The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 23 June 2025 to review the council's treasury management performance, discuss upcoming contract awards for building maintenance, and consider a programme for acquiring temporary accommodation. The committee also addressed fire safety concerns and reviewed the council's forward plan of key decisions.

Matters Outstanding and Work Programme

The committee received an update on outstanding actions from previous meetings and reviewed the proposed work plan for the remainder of the year. It was noted that updates on the Transformation Strategy and Biggin Hill would be presented in October and November respectively, while the Artificial Intelligence (AI) update remained outstanding.

Risk Management – Fire Safety

An update was provided on the progress of the Fire Safety Action Plan. All managers are to be trained as Fire Wardens by the end of July, and quarterly reports on fire safety will be made to the Corporate Leadership Team. The Head of Corporate Health and Safety assured members that actions identified in the Risk Register were being addressed, with a further meeting scheduled with Councillor David Cartwright QFSM, who has expertise in this area. While the risk rating is expected to reduce, it is unlikely to reach Green due to the nature of fire incidents in multi-level buildings. Members requested a copy of the Action Plan. Discussions also covered Personal Evacuation Plans (PEPs) for elected members, with assurances that adequate cover would be in place for meetings.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee noted the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for June to August 2025.

Scrutiny of the Portfolio Holder for Resources, Commissioning and Contracts Management

Councillor Christopher Marlow, Portfolio Holder for Resources, Commissioning and Contracts Management, attended to answer questions. He provided an update on the triennial actuarial valuation of the Bromley Pension Scheme, stating that a strategic asset allocation review would follow. Regarding the Biggin Hill Museum and Chapel, he confirmed that the decision on how to spend its funds rests with the institution itself. Councillor Marlow also commented that he did not foresee any long-term impact on local government from the conflict in the Middle East. Information on the final cost of the Office Move project will be included in the next quarterly budget monitoring report.

Resources, Commissioning and Contracts Management Portfolio - Pre-Decision Scrutiny

Treasury Management Annual Performance Report

The committee considered the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2024/25, which summarises treasury management activity during the fourth quarter. Investments as at 31 March 2025 totalled £239.4m with no external borrowing. The report ensures the council adheres to best practice as per the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations be supported.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Executive Reports

The committee reviewed reports for the Executive meeting on 25 June 2025.

Award of Contracts for Building Fabric Maintenance and Repairs, Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs, Electrical Maintenance and Repairs for the Council's Wider Operational Estate

This report sought approval to award contracts for building fabric, mechanical, and electrical maintenance and repairs for the council's wider operational estate. The proposed contracts include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for more robust contract management, addressing issues experienced with the previous Civic Centre site. Responsibility for contract oversight will lie with the in-house Client Team, with monthly KPI meetings and daily contact regarding works. Annual financial checks will be conducted on contractors, and no upfront payments will be made.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations in the report be supported.

Operational Property Review - Award of Construction Contract for Burnt Ash Children & Family Centre and Griffins Sensory Support Service for Hearing Impairment

Approval was sought for the award of a construction contract for repair and maintenance works at the Burnt Ash Children & Family Centre and the Griffins Sensory Support Service for Hearing Impairment, as outlined in the Operational Property Review. Ward members were noted as being supportive of the proposals.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations in the report be supported.

Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme

The committee considered a scheme to acquire blocks of residential property on a leasehold basis to provide temporary accommodation. This initiative aims to generate significant revenue savings and mitigate the costs associated with nightly paid accommodation. The scheme seeks delegated authority to acquire up to 300 units as opportunities arise, provided commercially advantageous terms can be agreed. Rigorous processes are in place for reviewing the use of council-owned sites. The council is looking to secure fully residential sites with self-contained units. £1m in upfront capital funding is being sought to cover costs such as Stamp Duty and professional fees. Details of anticipated Stamp Duty costs were requested to be provided post-meeting.

RESOLVED: That Executive the recommendations be supported.

Dangerous Structure - Croydon Road SE20

The committee was updated on the emergency demolition of buildings at 164, 166, and 168 Croydon Road, SE20 7YZ, which were declared dangerous due to the risk of imminent collapse. The report detailed progress and financial outlay, along with potential cost recovery. Concerns were raised regarding governance processes and the late publication of the report, with officers not present to answer questions. The committee requested responses to several questions prior to the Executive meeting, including details on what happened between September 2024 and June 2025, why a risk assessment was not conducted earlier, why neighbours and occupants were not kept informed, the reasons for the delay in requesting a structural survey, the location of evacuated occupants, the cause of the building's problems, and an analysis of legal risks.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations be supported, subject to a response to the Committee's questions being provided.

Part 2 Agenda Items

The committee moved into private session to consider exempt information.

Part 2: Award of Contracts for Building Fabric Maintenance and Repairs, Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs, Electrical Maintenance and Repairs for the Council's Wider Operational Estate

The committee supported the recommendations related to these contract awards.

Part 2: Operational Property Review - Award of Construction Contract for Burnt Ash Children & Family Centre and Griffins Sensory Support Service for Hearing Impairment

The committee supported the recommendations for this contract award.

Part 2: Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme

The committee supported the recommendations for this programme.

Part 2: Matters Outstanding - IT Update

The Assistant Director for IT provided an update, noting that the Cyber Security risk would likely remain red due to the potential impact of a cyber attack on the council's operations.