Croydon Council is relocating its housing and homelessness services from Bernard Weatherill House to Cavendish House, 51-55 South End, by the end of August. The council insists the move is “a change of location only,” meaning the appointment-only system introduced after the closure of the walk-in housing service last year will remain in place.
The announcement comes as the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed on July 7 that a resident had won the right to challenge the closure of the walk-in homelessness service in the High Court. The judicial review will scrutinise the decision, which a disabled resident claims was discriminatory.
New location details
According to an internal memo, the 1980s-built Cavendish House is about a 10-minute walk from Bernard Weatherill House on Mint Walk. It currently houses the Turnaround Centre, a drug and alcohol support service. The combined council reception service will offer appointments for housing needs and homelessness, with same-day slots for urgent cases.
In an internal email, Mayor Jason Perry said: “Relocating the service to Cavendish House will provide a better environment for residents, visitors and staff. The new location has been identified because it offers improved facilities, including a larger reception area with quieter, family-friendly spaces, more appointment rooms and a layout that will improve how many residents and visitors can be assisted.”
Background of the closure
Croydon Council closed its walk-in service at the purpose-built Access Croydon desk in March 2025, citing growing demand and pressure on services. The authority said the appointment-based system would manage demand more efficiently and prioritise residents by need. The decision was made by then Chief Executive Katherine Kerswell. However, the change led to what a charity worker described as “chaotic” scenes, with residents queuing outside Bernard Weatherill House for appointments.
High Court challenge
The High Court granted permission for a judicial review after a disabled resident with learning disabilities and limited literacy claimed he could not use the online booking form. During the July 7 hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, District Judge Alan Bates found minimal evidence that adequate measures were in place for digitally excluded residents. He noted the council’s phone lines often went unanswered, which did not provide an adequate alternative.
The Public Interest Law Centre, representing the resident with backing from 30 Croydon voluntary organisations, believes the case could have “significant implications across London and potentially nationwide.” A date for the judicial review has not yet been set.
Wider trend and next steps
Croydon’s closure reflects a wider trend across London. A King’s College London investigation found that only three of the capital’s 33 local authorities still offer face-to-face drop-in services for homeless people. The relocation proposal will go before Cabinet for approval on July 29.
