As our borough of Croydon mourns over the loss of businesses and its middle classes to greener pastures, the council leaders must be contemplating on the ways of inspiring vitality, values and a fresh vision for the borough.

But the recent decision to increase the council tax for next year, while sending shock waves among residents, fails to exude confidence on the council. A sorry tale of woe for the residents, but as a recent BBC broadcast points out the council must take steps to reduce the six figure salary of its staff and reduce other areas, where waste of funds occur.

Amidst austerity measures taken by the central government, a reduction in its contribution to local government, Croydon Council aptly decided to freeze the council tax for the current year. Yet under a cloud of secrecy, unaware to the majority of its residents, the council has taken steps to increase the charges for some services, for example pest control at a staggering £95, which used to be a free service in the recent past.

As welfare cuts bites this April and more people are buried in poverty, the council will be tested to a fresh assault putting further strain on its budget. It may be the council will have to empower the notion of creating food banks for the needy across the borough.

Amidst all despair, let us hope the council will be able to deliver some hope and whether Westfield will be able to deliver is a matter for the unknown future.

Nick Wanigaratne
Purley