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Executive - Wednesday 28 October 2026 7.00 pm
October 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm Executive View on council websiteSummary
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The Executive of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 28 October 2026, making decisions on council tax, procurement for adult social care services, and the extension of a contract for agency workers. Key decisions included agreeing to reduce the period for charging an empty homes premium and agreeing to delegate authority for the award of contract for an advisory partner for the Better Lives Programme.
Empty Homes Premium
The Executive agreed to reduce the period at which an empty home premium is charged from two years to one year, effective from 1 April 2027. This change is expected to generate an estimated annual income of £610,000. The aim of this premium, introduced under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and strengthened by subsequent legislation including the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, is to encourage owners to bring long-term empty properties back into use. Currently, there are 2,869 empty properties in the borough, with 472 already subject to an Empty Homes Premium and 189 to a Second Homes premium. The proposed change will impact approximately 598 properties that have been empty for between one and two years. The council has confirmed that this policy change does not negatively impact groups with protected characteristics, as the premium is applied to properties, not individuals, and relevant exemptions are in place.
Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28
This item was withdrawn prior to the meeting. The council's current Council Tax Support Scheme for working-age claimants requires a minimum contribution of 50% of their Council Tax liability, with entitlement restricted to Council Tax Band D. This scheme impacts 7,446 working-age households, including 2,458 with children and 1,881 disabled claimants. The estimated annual cost of the scheme is £13.3 million.
Proceeding to Procurement for Advisory Partner to the Better Lives Programme: Delegated Authority
Authority was delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care, subject to consultation with the Portfolio Holder, the Assistant Director Governance & Contracts, the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services, for the award of contract of the Advisory Partner for the Working Age Adults Transformation Programme, known as the Better Lives Programme.
This programme aims to improve outcomes for local residents with learning disabilities and develop a more financially sustainable model of support. The initial contract, Phase 1, is estimated at £500,000 for a 12-week review and plan design. A potential Phase 2, for implementation support, could cost between £4.5 million and £5.5 million, with a total whole-life value of up to £6 million. The decision to proceed to Phase 2 will be subject to a future Executive decision. This initiative aligns with the council's Making Bromley Even Better
priorities, particularly concerning adults and older people enjoying fulfilled lives and managing resources effectively.
Extension of Contract for Provision of Agency Workers
The Executive agreed to extend the contract for the provision of agency workers with Matrix SCM Ltd, via the ESPO MSTAR4 Framework, for a further period of 2 years. This extension will continue until April 2029. The contract is crucial for managing the council's temporary recruitment needs, particularly in areas like social care where recruitment can be challenging. The total spend on agency workers in 2025/26 was £11.4 million. The council is also exploring options to convert longer-term agency workers to a payroll-only function, Clients Direct Limited (CDL), to achieve cost savings. The extension is considered to offer the best value for money through collaboration with other London boroughs.
Housing Delivery Grant Update
Recommendations were agreed for the Housing Delivery Grant Update, which was marked as Part 2 and urgent. This grant allocation from the Greater London Authority's (GLA) Affordable and Social Housing Programme (ASHP) has been accepted, which will support the provision of affordable housing in the borough. Accepting this grant aligns with the council's Making Bromley Even Better
priorities, including ensuring people can make their homes in Bromley and supporting vulnerable adults and children.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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HOUSING DELIVERY GRANT UPDATE
For DeterminationThe Executive of Bromley Council decided to accept a grant allocation from the Greater London Authority's Affordable and Social Housing Programme on 28 October 2026. This decision was made to support the provision of affordable housing in the Borough.
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EXEMPT MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 16 SEPTEMBER 2026
Recommendations Approved -
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Recommendations ApprovedExecutive approved recommendations on 28/10/2026.
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CONSIDERATION OF ANY OTHER ISSUES REFERRED FROM THE EXECUTIVE, RESOURCES AND CONTRACTS POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
Recommendations ApprovedBromley Council's Executive on 28 October 2026 resolved that no additional items were referred from the Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee.
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TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 16 SEPTEMBER 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Executive of Bromley Council decided to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2026. The Executive also agreed to proceed with procurement for an advisory partner to support the Better Lives Programme. Additionally, the Executive approved contract awards for the Domiciliary Care Framework.
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QUESTIONS
Recommendations ApprovedBromley Council's Executive approved recommendations on 28/10/2026. One question for written reply was noted.
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EMPTY HOMES PREMIUM
For DeterminationThe Executive of Bromley Council decided to reduce the period at which an empty home premium is charged from two years to one year, effective from 1st April 2027. This decision will impact approximately 598 properties.
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COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT SCHEME 2027/28
For DeterminationThe Executive of Bromley Council decided on 28/10/2026 to withdraw the item regarding the Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28. The item was withdrawn prior to the meeting.
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Recommendations ApprovedThe Executive of Bromley Council approved recommendations on 28/10/2026. Apologies for lateness were received from Cllr Bear.
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EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR PROVISION OF AGENCY WORKERS
For DeterminationThe Executive of Bromley Council agreed to extend the contract for the provision of agency workers with Matrix SCM Ltd for a further two years. This decision was made on 28 October 2026. A further report will be presented to explore future options for longer-term agency procurement.
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PROCEEDING TO PROCUREMENT FOR ADVISORY PARTNER TO THE BETTER LIVES PROGRAMME: DELEGATED AUTHORITY
For DeterminationThe Executive of Bromley Council decided on 28 October 2026 to delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care for the award of contract for an Advisory Partner to the Better Lives Programme. This decision allows for an initial contract award estimated at £500k for Phase 1, with a potential extension to Phase 2 costing £4.5m to £5.5m. The decision to proceed to Phase 2 will be subject to a future Executive decision.
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PART 2: HOUSING DELIVERY GRANT UPDATE
For DeterminationBromley Executive decided to note the update on the Housing Delivery Grant allocation for 2026-2036 on 28 October 2026.
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