Past Intervention
Improvement and Assurance Panel
A government non-statutory Improvement and Assurance panel (IAP) was appointed in 2020, providing external advice, challenge and expertise, along with assurance to the Secretary of State.
In July 2023, its role was formally strengthened, moved to a statutory basis and membership revised. Croydon still led its recovery, but, as a last resort, the panel had the power to direct the council to make decisions if they feel we are falling behind or not delivering on our Best Value Duty. During this period of statutory intervention, the Council were not directed by the Improvement and Assurance Panel.
July 2023 Government documentation relating to the strengthening of the panel’s role can be viewed at Gov.UK: Statutory intervention: London Borough of Croydon.
Documents relating to the non-statutory rapid review and follow-up recovery and improvement work at the London Borough of Croydon can be viewed at: GOV.UK: Non-statutory review of the London Borough of Croydon.
The Panel’s powers expired on 20 July 2025 and commissioners were subsequently appointed to the council.
The total cost of the IAP to the Council from 2020 – July 2025 was £998,63.42.
Total Cost (including expenses and on costs) per panel member
| Panel member | Total cost |
|---|---|
| Tony McArdle (2020 to 2025) | £296,536.57 |
| Margaret Lee (2020 to 2023) | £89,524.29 |
| Brian Roberts (2023 to 2025) | £148,893.87 |
| Pamela Leonce (2023 to 2025) | £110,386.90 |
| Jon Wilson (2021 to 2025) | £74,750.65 |
| Phil Brookes (2020 to 2025) | £196,487.77 |
| Eleanor Brazil (2024 to 2025) | £81,152.37 |