The Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting was scheduled to cover a range of topics, including the council's budget monitoring, capital programme, and the WorkWell employability programme. The committee was also set to discuss the future of Opportunity Bromley Ltd and the procurement for the Wharton Road Children's Home, alongside proposed reforms to planning committees.

Holding the Portfolio Holder to Account

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from Councillor Yvonne Bear, the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation & Housing. This update was to be followed by a review of the Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan for the first quarter of 2026/27. This plan outlines the strategic projects, operational key performance indicators (KPIs), grant register, and risk register for the portfolio.

Budget and Capital Programme Monitoring

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial oversight. The committee was to scrutinise the Budget Monitoring Report for the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio for 2026/27. This report detailed the projected revenue outturn for the first quarter, highlighting areas of overspend and underspend. Alongside this, the Capital Programme Monitoring report for the first quarter of 2026/27 was to be reviewed, outlining proposed revisions to the capital programme for the period 2026/27 to 2030/31. This included updates on schemes such as the OPR Central Library, leisure centres, and various housing developments like Beckenham Housing and Bromley North Housing.

Employability and Economic Development

The committee was scheduled to consider the WorkWell Employability Programme, a fully NHS-funded initiative aimed at providing integrated health and employment support. The report sought approval to accept and allocate the associated grant funding, which would support the recruitment of staff to deliver the programme. This initiative aligns with the Council's broader Bromley Works programme, which aims to improve employment pathways for residents.

Housing and Regeneration Projects

Several key housing and regeneration projects were on the agenda. The committee was to discuss the Wharton Road Children's Home – Proceed to Procurement for Main Works Contract report, seeking approval to begin the procurement process for a main contractor to deliver the construction works for a new children's home. This project aims to reduce reliance on external placements and provide a permanent Council-owned asset.

Furthermore, the committee was to consider the establishment of Opportunity Bromley Ltd as an independent arm's length company. An options appraisal recommended a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) as the preferred delivery model to enhance the borough's inward investment service, attract business, and support economic growth.

Planning Reforms

The committee was also scheduled to discuss Future Planning Arrangements, specifically addressing government reforms to planning committees that would take effect from 31 October 2026. These reforms include restrictions on the types of applications that can be determined by a committee and a maximum committee size of thirteen members. The report outlined proposed changes to the Council's Constitution to comply with these new regulations, including a move towards a single planning committee and revised 'call-in' procedures for planning applications.

Information Briefing

Finally, the committee was to receive an Information Briefing comprising the Annual Complaints and Compliments Report. This briefing was for information only, but members could request a debate on specific aspects with advance notice.