolia. The new contract is aimed at improving waste collection and street cleaning provided to Croydon residents, saving around £5m per year in costs to taxpayers and boosting recycling levels. The street cleaning part of the new contract began on 4 March, and new waste collections will begin on 1 October. Part of the new deal involves extending the council’s green garden-waste service so it becomes year-round, rather than the previous April to November service. A 240-litre green garden-waste bin will now cost £61.50 instead of the current £60 under the new service, which starts in April. A free two-week Christmas tree recycling service also began in January.
Central to the new contract are tougher performance targets for Veolia, including clearing 100% of fly-tips within 24 hours of being reported. The current clear-up rate is 87% within 48 hours. The new contract has a target of no more than 30 missed rubbish collections per 100,000 properties instead of 90 as in the current contract. Waste collection frequency will not change – weekly for food recycling, alternate weekly recycling of paper and dry mixed recycling (cans, plastic and glass), and fortnightly for black rubbish bins.
Fly-tip and littering
prosecutions near 200 mark The latest round of court hearings has seen the number of prosecutions rise to 188 since the launch of Don’t Mess with Croydon. Across November, December and January, 17 offenders were ordered to pay a total exceeding £6,000 by Croydon magistrates. Launched by the council in 2014, the Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Pride campaign combines getting local people to become community champions with enforcement against the worst offenders. • Madiguin Demble, 32, Lodge Lane, New Addington £742 – fly-tipping in Lodge Lane.
• Jonathan Duncan, St Saviour’s Road, Croydon £350 – fly-tipping in the same road.
• Andrew Kedian, 42, Fairview Road, Norbury £742 – fly-tipping behind Summit Court.
• George Lawrence, Fairview Road, Norbury £350 – fly-tipping waste in the same street.
• Shane Hayes, 26, The Sidings, Dunton Green, Kent £718 – failure to answer an order relating to a cigarette dropped in Gravel Hill.
• Marion Myers, Taylor Close, Orpington £350 – dropping a cigarette from a moving car in Gravel Hill, and failing to respond to a section 17 notice.
• Sherlon Patrick, Station Approach Road, Coulsdon £664 – fly-tipping in the same road.
• Alexandru Chiciudean, aged 39, London Road, Norbury £374 – littering in Colliers Water Lane.
• Andrei Titan, Grove Road, Thornton Heath £664 – fly-tipping on a footpath off Sycamore Way.
• Stephanie Reid, Walton Green, Croydon £330 – fly-tipping behind Walton Green.
• Natalie Walsh, Tylecroft Road, Norbury £510 – fly-tipping outside a neighbour’s property.
• Dorah Kebe, aged 26, Aurelia Gardens, Croydon six-month conditional discharge - £320 – littering in Aurelia Gardens.
• Toader Fodor, Dovercourt Avenue, Thornton Heath £439.50 – littering in Colliers Water Lane. • Daniel Johnson, Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath £439.50 – fly-tipping in Brigstock Road. • Jerzy Karpinski, Raymead Avenue, Thornton Heath £439.50 – dropping a cigarette in Colliers Water Lane.
• Ms J B Saidi, Whitehorse Road £180 – fly-tipping in Whitehorse Road. • Ghassan Taleb Zorkot, Zorkot Barbers, Church Road, South Norwood £100 – failure to produce a valid commercial waste licence.
As well as prosecuting people in court, the council has seized more than 30 vehicles suspected of being used to store or dump fly-tipping, and recruited 345 community champions who lead litter picks. To report a fly-tip confidentially, use the My Croydon app, notify the council through My Account, call 020 8604 7000 or email flytip@croydon.gov.uk
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Making them safe The council, with support from London Fire Brigade, has completed retrospectively fitting fire sprinklers in the first of 26 of its tower blocks. A week after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, last June, Croydon was the first council to announce it would retrofit sprinklers in its highrise blocks. The first stage of a £10m programme for its 25 tallest blocks of 10 to 12 storeys, plus an eight-storey sheltered block, was completed in late February when the sprinkler system in a 10-storey block in College Green, Upper Norwood, became operational. Contractors are now working on three more council blocks, including a second block in College Green. The council decided to invest in sprinklers without waiting for help from government, which pledged it would help fund essential works on advice from local fire brigades. Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “We invested in our sprinkler programme because we feel it is essential to our residents’ safety in response to the Grenfell tragedy, so it is a real boost to have finished the first of 26 Croydon Council blocks.” Kevin McKenzie, London Fire Brigade borough commander for Croydon, visited the first College Green block during testing, and praised the council’s 26-block sprinkler programme. He said: “Croydon Council proves it’s possible to retrofit sprinklers, and more boroughs and housing owners should follow
Happy: Resident Teresa Cox (centre), with Councillor Alison Butler and LFB borough commander Kevin McKenzie
its lead to protect their most vulnerable residents, including those with mobility issues.” Each flat getting the upgrade has around six sprinklers hidden near ceilings behind a flat white disc. These pop off when the room temperature hits 57 degrees Celsius, then at 67 degrees they spray a fine water mist at a wide angle. College Green resident Teresa Cox said: “Anything that saves people’s lives has got to be worth the hassle. They were very quick, efficient and polite people, and they did it really well.” A frequently-asked-questions page is at www.croydon. gov.uk/housing/firesafety, where a time-lapse video of the sprinklers being installed can also be viewed.
Under new management council sport and leisure centres Major investment is planned for borough parks, leisure centres and sports facilities as part of a new management contract. Council-owned sport and leisure facilities have begun undergoing a major overhaul after the UK’s leading leisure charitable social enterprise, GLL, took over their day-to-day running and management. Residents are set to benefit from major investment into Croydon’s leisure centres, open spaces, parks and outdoor sports facilities – including the Arena athletics track and Ashburton Hall – after GLL took over the 20-year contract at the beginning of March. GLL will also be responsible for ensuring the new multi-million pound New Addington Leisure Centre meets the needs of the local community when it reopens. The new partnership will see the leisure centres' gym facilities completely refitted to provide state-of-the-art exercise equipment. The council is supporting and working with GLL to encourage more Croydon residents to get active, by taking advantage of the range of facilities available around the borough and exploring how to maximise the sports activities offered
Passing the baton: GLL’s Simon Sen (right) collects from Councillor Timothy Godfrey
within our parks and green spaces, as part of a healthy lifestyle. The new contract will see the council make savings of over £1m by 2021. Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “This partnership will deliver the firstclass leisure facilities that residents deserve and will bring together a transformation of our leisure centres, combined with activity in 30 parks across Croydon and an exciting project at Ashburton Park and Hall.”
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SPRING 2018
It’s the local elections in May! Check our quick guide on what you need to know to vote in the local elections on Thursday 3 May.
Register to vote:
Don’t delay, the election is in May! If you think voting doesn’t make a difference, think again! Voting in the local elections is a chance for you to have a say on matters that affect you and where you live. Don’t lose your vote! The quickest way to register to vote is online or if you don’t have internet access you can complete a registration form. To register online visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or for a registration form contact Electoral Services on 020 8726 6300.
Hurry, the deadline to register is 17 April 2018! Did you know? Croydon women were heavily involved in the campaign to get the right to vote and many local women were imprisoned for their activities in the suffragette movement. After some women were given the right to vote in 1918, Clara Musselwhite became the first woman to be elected to Croydon Council in January 1919.
Polling stations: Coming to a street near you! Your local polling station is always in the same place, right? Wrong! This year it may be somewhere else because of the ward boundary changes. At election times, wards are split into polling districts each of which has a polling station where locals living within that area can vote. Because the wards are changing, some polling districts and stations are also changing. So even though you may still live at the same address, you may now have a different polling station! Before Election Day, take the time to check which polling station you need to go to. You’ll find it on your poll card, or if you’re not sure contact electoral services at electoral.services@croydon.gov.uk For more information visit www.croydon.gov.uk/election2018
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
Ward boundaries… Some things change, some stay the same!
Thonton Heath
South Norwood
Bensham Manor Woodside West Thornton Selhurst Broad Green
The wards in Croydon are changing at the elections this May. Every so often the Local Government Boundary Commission make changes to the boundaries in a borough to make sure that a similar number of voters are represented by each elected councillor. The new boundaries take effect on Election Day and the biggest change in Croydon is that there will be an additional four wards, bringing the total number to 28 wards. Out of those: • 15 will have 3 councillors • 12 will have 2 councillors Coulsdon Town • 1 (Parkhill & Whitgift) will have 1 councillor
Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood
Norbury Park
Norbury & Pollards Hill
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Addiscombe West Addiscombe East
Shirley North
Fairfield Park Hill & Whitgift
Shirley South
Waddon
South Croydon Selsdon & Addington Village
Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown
New Addington North
Sesdon Vale & Forestdale
Purley & Woodcote
New Addington South
Sanderstead
Kenley
For more information and to find out your ward visit:
www.croydon.gov.uk/election2018
Old Coulsdon
Did you know? Coulsdon made headlines around the world in the fight for women’s right to vote when Muriel Matters, a suffragist, crash-landed in some trees there in 1909. She had hired an air balloon, equivalent to a modern day blimp, emblazoned with ‘Votes For Women’ to shower leaflets from the skies, as suffragettes had been banned from leafleting on the streets. The intention was to drop the leaflets across London and over King Edward's VII procession to the opening of the Houses of Parliament. Although she failed to make it as far as the procession, years later she commented: “The flight achieved all we wanted. It got our movement a great deal of publicity, as you can imagine. In those days, the sight of an airship was enough to make people run for miles!”
YOUR DEADLINES 17 APRIL 2018 Register to vote
18 APRIL 2018
Postal vote applications
26 APRIL 2018
Proxy vote applications
PLEASE NOTE WE MUST RECEIVE ANY FORMS NO LATER THAN THE STATED DEADLINE
ELECTION DAY: 7AM-10PM, 3 MAY 2018: VOTE!
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SPRING 2018
A budget to protect your priorities Croydon’s budget for the next two years was agreed by the council last month. It focuses on protecting frontline services, including £19m of new investment for children’s and adult social care. Making sure the streets are safe and clean also continues to be a priority. And the council’s capital programme ensures further investment in the future of the borough by delivering new school places, new youth facilities, affordable housing and leisure and culture. This year’s budget also recognises the increasing pressure on local authority finances. Government funding to Croydon has decreased by more than 50% since 2010, and, despite making more than £157m of savings, the council can no longer continue to plug the growing funding gap. Last month, it took the difficult decision of increasing council tax by an average of £1.50 a week in order to continue delivering vital services. Almost half of this increase is ring-fenced to the government’s adult social care precept to pay for services that help and care for our elderly and vulnerable residents. The graphic opposite illustrates the council’s budget priorities.
This year we have two ways for you to win your council tax paid for a year!
The council’s spend Where does the money go?
£349m Schools & other education services
£111m Caring for adults
£51m Supporting children & families
£13m Highways maintenance & improvements
£21m Improving health & wellbeing
£30m Housing services
£4.8m Libraries, sport & culture
£27m Emptying bins & cleaning streets
£4.5m Parks & open spaces
Where does the money come from?
47% Schools grant
23% Council tax
13% Local share of business rates
10% Income from charging for services
4% Government grant
3% Public health grant
We receive 50% less government funding than we did in 2010
Cllr Tony Newman
Savings of £157m have been delivered since Leader of the council 2010. Another £38m of savings from services is required by 2020
w i n ! Your coun cil
170638_Budget_Consultation_Decaux.indd 2
paid for a tax year
Set up a direct debit before 31 May 2018. It’s quick, easy and the most cost effective way to pay! You can do it online www.croydon.gov.uk/doitonline or by calling 0845 940 0160 or by completing and returning the direct debit form enclosed with your bill.
Set up a My Account to access many council services online and sign up to online billing for your council tax, all at a time and place to suit you www.croydon.gov.uk/myaccount FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS VISIT www.croydon.gov.uk/ctax
22/02/2018 13:43
For events and meetings across Croydon visit www.croydon.gov.uk/events
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Homes for Croydon in 2018 Housing prospects are on the up as the Brick by Brick development company makes a start on building new homes across the borough. To achieve the goal of 1,000 high-quality new homes across the borough by 2019, the council has, like several other forwardthinking boroughs, set up a private, independent development company, Brick by Brick. The aim is that 50% of those new homes will be affordable, with the units being solely available to Croydon residents for a set period of time, before offering them more widely. To date, planning has been granted for 30 sites around the borough. BxB will be delivering a large number of schemes on site in 2018, and the hoardings are up on nine sites, including
Chipstead Avenue, in Thornton Heath (below) Homefield Road, in Old Coulsdon (above) and around the College Green scheme in central Croydon. As work gets under way on the first phase, the second phase of planning applications will begin alongside the ongoing search for more potential sites. As part of the commitment to ‘use local first’ BxB is committed to working with local contractors and subcontractors and promoting the employment of local people through Croydon Works. From start to finish, residents will be part of all conversations through online engagement, physical consultations, resident meetings, and, where necessary, one-to-one meetings. For more information on any of the sites, visit www. bxbdevelopment.com
Help improve borough libraries With libraries back under council control, this is your chance to say how you would like the service to grow. Croydon residents are being asked to share their views on the types of improvements they’d like to see in the borough’s libraries.
As part of the council’s commitment to protect and boost library services for residents, a new residents’ survey has launched enabling the public to put forward their ideas of how the service can be improved. The views expressed in the survey – which will close on 26 March – will
form part of a borough-wide strategy that will help shape the delivery of Croydon's library services for decades to come. Anyone needing help completing the survey should contact staff at their local library. To take part, visit https://getinvolved.croydon.gov. uk/librarysurvey
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SPRING 2018
Thousands flock to see Thornton Heath lights More than 5,000 people visited the illuminated wonderland that lit up Thornton Heath for one special night. As part of the council’s cultural
programme and in support of its bid to be named Borough of Culture, the Thornton Heath Light Festival transformed Trumble Gardens into a dazzling nocturnal art exhibition. The colourful event ran alongside the popular CR7 Market, and featured a selection of displays which earlier that
week had been part of UK’s largest light festival – Lumiere London – before being brought to Croydon. In addition to the market’s food, drink, arts and crafts stalls, there were performances of song, dance and spoken word, showcasing some of the finest local talent.
Local Plan gets thumbs-up
Help people take a stand against DV
Croydon’s Local Plan, setting out the borough’s growth and development vision over the next 20 years, is set to be adopted.
Croydon’s Family Justice Centre team is looking for volunteers to offer support to individuals and families who are experiencing domestic abuse.
The plan, which was given the green light by the independent planning inspector at the start of the year, details how the council will provide 32,880 new homes across the borough, with a minimum requirement of 30% of new homes on larger sites to be affordable. It also has policies around preserving the borough’s green spaces and details how schools, roads, transport hubs and health facilities will be improved.
The volunteers will need to offer a minimum two hours a week, be willing to support people to achieve change in their lives, and be keen to increase their own skills and experience. The team will offer full training, support and supervision. Volunteers must be aged 21 or over. For further details, and training dates, call volunteer coordinator Emma Osbourne on 020 8688 0100, or email emma.osbourne@croydon.gov.uk
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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This year is the inaugural Croydon Year for Business, and it aims to showcase Croydon as a great place to grow a business and to inspire further innovation among the business community. More than 100 events throughout the year will be bringing businesses together for networking, support and training. Croydon Means Business follows on from the work of the Small Business Commission – a business-led group set up by Croydon Council in January 2017 to explore the barriers to, and opportunities for, growth of Croydon’s small and medium-sized businesses. Last September, the commission published the report of its findings, along
with an action plan for delivery that proposed businesses, business support agencies and the council work together to unleash Croydon’s growth potential. Watch Andrew Bauer, chair of the Small Business Commission, outlining why Croydon is a great place to do business, at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=H7VCs59WRuU For further information and a full list of events visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ business2018
BUSINESS
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Come to Croydon
Looking for the ideal place to launch or move your business? Croydon is that place. Croydon Urban Edge – a dedicated inward-investment service for businesses – offers free support to help businesses start up, relocate to, or expand in the borough. The service includes a dedicated business account manager who will be on hand to offer support from initial enquiry through to the day that your business starts operating. Visit www.croydonurbanedge.com or email contactus@croydonurbanedge.com
Matching local jobs to local people Do you live in Croydon and want help finding a job? Are you a Croydon-based employer looking to fill a vacancy? Croydon Works is a free job-brokerage service offering support for residents and businesses. Croydon Council, Croydon College and Job Centre Plus work together to match employers in the borough with local talent and to source training opportunities for people needing extra skills or qualifications to get into work. Launched in July 2016, Croydon Works has placed more than 250 residents into work. In February, it hosted a month-long construction pathway course to help Shrublands residents gain a Construction Skill Certification Scheme certificate and apply for construction opportunities in the borough. For more information, email info@ croydonworks.co.uk, call 020 8604 7471 or visit www.croydonworks.co.uk
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SPRING 2018
Thinking about fostering?
Go for it!
Croydon is celebrating the amazing contribution hundreds of residents make to the lives of children and young people by providing them with a loving foster home. With more than 300 households across the borough currently offering foster care placements, Foster Care Fortnight (14 to 27 May) is an opportunity to raise awareness about how fostering can transform the lives of children and carers. For more information about becoming a foster carer, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/healthsocial/falaservices/ fostercroydon
Carole’s story Carole Williams, 56, and her partner Caroline had talked about wanting to foster in the past but had somehow never got around to applying. Carole eventually took the plunge after she kept noticing the same foster care recruitment poster. She said: “I kept walking past the same poster on Thornton Heath High Street and thought, ‘it’s calling me – I’m going to do it’.” Now, just over two years since their first placement started, Carole admits the early days were challenging. “It was really hard, particularly the first four or five months, as he came from a troubled background and his behaviour was challenging. There were times when we did think, are we strong enough? Can we meet his complex needs?” She laughed: “But, we’re strong women! We don’t give up lightly. And it’s been so rewarding. “He has got to know us, to trust us, to like us – he’s comfortable here now and he’s lovely, extremely loving – he always was, he just didn’t know it. We love him to bits. “To anyone thinking about fostering, I would say think about it seriously – a child isn’t something you can take back to the shop if it doesn’t fit. But so many kids need a loving home. “So, if you have the patience and you have the strength – weigh that up – and then go for it.”
Patsy’s story Patsy Smith is a single carer, and, with the support of her daughter, now 23, she has provided a home for more than 20 children over the past 10 years. Patsy had thought about fostering for many years before starting but was moved to act after seeing high-profile child abuse cases in the national media. She said: “Baby P, Victoria Climbié – you hear about these awful things happening, and you think, ‘How can I help? What can I do?’ “It made me think, there are children that need someone to stand up for them and to be their advocate, and I’m prepared to.” Patsy has cared for many children on short-term placements, only six have been with her longer than six months. In this way, she has provided invaluable respite for families in need, giving them time to access the help and support, and often the children are able to return to their own home. She said: “All children that come to you will have some trauma in relation to having to leave their home – you can’t expect otherwise and you can’t take them back at the first hurdle. “In the beginning, you have to make a connection with them. You have to know when to give them space, when to walk away and when to give them boundaries.” Patsy holds particularly dear a letter written to her by one of her foster children, saying she wanted to foster when she grew up and care for others as she had been cared for. Foster care is said to transform the lives of carers as well as children and Patsy is no exception. Now on her first long-term placement, she is looking after three boys under 10 and finds their energy and enthusiasm are broadening her horizons in unexpected ways. She said: “Fostering makes you do things you would never have dreamed of doing. “Last year I went to Spain and I went in a submarine. I would never, ever have done that before but I did it because they wanted to. “You go back to childhood yourself, which is nice.”
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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FOOD STOP HELPING HUNDREDS WITH THE CREDIT CRUNCH Launched by Croydon Council and local groups, London’s first welfare and food club is now helping more than 120 families. October was a notable month for families in New Addington and Fieldway – it saw the start of an innovative scheme that has provided vital back-up when times are tough. The aim of Food Stop is to provide £20-worth of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and other foods each week for £3.50 to families needing help to avoid homelessness. By Christmas there were 97 members who had saved a combined total of more than £3,000, and whose membership also meant access to other ways to boost their household finances – from a weekly jobs club, to a cookery course and budgeting help. The scheme has been named as a finalist for Innovation of the Year at the UK Housing Awards 2018, to be held on 2 May in Westminster. The scheme is one of several initiatives led by the council’s Gateway service, which helps people at risk of homelessness
with housing, benefits, debt management and social care assessment. One resident to benefit from Food Stop membership is single mother-of-three Roseann Stewart, from New Addington. The 32-year-old joined in December to both look for a job that could work alongside childcare and to make paying rent and food shopping more affordable. She said: “You might spend £40 on a top-up shop, but you spend £3.50 here. It saves me from going to the supermarket and from topping up. “I also wanted to be a teaching assistant, and they’re willing to help me get on a course to become one, so this leads you in the right direction because you have someone to talk to.” For more information, email familycentre.fieldway@ virgin.net or call 01689 844277.
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18
SPRING 2018
20 is plenty for Croydon March sees the borough’s roads become significantly safer as the fifth, and final, area of Croydon adopts a speed limit of 20mph. The completion of the council’s plan to see a reduced speed limit on all its roads comes as the wards in the south-west join the rest of the borough, which have already seen it introduced. The final piece of the jig-saw affects streets in Purley, Woodcote, Kenley, Coulsdon and Old Coulsdon, plus the parts of Sanderstead and South Croydon that sit west of both Brighton Road and Sanderstead Hill/Limpsfield Road. The new Area 5, which is detailed in a map on the council website, extends as far north as Duppas Hill Road, and east to Sanderstead Hill. Croydon’s borders with Tandridge and Sutton mark the area’s southern and western limits. Roads to the east of Sanderstead Hill mark Area 4, which went live in January. The exceptions, remaining at 30mph, are private roads, Transport for London red routes and several Croydon A-roads. These include Chipstead Valley Road, Godstone Road, Coulsdon Road, Plough Lane and Farthing Way. In 2015, the council divided the borough into five areas and began introducing the lower limit after making the scheme an administration priority. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 20mph limits cut the risk of being injured or killed in an accident. All roads in Area 5 covered by the new speed limit have 20mph signs, and drivers caught speeding by police can expect fines, points on their licence or prosecution. The council will monitor traffic speeds within the 20mph roads, and if speeding remains an issue options could include police enforcement as well as traffic-calming measures.
Street of
dreams
Looking for the ideal spot to launch your new business? The answer could be right in the middle of town. The start of the financial year often sees entrepreneurs launch business ideas that have been bubbling for some time. All too often, however, finding a great place to see their dream become reality proves to be a major headache. That’s where central Croydon’s historic Surrey Street market steps in to provide the ideal spot for all manner of businesses to find their feet, and get up and running. At present, Croydon Council is able to offer a number of opportunities for traders to set up stall in the 742-year-old market.
Anybody unsure as to whether Surrey Street is right for their business can take advantage of the 10-day taster initiative, which, for £10 per day – including electricity and public liability insurance – gives them a taste of the opportunities, and the camaraderie and support of fellow traders. Interested? Email Fiona Woodcock at fiona.woodcock@ croydon.gov.uk, call 07747 118668, or visit www.croydon. gov.uk/surreystreet.
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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HELPING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE We are already well into 2018 and the challenges around serious youth violence and knife crime remain. The last fatality from knife crime on the borough was as recent as October 2017. The issue is ever present in the news and there has been much discussion around the causes and what needs to be done. The Croydon Local Strategic Partnership – a group of senior leaders and chief executives from the public sector organisations, voluntary sector, business and the police have agreed to implement a Children and Young Persons Plan. The plan is a two- to three-year commitment to put children and young people at the forefront of all that we do. The focus is on young people being able to have the opportunities to aspire to make the most of their lives and choose the right options. The plan is in the very early stages of development but there have been some recent indications of the difference that we hope it will make to the lives of people living and working in Croydon.
The Croydon Business Improvement District, local authority and police recently held a series of town-centre sessions to discuss with, and inform, young people on the dangers of knife crime and also the opportunities that exist in the borough. I had the pleasure of having a two-hour session of questions and answers with the public around what we are doing to tackle the issues around knife crime. It was good to meet so many of you and be able to provide positive examples of what we are actually doing to combat the issues. More sessions will follow in the weeks and months to come, so watch this space for more details. In February, at the Brit School in Selhurst, there was a moving performance, on knife crime, from the students. This provided a stark
reminder of the consequences and impact of this crime. The performance was followed by a Q&A session. I am also pleased to announce that Croydon police have launched a Young Persons Advisory Group; it will act as a critical friend in helping to shape and inform how we can better police the community and increase engagement with young people. In the next edition of my update I will be focusing on the restructuring of the MPS. This a going to be a real challenge but please be assured that the focus remains on keeping the people of Croydon safe and secure.
Jeff Boothe
Chief Supt Jeff Boothe Croydon borough commander
Kind coppers ensure couple get new car An elderly Croydon couple had an extra special Christmas Day when local police officers turned up with a most unexpected gift. When their car was stolen from outside their Croydon home, Linda and Michael Gibbs, in addition to being hugely upset, were left without their precious lifeline. The car was later found, badly damaged and fit for little more than scrap. Police officers saw the effect the theft had on the couple, both aged 73, and started a collection to replace it. So successful was the collection that, when officers arrived on Christmas Day, in addition to a Vauxhall Corsa, they were able to hand the couple the balance of what was collected, amounting to £2,300. A shocked Mrs Gibbs told officers: "You've given us our life and our freedom back. “I’m overwhelmed by the support and generosity you have given us. When Helen called to ask if we'd be in on Christmas morning, I thought you were going to give us a little hamper. “I had no idea it would be a car. It’s amazing – it has electric windows, two wing mirrors and no choke, and now I need to
think about what I’ll call her. “Thank you so, so much. Make sure you make a note of our registration number so you can give us a wave when you're out on patrol." Mr Gibbs said "Once you leave, I think we’ll have a good cry, I'm just so overwhelmed, I don't know what to say. “I've heard of wonderful things happening to people, and we try and do our bit for charity, but I never thought this would happen for us." Evidence taken from the stolen vehicle led officers to identify Fabion Wilfred, of Goodenough Way, Coulsdon. At Croydon Crown Court, in January, the 19-year-old pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and was sentenced to 21 weeks’ youth custody.
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SPRING 2018
Innovative health and care partnership extended A partnership between Croydon Council, Age UK Croydon and the local NHS that gives greater independence to people with complex health and care needs has been renewed after a successful initial year.
The One Croydon Alliance agreement, signed in April 2017, aimed to give the over-65s more personalised and joined-up support to avoid unnecessary hospital stays and lead more independent and active lives for as long as possible. The programme is changing the way health and social care professionals work together, with greater involvement with the voluntary and community sector. This includes GP practices hosting weekly confidential “huddle” meetings to review individual care plans with social workers, other health professionals and a new service, called personal independence coordinators (pic). The pics offer dedicated support over a 12-week period to find new activities or support services that improve quality of life. Other schemes involve teams of therapists, social workers and nurses working together to support safe and swift discharge from hospital, and prevention of admission. Since the introduction of the changes, 62% fewer people have needed care packages for longer than six weeks after leaving hospital, and their length of hospital stays have reduced by 20% One Croydon’s initial focus was on people aged over 65; when the contract renews from April, the partnership has agreed to extend its remit to consider the needs of people of all ages. The alliance comprises six borough organisations – Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Croydon Council, Croydon GP Collaborative, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Age UK Croydon.
SHIRLEY’S STORY Shirley Turner, from South Croydon, had been left housebound after a bleed on the brain several years ago, with related symptoms including vertigo, dizziness and tunnel vision, leading to depression and limited movement. Support provided by a pic has helped the 82-year-old to improve her mobility and well-being. Shirley now has a walking frame, has been referred to a local befriending service, and has joined a needlework group. She said: “As I don’t get out much and meet new people, I was quite nervous about meeting Caroline, my pic. “Her warm and friendly personality put me at ease right away and I have enjoyed working with her over the weeks. “My highlight was visiting the nature reserve as it holds so many happy memories for me and my dog-walking days. “I’ve also enjoyed our trips out for tea, and meeting Phyllis and Robert, new friends.” Shirley’s husband, Tom, added: “She has something new to talk about, and feels the project has given her life a new sense of purpose.”
21
ADVERTORIAL
Struggling? Feeling low, stressed or anxious? ‘How are you feeling? How was your day?’ ‘Quite stressful actually, I feel really overwhelmed.’ It’s healthy to know, and say, how you’re feeling and, just like physical health, everyone has mental health. Our mental or ‘emotional health’ is just as important as our physical health and it means we need to look after both. It is estimated that one in six people in Croydon are experiencing a common mental health problem such as anxiety, stress, worry, low mood, depression or difficulties sleeping. People often think they need to wait until they are feeling really bad to ask for help, but getting help early, even if you are stressed or struggling to cope, can help prevent the problem having a greater impact on your life.
Daniel*, 41, attended six sessions of guided self-help with a psychological well-being practitioner and said: ‘Having completed sessions with the therapist, I feel like the progress has been nothing short of amazing, considering the challenges that I was facing. My therapist was able to help me identify these challenges, and set me activities to work with facing these situations and issues.’ *name changed to protect anonymity
If you are having difficulties with any of the following problems, contact Croydon Psychological Therapies and Wellbeing Service (IAPT), which offers a free and confidential NHS service in a variety of locations. The service is for adults aged 18 years or over, who are registered with a Croydon GP. We help with: • Low mood & depression • Stress • Anxiety and worry • Sleep problems Croydon IAPT offers counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, computerised therapy and guided self-help. There is something for everyone. The website holds more information about what the service offers, how to refer and links to free self-help materials.
FEEDBACK: ‘I was keen to learn strategies to be my own therapist and this was a great starting point.’ Managing Anxiety Workshop
How do I access the service? • Self-refer online at www.slam-iapt.nhs.uk Once you have completed the form, please call us to book an appointment. • Self-refer over the phone on 020 3228 4040. • Speak to your GP who can refer you.
‘Felt happy as I am not the only one. Therapists were very patient, understanding, and helpful.’ Confidence Workshop
‘The service I received was excellent, very accommodating, and has helped me tremendously. It has given me a foundation upon which to carry on’. Managing Low Mood Workshop
22
SPRING 2018
Council meeting dates Public questions for council meetings (starting at 6.30pm) should be emailed to council.questions@croydon.gov.uk by noon on the indicated date. Meetings: Monday 26 Mar Deadlines: Monday 12 Mar Wednesday 23 May No public questions Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, can be emailed to council.questions @croydon.gov.uk; alternatively, write to Questions for the council, Legal and democratic services, 7C Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA; or call 020 8726 6000 extn 63876. Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings: 19 March For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings For information on cabinet and shadow cabinet members, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/cabinet Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. Meetings: 13 Mar Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee
Useful contacts For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800
Croydon Council general enquiries 020 8726 6000 Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre 020 3040 0800 Non-emergency urgent care - 111 Croydon University Hospital 020 8401 3000
Get in touch To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: yourcroydon@croydon.gov.uk If anybody you know isn't receiving the online Your Croydon weekly, tell them that they can ensure delivery by subscribing at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe
20 Mar Streets, environmental and homes scrutiny sub-committee 27 Mar Health and social care scrutiny sub-committee 17 Apr Scrutiny and overview committee 12 Jun Scrutiny and overview committee 19 Jun Children and young people scrutiny sub-committee 26 Jun Streets, environmental and homes scrutiny sub-committee For information on scrutiny, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or email scrutiny@croydon.gov.uk
Central Library and Museum of Croydon Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ Museum – www. central-library museumofcroydon.com Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Email: libraries@croydon.gov.uk Email: museum@croydon.gov.uk
Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues indicated. For further information, look www.croydononline.org/ safer-neighbourhood-board The next public meetings: Meeting: Wednesday 14 March at 6.30pm Venue: Community Space, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA Meeting: Thursday 14 June at 6.30pm Venue: Community Space, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings.
Guided Walks MARCH
Sunday 18 March Happy Valley wildlife tracker
Join the countryside warden in the search for tracks, burrows, droppings and tooth-marks, and make your own animal track plaster-casts. Suitable for children and adults. Two miles over 90 minutes. Call: 07966 113413
For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/ leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks
Woodvale Avenue, to marvel at the masters of the arts and crafts, storytelling, climbing wall and night sky, as they hunt for insects after coming kayaking. biodiversity@croydon.gov.uk out of hibernation. Bring a torch and wrap up warm. biodiversity@croydon.gov.uk
MAY
Saturday 19 May Croydon Outdoor Explorer open day at Pinewood Scout Centre
JUNE
Sunday 17 June Summer flowers in Selsdon Wood
Join Malcolm Jennings, Surrey Wildlife Trust and ACCS, for a stroll over the fields and through the APRIL Join us again for the annual open day at Pinewood wood to see what summer has to offer, from the Friday 13 April rare orchid to the humble buttercup. Meet at Scout Centre to promote all things nature-play Bats over South Norwood Lake 11am by the wooden bear in the Selsdon Wood car and outdoor-exploring in Croydon. Event for To mark the start of the bat-watching season, join families, teachers, early-years staff, and youth park. www.friendsofselsdonwood.co.uk us at 8pm by the main entrance to the park, off leaders, offering forest school, bush craft, nature www.accs-croydon.co.uk
For up-to-the-minute council news visit www.croydon.gov.uk/news
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Your A to Z of council services The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk and follow the “A-Z” link in the purple field near the top of the home page. Adult education
Emergency planning
Mediation service – housing
Trading standards
Information on the courses available to older students.
Keeping Croydon running in the event of serious incidents.
A mediation service for housing and housing association tenants, and others.
Blocked drains
Fly-tipping
My Croydon app
Dealing with doorstep crime and rogue traders, and offering advice to residents and businesses.
Information on how to deal with drain problems.
How to report it, your responsibilities as a landowner, and how the council prosecutes fly-tippers.
Download the council’s app for easy reporting of a number of issues.
Bulky waste collection
Neighbourhood wardens
What it is, how to book it and how much it will cost.
Offering help and support to local communities.
Careline
Occupational therapy
Providing a home safety and personal security system, helping people to live independently within their own homes.
Enabling people with disabilities to carry out essential activities, with the aim of maintaining or improving independence.
Councillors
Planning applications
Who they are, what they do and how to contact them.
Advice on all aspects of the planning process.
Disabled parking
Fly-tipping
Visitor parking permits
Providing parking bays throughout Croydon for vehicles used by the holders of blue badges.
How to apply, how much they cost and where they can be used.
Welfare benefit advice
Gambling The different types of licences – and how to apply for them.
Home safety advice Disabled parking
See if you are eligible for a free home safety check.
Dropped kerb and crossovers
Instrumental tuition
To lower the kerb in front of your property and provide vehicle access to a hard-standing parking area, council consent is required.
Service for children and young people.
Education Help and advice on all aspects of education.
Trading Standards
Planning
Know what you’re entitled to and claim it.
Youth projects
Recycling What to recycle, how to recycle and where to recycle.
All you need to know about Croydon’s youth provision.
Zoo licence You need to apply for a licence to run a zoo – should you really want to!
Licences Information on licences for nursing agencies, explosives, scaffolding and much more.
Recycling
Lottery registration Running a lottery to raise funds for a charity or an organisation such as a sports club, church or school, requires registration.
Safer Croydon Working to make the borough safer for all who live, work and visit here.
www.cro ydon. gov.uk/atoz
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Leading the field in animal management, arboriculture, balloon artistry, environmental conservation, countryside management, floristry, garden design, horticulture, landscaping, leatherwork, saddlery, shoemaking, tree surgery and wildlife courses at centres across London. Your Croydon Feb 2018.indd 1
05/02/2018 15:00:14