Communities given extra responsibility in Croydon

A new six-month pilot scheme launched by Croydon Council will see three local communities given more responsibility for services.

Following the success of a similar scheme in Thornton Heath, Croydon Council will set up pilots in South Norwood, Purley and New Addington to allow residents and businesses to shape how projects and services are delivered locally.

Additional power was handed to Croydon residents last year when the council introduced the community budget programme, which ives each area in the borough its own budget to spend on local projects.

The money was used in a variety of ways, including: a Christmas lights competition, the New Addington Carnival, tickets for local scouts, a youth club cooking project, a healthy meal for elderly residents and the New Addington Autism Group.

Additionally, in Croham the funding allowed for the printing of a bi-annual newsletter, the South End Christmas lights, photographic equipment and iPads for a local school, the local scout group’s centenary celebration and lighting to the scout hut and work in a community garden.

Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the Croydon Council said: “This council is committed to entrusting more powers from the town hall to local communities and the pilot scheme will enable residents in South Norwood, Purley and New Addington to be at the heart of decisions made about their local area.

“Most importantly, it will give those living and working in these areas a strong voice in the delivery of local services and projects planned for their communities.”