Croydon Council has highlighted the progress made in its Equality Strategy 2023-27, focusing on inclusivity and support for diverse communities.
The Croydon Council meeting on 10 December 2025 included a review of the Equality Strategy 2023-27 Annual Report, where councillors noted key achievements and discussed priorities for the coming year. The Equality Strategy 2023-27 - Annual Report highlighted improvements in translation and accessibility, more inclusive service design, and stronger partnerships with Voluntary, Community and Faith (VCFS) organisations.
While specific details on the improvements in translation and accessibility are not provided in the meeting summary, the council has stated that new equality impact assessment documentation has helped staff think about the equality impact of policy decisions at the policy formation stage. The full report, Amended Appendix 1 - Equality Strategy Report 2024-25, may contain further information on these improvements, as well as details on the VCFS partnerships.
The council has maintained a 0% gender and disability pay gap, expanded staff networks, improved leadership diversity, and invested in development pathways. Priorities for the coming year include addressing leadership representation, succession planning, data and insight, inclusive culture and leadership practice, service design, EQIA quality, youth inclusion and opportunity. Specific actions to address underrepresentation in leadership roles are not detailed in the summary, but are expected to be outlined in the full report.
Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, presented the Equality Strategy Annual Report, noting the council's significant progress in providing opportunities for all. He highlighted the 0% pay gap between staff who declare themselves to have a disability and other staff, as well as the 0% gender pay gap. Stranack also praised the Children and Young People Service for amplifying youth voices and Public Health for engaging residents through the Creative Arts Programme.
However, Councillor Rhea Patel of the Green Party, proposed an amendment, stating that This council notes the progress that has been made and believes Croydon can do better.
Patel highlighted critical failings, including the invisibility of Romani, Gypsy, Roma, Irish and Scottish Traveller communities due to outdated data. She also called for a deeper understanding of systemic discrimination and honesty about anti-racism efforts.
Councillor Helen Redfern criticised the Green Party's amendment, calling it performative politics designed for sound bites rather than delivering for Croydon's residents.
Despite these challenges, the council approved the Equality Strategy 2023-27 Annual Report, signalling a continued commitment to promoting equality and inclusion across the borough. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for the coming year will likely focus on the stated priorities, including leadership representation, succession planning, data and insight, inclusive culture, service design, EQIA quality, and youth inclusion. However, specific KPIs are not listed in the summary and may be found in the full report.
