A new photobook featuring caretaking standards on council estates has been launched in Croydon.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry says: “This bespoke guide will be used by housing staff to enhance the caretaking service on our estates, and by residents who conduct inspections of their local areas as part of our neighbourhood voice scheme.
“I have made it my top priority to listen to our tenants and leaseholders and to work with them to review and improve our housing services. “So I was delighted to attend the launch of the new photobook.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to all our residents who contributed to the development of these standards and this photobook.” (Source: Croydon.gov newsroom)
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New Mayors
CROYDON
Cllr Kola Agboola has been appointed as Croydon’s new Civic Mayor for the 2024-25 civic year.
The Civic Mayor will perform ceremonial and public duties across the borough during his year in office. This is a different role to that of the Executive Mayor who is elected by the residents of Croydon every four years to lead the council.
Cllr Agboola represents New Addington North ward and is an active member of the community he has represented since he was elected in May 2021.
Outside his work as a councillor, he is a senior technician of simulated learning and clinical skills at Kingston University, a position he finds fulfilling, supporting students and young people to achieve their full potential.
Cllr Agboola is a strong advocate for fostering community, representation and standing up for others, values that led him to active politics four years ago after being an active trade unionist for more than 30 years.
The new Civic Mayor lives in New Addington with his wife Helen, who will serve as Mayoress for the year.
Following his appointment, Cllr Agboola said: “I am indeed grateful to be elected as the Civic Mayor of Croydon and look forward to representing the borough in my constitutional and ceremonial duties as the Civic Mayor and First Citizen. “Also, I’m proud to be the first African to attain this position in Croydon.
“I will be supporting and raising the profile of my two chosen charities – Croydon Nightwatch and The Family Centre.”
Assisting the Civic Mayor in his position is the new Deputy Civic Mayor, Cllr Richard Chatterjee, who represents Shirley North ward. Councillor Chatterjee was an NHS hospital pharmacist for 16 years, followed by working in the civil service for 23 years.
Cllr Chatterjee said: “I feel honoured to be nominated to serve as Deputy Civic Mayor and grateful to the residents of Shirley North whom I represent.” (Source: Croydon.gov newsroom)
SOUTHWARK
Cllr Naima Ali has been elected as the Worshipful the Mayor of Southwark for the Municipal year 2024-2025.
Cllr Ali received the chain – and status as “first citizen” of the Borough – from outgoing Mayor, Cllr Michel Situ at the annual Mayor-making ceremony at Southwark Cathedral. Fellow councillor, Sunny Lambe, was elected as deputy Mayor at the same ceremony.
Southwark council also appointed its new-look Cabinet at the meeting, with some slight changes in responsibilities and introducing new Cabinet Members and Deputy Cabinet Members.
The new Cabinet is as follows:
Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of the Council
The Leader sets the overall vision, direction and top priorities for the council. He represents the council in the community and in negotiations with regional and national organisations.
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees
Cllr Ali will deputise for the Leader of the Council in his absence by representing the borough at external events, as well as having responsibility for education, children’s social care, children’s mental health, refugees and young offenders.
Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing
Cllr Akoto’s portfolio includes supporting carers, improving health services and adult social care, as well as public health.
Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs & Business
Cllr Batteson will oversee our High Streets, business support, Living Wage, Worker’s Rights and vocation skills as well as looking at climate adaptation and greening our local businesses.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy & Finance
Cllr Cryan’s portfolio includes the ongoing Cost of Living support, digital infrastructure in Southwark, equalities and the council’s finances.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes & Sustainable Development
Cllr Dennis oversees our new homes building programme, new affordable homes, planning and building control, developing our opportunity areas like Old Kent Road and responding to the Southwark Land Commission.
Cllr Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Neighbourhoods
Cllr Ennin is responsible for private rented housing, environmental health, our partnership with police and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough.
Cllr Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes
Cllr King oversees the council housing in the borough, including sheltered housing, temporary accommodation and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Her role covers resident involvement, maintenance and fire safety in our council homes.
Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets & Waste
Cllr McAsh covers improving the council’s air quality, creating safer streets for walking and cycling, road safety and improving public transport, waste and recycling and flood risk.
Cllr Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks & Young People
Cllr Mwangangye has taken on the role of Cabinet Member for leisure, parks and young people, which includes oversight of our sports and leisure services, our parks and open spaces, culture including events and libraries, and increasing the influence of young people in council decision through things like the Youth Parliament.
Deputy Members
- Cllr Sam Dalton, Deputy Cabinet Member for Supported Housing
- Cllr Emily Hickson, Deputy Cabinet Member for Green Finance
- Cllr Bethan Roberts, Deputy Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement
- Cllr Joseph Vambe, Deputy Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods
(Source: Southwark.gov news)
NEWS FROM CRYSTAL PALACE 