Croydon council accused of ‘toxic reputation’ as it struggles to fill jobs

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Croydon council’s “toxic reputation” is making it hard to fill empty jobs, a senior councillor has warned.

Councillor Jeet Bains, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said the department was riddled with issues, including “chronic staff shortages”.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he said: “It has been very difficult to attract good staff to come to Croydon.

“Guess what? When you’re a bankrupt council, it doesn’t lead to a very good image for good people to want to come and join. The toxic reputation is far and wide in terms of its impact on the council.”

Croydon council last week issued its third bankruptcy notice in just two years. A Section 114 notice is issued when a council cannot balance its budget – a legal requirement.

In this case, Croydon said it was unable to balance its budget for 2023/24.

It is not just council departments which will be impacted by the authority “becoming smaller”, as the council puts it. In April 2023 funding for voluntary organisations will come to an end.

The community fund was rolled out in 2020 when it gave £2.6m to more than 50 organisations and projects.

The council will not renew this funding, which is vital to many local charities.

At the same meeting, Cllr Andy Stranack, cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “We are currently holding meetings with any group impacted by this decision.

“This is allowing officers and myself to understand the effect this will have on each organisation.

“We are also offering advice and support on how to access other potential funding sources where we can and other routes of support such as potential community asset transfers of council buildings and support in writing funding bids.”

Pictured top: Bernard Weatherill House, Croydon Council offices, Fell Road (Picture: Tara O’Connor)