The General Purposes and Licensing Committee of Bromley Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 4 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the Teachers Pay Policy for 2026/27 and 2027/28, as well as appointments to outside bodies. Additionally, the committee is expected to review its work programme and outstanding matters.

Teachers Pay Policy 2026/27 and 2027/28 - Centrally Based Staff

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the Teachers Pay Policy for centrally based staff for the academic years 2026/27 and 2027/28. This policy is being updated to reflect revised arrangements coming into force from 1 September 2026, as outlined in the statutory School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 2026. The report details that the Council employs approximately 47.93 full-time equivalent centrally based teachers. The recommendations include noting a statutory 3.5% increase to all pay and allowance ranges and advisory points for Teaching Staff, including those on the Leadership Scales, from 1 September 2026. A further statutory 3% increase is anticipated from 1 September 2027. Officers are to be authorised to apply these statutory increases and update the Centrally Based Teaching Staff Pay Policy accordingly. The financial implications are estimated to be up to £217,000 by 2028/29, to be funded from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The committee is scheduled to consider appointments to outside bodies. A report indicates that three appointments to the Beckenham Parochial Charity are due to expire on 24 January 2027. Councillor Kathy Bance MBE, who is one of the current trustees, has expressed a wish to continue in the role. Information is awaited from the Beckenham Parochial Charity regarding the other two current trustees. The committee is requested to appoint three representatives to the Beckenham Parochial Charity for a four-year term of office commencing on 24 January 2027. The Beckenham Parochial Charity, which has a history dating back to 1694, focuses on providing and maintaining housing for needy residents, offering grants for relief in need, hardship or distress, and supporting the education of young persons in Beckenham and Penge.

Work Programme and Matters Outstanding

The committee will review its work programme for the 2026/27 Council year and discuss matters outstanding from previous meetings. The report outlines the committee's role in fulfilling various non-executive functions, including electoral issues, staffing matters, open government, complaint procedures, member appointments, health and safety, and licensing. The committee operates with several sub-committees, including the Appeals Sub-Committee, Licensing Sub-Committee, and Rights of Way Sub-Committee. A cross-party Constitution Working Group has also been re-appointed to consider potential changes to the Council's Constitution. Matters outstanding include a report on the local elections from the perspective of candidates and agents, and a review of the live-streaming of committee meetings and online public question submission.

Licensing Sub-Committee Minutes

The committee is scheduled to receive and note the minutes from several meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committee. These include minutes from meetings held on 2 September, 7 September, 7 October, and 16 October 2026. These minutes detail decisions made regarding applications for premises licences and variations to existing licences.

For example, the minutes from the 2 September meeting detail a decision to grant a variation to the Premises Licence for the Swan and Mitre, 260-262 High Street, Bromley BR1 1PG, to extend licensed hours on Fridays and Saturdays. This decision was made after considering objections from a local resident concerning noise and anti-social behaviour, and submissions from the applicant highlighting investment in the premises and a lack of previous complaints.

The minutes from the 7 September meeting cover an application for a new premises licence for Pierluigi's Restaurant Limited, 86-90 High Street, Beckenham, BR3 1ED. This application sought extended operating times and the sale of alcohol. The hearing involved submissions from the applicant, the Licensing Authority, and local residents, with discussions focusing on noise, public nuisance, and the promotion of licensing objectives. The committee determined to grant the application with specific conditions.

The minutes from the 7 October meeting address an application for a new premises licence for Stop N Go, 6 Kelvin Parade, Orpington BR6 8BS, for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. Objections were raised by local residents and the Crofton Residents Association concerning potential anti-social behaviour, noise, and public safety, particularly due to the premises' proximity to an open space. The applicant presented measures to promote licensing objectives, and the Sub-Committee decided to grant the application with agreed conditions, noting the Police had not objected.

Finally, the minutes from the 16 October meeting concern a new Premises Licence application for High Street Mini Mart, 26 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AN. The application was for a convenience store also selling alcohol. Representations were received from local residents, a Ward Councillor, and the Metropolitan Police. The Sub-Committee resolved to grant the Premises Licence subject to agreed conditions, including amendments to the floor plan and additional conditions relating to alcohol storage and delivery times.

Questions

The committee is scheduled to address questions submitted in accordance with the Council's Constitution. Questions not specific to reports on the agenda needed to be received in writing by 5pm on 21 October 2026. Questions specifically relating to agenda reports were to be received by 5pm on 29 October 2026. One question from Councillor Sam Webber to the Chairman of the General Purposes and Licensing Committee is noted, reflecting on chaotic scenes at the October full Council meeting regarding questions from members of the public and asking if the Council can accommodate the public by providing a written list of questions and relevant papers, and agreeing to use Chamber screens to display these.

Exempt Business

The agenda indicates that the press and public will be excluded during the consideration of Item 10, EXEMPT MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15 SEPTEMBER 2026, as it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information, specifically information that is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.