The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 14 September 2026 to review the Council's capital programme, budget monitoring, and risk registers. Key discussions included the significant increase in costs for the Waldo Road Depot Improvement Scheme, the progress of the Transforming Bromley 2024-29 programme, and the need for robust governance around the increasing use of artificial intelligence. The committee also noted the Council's corporate contracts register and reviewed departmental risk registers.

Scrutiny of the Leader of the Council

Councillor Colin Smith, Leader of the Council, attended to discuss the Council's financial position and the implications of government funding arrangements. He highlighted Bromley's long-standing funding disparities and ongoing discussions with senior civil servants regarding potential solutions to the budget gap. Councillor Smith stressed the importance of a timely decision from the government on council tax flexibility to aid the Council's budget-setting process. He acknowledged concerns about the impact of potential council tax increases on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, and emphasised the need to balance financial sustainability with affordability. While Councillor Smith did not support a cross-party working group for developing proposals, stating the Administration would take responsibility, he confirmed that all Members would be kept informed. Regarding the Local Plan, he noted that revised housing targets, increasing from 774 to approximately 827 dwellings per annum, would impact its preparation. Councillor Smith reiterated that relying on reserves to support the revenue budget was unsustainable and stressed the need for government clarity on funding reform.

Capital Programme Monitoring - Quarter 1 2026/27

The committee reviewed the capital programme monitoring report for the first quarter of 2026/27, which detailed proposed changes to the capital programme for the Resources, Commissioning and Contract Management portfolio. The report highlighted a significant increase in the budget for the Waldo Road Depot Improvement Scheme. Members expressed concerns regarding this increase, seeking assurances on project management, lessons learned, and the adequacy of surveys. The Assistant Director for Environment explained that the budget increase was due to additional construction requirements, extended operational arrangements during works, professional fees, and unforeseen site conditions. The Leader of the Council acknowledged these concerns and confirmed a management review was underway to identify contributing factors and lessons for future projects. The committee supported the recommendations in the report, subject to the inclusion of an additional recommendation to approve the inclusion of the Supported Accommodation Care Leavers – Ethelbert Close Repairs Scheme to the Capital Programme with a budget of £250,000.

Budget Monitoring 2026-2027

The first budget monitoring position for 2026/27, based on expenditure up to the end of June 2026, was presented. The report highlighted variations impacting future years and early warnings for the year-end position. In response to a question about increased interest income, the Director of Finance explained this was primarily due to higher cash balances resulting from increased certainty of receiving a 90% contribution towards the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, expected in October. The committee noted the report and supported the recommendations.

Transforming Bromley 2024-29 Year Two Mid-Year Report 2026/27

This report provided a mid-year update on the Council's transformation programme. The in-year position was reported as strong, with 99.7% of the programme value on track or actively recoverable, and an unmitigated shortfall of £106k. The committee welcomed the progress, noting that while opportunities for efficiencies remained through digital innovation and AI, achieving further efficiencies would become more challenging. The Chief Transformation Officer confirmed that essential frontline and specialist posts were exempted from the recruitment freeze, with vacancies considered on a case-by-case basis. The committee discussed the increasing use of AI, with assurances given on governance, policies, and training, and the continued accountability of named officers for report accuracy. Members stressed the importance of robust safeguards for sensitive information and clear governance for AI adoption. The committee noted the report and supported the recommendations.

Gateway 1 - Proceeding to Procurement for Advisory Partner to the Better Lives Programme

The committee considered the report seeking approval to procure a contract for an advisory partner to support the Working Age Adults Transformation Programme – The Better Lives Programme. This programme aims to improve outcomes for local residents with learning disabilities and develop a more financially sustainable support model. An open tender process was recommended to appoint a partner to review current provision and costs, develop a plan for change, and potentially support implementation. The Assistant Director for Integrated Commissioning noted that the growth in the learning disabilities caseload was driven by young people transitioning from Children's to Adult Services and improved health outcomes. The advisory partner would bring specialist expertise, and future involvement would be linked to achieved savings, mitigating Council risk. The programme also aims to develop local housing and support infrastructure. The committee noted the report and supported the recommendations.

Small Works Programme - Property Portfolio

The report detailed issues within the Council's property portfolio requiring repair works that fell outside routine maintenance or the Operational Property Review Programme. These works were identified as presenting health and safety risks or affecting the effective running of services. The Executive had previously set aside budgets for such expenditure, and this report sought formal approval to draw down from those budgets. Members welcomed the programme, highlighting its positive impact on residents and local areas. The Assistant Director for Strategic Property advised that detailed programmes and delivery timescales would be developed post-approval, with works packaged for best value. Prioritisation was based on health and safety risks, prevention of asset deterioration, and lease agreement responsibilities. The committee noted the report and supported the recommendations.

Corporate Contracts Register

The September 2026 Corporate Contracts Register was presented for consideration. This report provided an overview of the Council's larger value contracts (£200k+) and a specific register for the ER&C Portfolio (£50k+). A full report with detailed commentary is provided twice a year, with this being a shorter, for information item. In response to questions, the Assistant Director for Governance and Procurement clarified that the Liberata Exchequer Services contract was classified as high risk due to its value and automated risk assessment. Arrangements for postal services through a framework contract with Royal Mail were being finalised. The Orpington District Heating Temporary Emergency Tender was explained as an ongoing arrangement for service continuity. The Statutory Asset Valuation contract was noted as a legal requirement that the Council lacked the in-house resources to undertake. The committee resolved that the report be noted.

Risk Registers

The committee reviewed the current risk registers and risk dashboards for the Chief Executive's Department, covering Corporate Services, Finance, and Human Resources. The report highlighted revised risk register templates and the introduction of risk dashboards, including heatmaps and summaries of key risks. Members discussed IT security risks, with the Director of Finance noting that an update had been provided previously and further information could be arranged. The evolving nature of cyber security threats was acknowledged, with the risk likely to remain high. The inclusion of artificial intelligence within the risk register was discussed, with members seeking assurance that associated risks, such as bias, were adequately reflected. The committee suggested presenting risks in order of significance for future reports. The committee resolved that the report be noted.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for the consideration of exempt executive reports.