Croydon Council's intensified environmental enforcement efforts have led to a significant increase in positive outcomes, including numerous fines for fly-tipping, extensive commercial waste inspections, and the seizure of illegal goods. The council has also seen a reduction in complaints in district centres following targeted clean-up operations.
During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, an update on the council's Cleaner Croydon Business Plan priority was presented, detailing the rebuilding of the enforcement capability with a new Community Compliance Team. Since September 2025, this team has issued over 100 Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping offences. Furthermore, more than 1,000 commercial waste inspections have been conducted, alongside ten Blitz Cleans
of district centres, which have reportedly led to a decrease in complaints in some areas.
The enforcement actions have extended to other areas, with 70 Blue Badges confiscated and 32 vehicles removed as part of a borough-wide crackdown. Trading Standards has also been active, seizing 10,000 illegal vapes and 93,000 illicit cigarettes. In addition, Trading Standards successfully recovered nearly £500,000 in reimbursements for fraud victims.
Food hygiene inspections have resulted in 691 checks, leading to three premises being shut down. The report also highlighted the active involvement of 872 Street Champions
and improvements to the Love Clean Streets
app, reflecting the Executive Mayor's commitment to restoring civic pride and enhancing the public realm.
Councillor Herman, Shadow Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, raised questions regarding the payment rate of fixed penalty notices and strategies for tackling repeat offenders. The Executive Mayor assured that answers would be provided and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach, emphasizing fair but firm enforcement, high community engagement, and the use of modern technology.
The Cabinet agreed to note the progress made in environmental and regulatory enforcement and that future updates on enforcement performance will be reported annually.
