Croydon Council is facing potential government intervention as the Secretary of State is 'minded to' send in commissioners. The council convened an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 10 July 2025 to discuss the implications of this decision.
The move follows concerns about the council's compliance with the best value duty under the Local Government Act 1999, which requires local authorities to deliver services economically, efficiently, and effectively. The government's announcement that it was minded to
send commissioners into Croydon was due to these concerns. The council considered the potential consequences for the decision-making functions of the Executive Mayor and Cabinet, Statutory Officers, Full Council, and the Council's Scrutiny function.
The Statutory Officers' report provided an overview of the situation, including the background to the 'minded to' letter and the council's response. The report noted that definitive explanations of the consequences are difficult to provide until the Secretary of State makes a final decision. The date of the final decision is not known. The current arrangements with the Improvement and Assurance Panel are set to end on 20th July 2025 so it is likely that a response will be received by then.
The proposed directions to the council include continuing to develop and implement the London Borough of Croydon Stabilisation Plan and transformation programme, addressing the culture of financial management, restoring public trust, and ensuring all functions are exercised in conformity with the Best Value Duty. These are the key components of the plan and programme. The council would also be required to report to the Secretary of State on the delivery of the stabilisation plan and transformation programme.
The proposed directions to the commissioners include functions associated with governance, scrutiny, transparency of strategic decision-making, financial governance, strategic financial decision-making, the authority's operating model, redesign of services, and the appointment and dismissal of statutory officers. These powers would affect the Executive Mayor and Cabinet.
If commissioners are appointed, the council would be liable for their fees and associated costs. Mayor Jason Perry made a statement setting out his response to the government's intervention. The minutes of the meeting do not contain the content of this statement. The council also received questions from councillors to Mayor Jason Perry and the Executive. The minutes of the meeting do not contain the content of these questions.
The council noted the Statutory Officers' Report on the matter.