Croydon is due to receive a share of a £5million pot set aside by the Government to improve the quality of all front line public services in the borough.

It is one of only 13 parts of the country chosen to try out a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the way public bodies work together to serve their local communities.

Councillor Mike Fisher, council leader, said: “Our beacon successes are strong evidence of the way successful partnership working is already making a difference for our residents.

"It’s therefore no surprise that the Government has selected Croydon as one of just two London boroughs to further develop the operation of a joined-up approach.

“Providing a range of public services under one roof is already at the centre of our URV proposal for a new administrative centre in the town and securing value for money and greater efficiency is the only way we know how to do business.

“I am delighted that the Secretary of State has recognised our willingness to work closely with other parts of the public sector.

"She can rely on us to shine as an example for local leadership, innovation and co-operation.”

The public sector in Croydon includes the police, fire, health, education, courts, Job Centre Plus, Land Registry, Inland Revenue and Home Office.

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