Political opinion with Crawley Borough Council Leader: A well run Labour council, delivering for local people

Crawley Borough Council continues to be run efficiently and effectively under Labour leadership, despite opposition claims to the contrary. At last week’s Full Council meeting, members reviewed a number of positive achievements across finance, housing, regeneration and environmental services. 

The Council ended the last financial year in a strong position, despite significant pressures from homelessness, temporary accommodation and property costs. A General Fund surplus of £773,000 increased reserves to £5.038 million, well above the recommended minimum. 

Prudent management of resources, additional investment income and favourable funding outcomes offset service overspends. An underspend by £685,000 in Crawley Homes will support future repairs for council tenants. Right to Buy sales generated £27 million for future council housing investment. 

Key housing schemes continue to progress, the Council has also acquired 43 new homes at Forge Wood Phase 1B, including 33 for social rent and 10 for temporary accommodation. All have been allocated to local families through the Housing Register.  

In addition, councillors approved an ambitious, fully costed plan, sadly not supported by any of the Reform councillors, to deliver nearly 1,000 new council homes in future years, rising beyond 1,000 when Forge Wood and other future schemes are included. The programme provides a clear roadmap to address the borough’s housing emergency and growing demand for affordable homes and represents a significant achievement. 

The Station Gateway scheme is progressing well, delivering a safer, more attractive and better-connected route between the station and town centre. Major junction and crossing improvements are largely complete, three-quarters of the high-quality paving in The Martlets has already been laid and the project remains on budget with a forecast underspend. New sustainable bus shelters will improve passenger facilities while reducing carbon emissions. 

High Street Summer Sounds proved highly successful, bringing free live music to Crawley town centre, attracting hundreds of residents and visitors, boosting town centre footfall and supporting local businesses.

Showcasing local and tribute acts, like the Slow Time Mondays and the Cureheads, the programme strengthened community spirit and supported emerging talent.  Feedback from those attending, businesses and music industry representatives has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Finally, the new food waste collection service has made a strong start. Participation has exceeded expectations, diverting significant food waste from residual bins for conversion into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Early results show strong resident engagement, successful collections and lower levels of residual waste. The Council will continue to monitor the service and work to increase participation and recycling rates further. 

All of these together are strong steps towards improving our Borough.  By continuing to work together we will build on already strong foundations, for a future we can all prosper in.