This week in Bexley:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Housing Development and Parking

Bexley Council's Council meeting on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, saw residents voice strong concerns about housing development and parking, while councillors debated the borough's financial future and infrastructure priorities. The meeting highlighted the tension between development goals and the everyday impact on residents' lives.

Burr Farm Development Sparks Resident Anger

A key point of contention was the planned development on Burr Farm. Local resident Mr Dimitri Shvorob directly questioned the council's plans, expressing disappointment that Conservative councillors, who had pledged to protect green spaces during their election campaigns, appeared to be contradicting those promises. Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council, stated that the matter was subject to a live planning application and therefore could not be discussed in detail. He clarified that Burr Farm is an allocated site in the local plan (policy BXH06) for residential family homes, including green spaces, and has been unused for nearly two decades. However, this explanation did little to appease Mr Shvorob, who felt there was an ethical contradiction in the council's stance. The situation underscores how planning decisions, even on allocated sites, can create significant friction with residents who feel their local environment is under threat.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Elshare Gardens Parking Woes Continue

Residents of Elshare Gardens are still grappling with insufficient parking bays and issues with yellow lines. Ms Chris Shirley requested a reduction in the hours of the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) to align with neighbouring roads. Councillor Cameron Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, explained that Elshare Gardens is part of an experimental CPZ introduced to mitigate parking pressures from Elizabeth line commuters. He noted that the current six-hour restriction (10 am to 4 pm) was implemented due to changing working patterns, with fears that a shorter limit might not prevent commuters from occupying spaces. Ms Shirley pushed for a second survey and suggested making the area resident permit holder-only if the CPZ hours were not reviewed, highlighting the daily struggle for parking faced by families in the area. The council has assured residents that their feedback will be carefully considered during the 18-month experimental period.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Greenbelt Protection Remains a Priority

In response to a question from Councillor Steven Hall, Councillor Cameron Smith reiterated the council's commitment to protecting the greenbelt from government and the Mayor of London's plans to weaken protections. He detailed the council's greybelt strategy assessment and efforts to resist proposals that could allow development on greenbelt sites near train stations. This commitment is crucial for preserving the borough's natural landscape and ensuring access to green spaces for all residents, particularly those in more densely populated areas.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Playground Investments and Library Upgrades Promise Community Benefits

The council is investing significantly in local amenities, with substantial upgrades planned for playgrounds and libraries across the borough.

Playground Investments

Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, outlined an ongoing investment of approximately £2 million over the next few years in playgrounds, with around £1 million to be invested this year. Projects include replacements at Royal Park Playground due to arson damage and significant investment in Westheath Recreation Ground. These investments are vital for providing safe and engaging spaces for children, promoting physical activity and community well-being.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Library Modernisation Underway

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, detailed a £2 million capital investment over four years for library refurbishments. This includes new public PCs, increased Wi-Fi capacity, and new technology like a cloud-based printing solution and a Hublet lending device. The investment aims to ensure libraries remain vibrant community hubs, offering modern, accessible services for all residents. Crayford and Welling libraries are set to be the first to receive investment.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Council Debates Local Government Funding and Taxation

A motion moved by Councillor Oscar Harrison called for a review of the local government funding formula and a change in the government's approach to taxation and regulation. An amendment proposed by Councillor Stefano Borella highlighted the Labour government's contributions to Bexley, including increased highway spending and Pride in Place funding for Slade Green. After a roll call vote, the amendment was not carried, and the substantive motion was debated and carried. This debate reflects the ongoing challenge councils face in securing adequate funding to deliver essential services.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Leader's Report Highlights Service Delivery and Priorities

Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council, presented his report, outlining the administration's priorities for delivering services, supporting businesses, and improving the borough. Key points included progress on the Transfer of Care Hub, the Family Hub programme, town centre regeneration projects, and efforts to combat homelessness.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Licensing Decisions and Future Transformation Plans

Bexley Council's Licensing Committee convened on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, to address a range of licensing matters, from new premises licences to enforcement updates. Meanwhile, the Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met the following day, Wednesday, 8 July 2026, to scrutinise the council's ambitious Future Bexley transformation programme and its financial implications. The Members' Staffing Panel also met on Thursday, 9 July 2026, to discuss the crucial appointment of a new Director of Place.

Licensing Committee Approves New Premises and Reviews Fees

The Licensing Committee reviewed a significant number of licence applications, including ten new premises licences. Among these were licences for Mehmaan at 270 Broadway, Bexleyheath, and Montalbano Restaurant at 125-129 Bellegrove Road, Welling, both for restaurant alcohol sales and late-night refreshment. Welling United Football Club received a temporary licence for a Fan Zone at Park View Road, Welling, to extend its existing premises licence for alcohol sales during specific match days. The committee also considered three variations to existing licences and two minor variations, including one for Lidl at 10-12 and 20 Broadway, Bexleyheath, which sought to remove conditions related to school children access and SIA security staff.

The committee was also scheduled to consider a report proposing the introduction of fees for primate licensing, a new regulatory area requiring keepers to hold a licence to ensure zoo-level welfare standards. This proposal, if adopted, would mean private keepers of primates would need to pay a fee to the council.

An update on licensing enforcement highlighted inspections of restaurants for alcohol licensing compliance and efforts to license special treatment premises. The report also noted minimal work concerning scrap metal licensing, with two new premises licensed and one threatened with a closure notice for non-payment of fees.

The committee was also to be provided with details of three Licensing Sub-Committee hearings, including the revocation of a Premises Licence for Sveiki at 18 Gilbert Road, Belvedere, following a closure order, and the refusal of a Premises Licence application for Morley's Takeaway at 33a Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath. These decisions directly impact local businesses and the services available to residents.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Future Bexley Transformation Programme Under Scrutiny

The Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee delved into the Future Bexley Assurance Framework, a critical component of the council's transformation programme aimed at addressing a significant financial gap. The programme has confirmed £3.63 million in savings for 2026/27, with a further £7 million projected, aiming for a total net benefit of £18.5 million.

Councillor Stefano Borella raised concerns about the framework's complex language, suggesting it could be daunting for staff. Aisha Hakim-Rahman, Deputy Director of Transformation, acknowledged this and stated the language would be reviewed. Councillor Sean Brackstone sought assurance on member oversight and the maintenance of face-to-face services for residents in crisis, a point echoed by Councillor Nicola Taylor, who suggested establishing call hubs for vulnerable residents during hot weather. Councillor David Leaf assured that face-to-face services would be maintained and that the community hub model would offer further support.

Concerns were also raised about the validation of savings and whether they were recurring or one-off. The committee discussed the potential for increased digital services to reduce support for elderly or less digitally included residents, with Councillor Leaf emphasising a nuanced approach to ensure appropriate communication channels for all.

The committee also reviewed performance indicators, noting a significant slip in the number of Stage 1 complaints being closed on time, and ongoing issues with invoices paid within 30 days and a decline in the performance of member inquiries. Ross Brown, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, explained these could be due to case complexity, increased member activity, and the need for additional information.

The committee also discussed potential additions to its work programme, including a closer examination of BexleyCo, the council's development company, and the council's communication strategy.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Senior Leadership Appointment for Director of Place

The Members' Staffing Panel met to discuss the appointment of a new Director of Place, a senior role responsible for leading the borough's regeneration and development. This position is crucial for shaping the conditions for sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment. The recruitment process involved an executive search, with three candidates shortlisted for final interviews. The panel was to consider feedback from stakeholder and residents' panels before making a final decision. The role is graded at Bexley26, with a salary range of £164,895-£193,557. The meeting also included guidance on declarations of interest, a vital aspect of ensuring transparency and preventing conflicts of interest in decision-making.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Children's Services Under the Spotlight: Transformation and SEND Reforms Take Centre Stage

Bexley Council's Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, to delve into a series of ambitious transformation programmes and critical reforms impacting the borough's youngest residents. The discussions underscored the council's commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, even amidst significant budget pressures.

A major focus was the Children's Transformation Programme, which aims to deliver integrated, child-centred services. This includes a Commissioning Redesign projected to save £1.2 million by optimising children's placements, with £0.972 million already achieved by safely stepping down children from intensive settings. A further £0.78 million saving is anticipated through an Advanced Practitioner Model. The programme also encompasses the rollout of four Best Start Family Hubs and a new digital platform for families.

The Families First programme is a large-scale initiative to integrate early help and statutory services within local communities. Key elements include strengthened multi-agency working and the development of a new Family Group Decision Making service. Bexley is also participating in a national Kinship Zones pilot, funded by the Department for Education, to provide dedicated support to kinship carers, including a new Kinship Allowance.

Significant attention was given to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms. Following an inspection that identified widespread failings, Bexley has made progress, earning commendation from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission for its actions. Improvements are noted in the SEND Hub, the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and early identification. However, challenges remain in embedding Preparation for Adulthood and addressing variations in complex cases. The council is awaiting the lifting of an improvement notice, with indications that it is likely to be lifted.

The committee also reviewed the Local SEND Reform Plan, developed in response to government reforms. This plan, co-produced with children, young people, and professionals, outlines seven pillars for improving the SEND system. The government's changes to SEND funding, including the introduction of a High Needs Stability Grant, were discussed, with the council needing to find alternative funding for certain roles.

Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, highlighted Bexley's success in delivering a small underspend in children's social care, a feat achieved by many local authorities. He also spoke about the council's Fostering Strategy, which aims to increase local fostering placements, improve stability, and reduce reliance on external agencies. The strategy builds on the success of the Fostering Together model, which provides peer support and flexible assistance to carers.

The discussions also touched upon the government's upcoming guidance requiring schools to be mobile-phone free from September 2026. Councillors debated the practicalities and safety implications, with a consensus emerging that while a complete ban might be impractical, a consistent approach focusing on smartphones and their use within school grounds is necessary. The importance of educating parents and ensuring safety measures are in place for children who may need to contact parents or guardians was also stressed.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Public Cabinet Approves Budget Monitoring and Fostering Strategy Amidst Financial Scrutiny

Bexley Council's Public Cabinet met on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to review the council's financial health and approve key strategies. The meeting highlighted an outturn overspend of £208,000 for the 2025-26 financial year, an improvement of £1.153 million from previous reports. However, the current financial year (2026-27) forecasts an overspend of £601,000, primarily due to SEN transport costs and transformation savings not yet fully realised.

The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) was updated, projecting a widening budget gap from £8.192 million in 2027-28 to £21.885 million by 2030-31. This strategy relies on annual council tax increases of 4.99% and successful savings from the Future Bexley transformation programme. Key financial risks include contract and pay inflation, and increasing demand in social care and SEN transport.

The Future Bexley programme, now in its delivery phase, aims to achieve £3.630m in savings for 2026/27 through programmes focused on customer experience, whole-life transformation, and commercialisation. A new Assurance Framework has been launched to govern this programme, ensuring accountability and rigorous validation of savings.

An update on BexleyCo's business plan revealed progress on development sites, though sales at West Street have been slower than anticipated, leading to a hybrid sales and rental model. The overall forecast development profit remains over £24 million, with an expected profit after tax of £15.836 million. Challenges persist due to market conditions and construction inflation.

The Annual Performance Report for 2025/26 indicated strong service delivery but acknowledged continuing pressures in social care, housing, and SEND. A new vision statement for Children's Services was presented: Together, with our partners, we will build strong relationships with children and families to empower them to grow, enrich their education and wellbeing to be the best they can be.

The cabinet also approved in principle the development of a borough-wide Community Hubs Network, aiming to provide simpler, more accessible, and joined-up support closer to home. This initiative builds on existing programmes like Family Hubs and Best Start in Life, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

The Bexley Fostering Strategy 2026–2030 was approved, setting ambitious goals to increase local foster carers, improve placement stability, and strengthen support for carers. Key objectives include recruiting an additional 80 fostering households, placing 90% of children in care with local foster carers, and placing 80% of sibling groups together. This strategy is crucial for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and ensuring financial sustainability by reducing reliance on costly independent fostering agencies.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) Meets

The Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The meeting was scheduled to cover local and national developments in religious education, including the implementation of the new Locally Agreed Syllabus and the impact of local government reorganisation on SACREs. Updates were also expected on national curriculum reforms and the role of RE in promoting social cohesion. Information on NASACRE training opportunities and the Westhill/NASACRE Awards was also to be provided.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Members' Staffing Panel Postponed

The Members' Staffing Panel, originally scheduled for Thursday, 2 July 2026, has been postponed.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Obesity Crisis Looms: Council Tackles Rising Rates with New Strategies

Bexley Council is facing a growing public health challenge as obesity rates continue to climb, particularly among children and in the borough's most deprived areas. The Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to discuss progress on tackling obesity, an update on direct payments, and adult social care performance. The stark reality is that one in four adults and one in five reception-aged children in Bexley are living with obesity, a figure projected to rise significantly.

Dr. Nicole Klynman, Director of Public Health, and Katie Clare, Consultant in Public Health, presented data showing that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is highest in the most deprived areas, contributing to health inequalities and a widening gap in life expectancy. Key challenges identified include limited access to supermarkets, a high density of fast-food outlets, and food insecurity. Physical activity rates are alarmingly low, and there's a critical gap in weight management services for secondary school-aged children.

Despite these hurdles, the council is implementing initiatives like the Cook and Eat programme and working with local businesses on healthier catering. The Best Start Family Hubs are being used to train staff to promote healthy lifestyles. However, concerns were raised about the low engagement with existing services and the sustainability of weight loss. Councillor Cafer Munur highlighted the crucial link between mental health and obesity, questioning if current support adequately addresses chronic stress, a factor known to influence eating habits. He also stressed the need for a whole council approach to the Bexley 2050 vision, urging that planning decisions, such as the proliferation of fast-food outlets, should not contradict public health goals.

The committee also heard that Bexley's tier 2 weight management services, while having low numbers, are the highest in South East London, a small comfort in the face of a significant challenge. The long-term implications of rising obesity for future adult social care budgets were also a point of concern.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Direct Payments Uptake Increases, Offering More Choice and Control

Bexley Council is seeing a positive trend in the uptake of direct payments, a scheme that empowers individuals to manage their own care needs. An update presented to the Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 25 June 2026, revealed that direct payment uptake has increased from 18.1% in October 2022 to 23.3% in 2024/25, now exceeding the peer group average and nearing the London average.

Direct payments offer individuals the choice and control to commission their own care, whether through agencies, employing personal assistants, or using funds creatively for social activities. This approach is seen as the ultimate in choice and control for individuals receiving social care support. The increase follows recommendations from a 2022-2023 scrutiny subgroup, leading to the co-production of expenditure guidelines, the launch of the Your Life, Your Choice Care Finder website, and the establishment of a dedicated Direct Payment Support Service.

While the increase is welcome, Councillor Cafer Munur urged caution, noting that direct payments are not suitable for everyone and stressing the importance of a safety net for those who prefer not to manage their own care. Concerns about potential increased monitoring costs and ensuring value for money were also raised. Officers assured the committee that the focus remains on meeting individual needs flexibly and that commissioned services are used to sense-check market rates.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Community Safety and Recycling Take Centre Stage at Places Committee

The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, to address critical issues including community safety, recycling initiatives, and the council's cultural strategy. A significant decision was the establishment of a subgroup to review current community safety and anti-social behaviour arrangements, acknowledging the widespread impact these issues have on residents.

Councillor Frazer Brooks strongly advocated for the community safety subgroup, highlighting its prevalence in his ward and across the borough. Councillor Cafer Munur supported this, noting that resources are already in place to tackle the problem. Councillor Chris Ball suggested incorporating concerns about domestic abuse rates into the review, recognising the link between community safety and broader societal issues. While a subgroup on youth unemployment was also proposed, the committee decided to address this as a future agenda item, requesting a report back due to potential funding limitations for a dedicated subgroup.

The committee also agreed to a reality check-in visit to the Thames Road recycling facility, offering members a firsthand look at waste management operations. Discussions on the Simpler Recycling Project revealed that Bexley aims to reach a 65% recycling rate by 2030. While Bexley has been an early adopter of food waste collections, efforts are ongoing to extend this to all flats. A soft plastics collection service is planned for March 2027, with options for collection and processing being investigated. The potential cost of providing bags for soft plastics was noted, and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which aims to cover packaging costs, was discussed. Councillor Zainab Asunramu raised concerns about inconsistencies in food waste caddy and garden waste collections in Thamesmead East, requesting a review to ensure equitable provision across the borough.

The council's Culture Strategy, aimed at raising the borough's profile and enhancing opportunities through arts and heritage, was also reviewed. Councillor Cafer Munur emphasised the need for measurable outcomes, while Councillor Frazer Brooks advocated for a more equitable distribution of cultural events across the borough's smaller towns. Councillor Chris Ball questioned the metrics for cultural engagement and the diversity of partners involved, suggesting a need to look beyond the usual suspects.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Pensions Committee Reviews Fund Performance and Future Plans

The Pensions Committee met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The committee received presentations from London CIV and Barnett Waddingham, reviewed the quarterly administration and financial performance reports for the Bexley Pension Fund up to 31 March 2026, and discussed the proposed Business Plan and Investment Work Plan for 2026-27. The total market value of the fund's investments at 31 March 2026 was £1.06bn, showing a decrease attributed to global economic uncertainty. The committee also reviewed the CMA Investment Objectives for 2026-27, setting targets for investment consultants.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers Hayat Restaurant Licence Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for Hayat Restaurant at 25 The Oval, Sidcup. The review was initiated by the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team due to concerns about illegal working. The report detailed previous enforcement visits where individuals were found working without the right to do so, leading to a significant Civil Penalty Notice. The Home Office requested the revocation of the premises licence, citing the undermining of licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. No representations were received from Other Persons or other Responsible Authorities, and the Licence Holder had not responded to the application at the time of the report.

View the full agenda and reports here.