The Bexley Council meeting on 16 July 2025 included questions from the public and councillors, a debate on policing, and updates from the Leader of the Council and various committees. The council agreed to maintain its policy of not abating pensions upon re-employment, and also agreed to make a cash contribution to the London CIV B Shares Subscription.

Policing in Bexley

Following a procedural issue, the council debated a motion on policing in Bexley, criticising the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's record on police numbers. Councillor Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, moved the altered motion, which was seconded by Councillor Howard Jackson. The Labour group left the meeting in protest.

Councillor Diment's motion criticised Sadiq Khan's performance as Mayor of London Police and Crime Commissioner, particularly regarding visible policing and crime rates. He noted that Bexley has one of the lowest crime rates in London, but residents still want to see a greater police presence. He also raised concerns about the South East London Basic Command Unit (BCU) model, which includes Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham, suggesting that Bexley risks becoming the poor relation of the unit due to its lower crime rates. Councillor Diment said that the Metropolitan Police, led by Mayor Khan, was the only police force in England that failed to find the additional officers it needed, despite funding being available from the Conservative government.

Councillor Jackson spoke about an anti-social behaviour incident in his ward of Barnhurst, where a large party escalated into violence, requiring a significant police response. He said that the police did a fantastic job, but questioned why the initial response was not sufficient, linking it to the broader issue of police resources and the impact of Mayor Khan's decisions on Bexley.

Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, criticised the Labour Mayor, saying that he seems to have a vendetta against the borough, whether it's ULEZ¹, TFL² funding or police numbers. She praised the council's investment in CCTV and its youth justice team.

Councillor Sandhu said that he tries to find out how many police officers are on the beat each day, and that he is surprised by how often officers are pulled away at short notice. He said that Sadiq Khan doesn't like Bexley because the council stands up to him.

Councillor Cameron Smith said that he had been suspicious of the police before becoming a councillor, but that he has been impressed by the work of local police teams. He said that there are too few officers to cope with the demand.

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said that Bexley continues to be one of the safest boroughs in London. He said that the council's partnership with the Met works well, and that Bexley has a community safety partnership which provides governance and direction. He criticised Sadiq Khan for failing to recruit the 1,089 additional officers he had the funds for.

The motion was carried by roll call vote.

Leader's Report

Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, introduced her report, highlighting budget matters, government bills, and local initiatives. She noted some clarity through the spending review regarding future council tax rises and a two-year extension to the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) statutory override³. She expressed concern that London will lose funds as part of a funding review. The Leader reported that the council will live within its means and make every penny count.

Councillor Lisa Moore asked about the impact of Ofsted⁴ inspection changes on Bexley schools. Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education, responded that single-word judgements have stopped, but sub-categories are still judged.

Councillor Nick O'Hare asked for an update on the delivery of the SEND⁵ priority action plan. Councillor Newton said that 48 of 52 actions in the plan were completed by the end of June, and that a re-inspection is expected in the autumn of 2025.

Councillor Stefano Borella criticised the Conservative government and praised the Labour government's investment in schools and affordable homes. He also criticised the council's failure to keep an eye on community facilities.

The Leader responded, defending the Conservative government's record and criticising the Labour group.

Councillor Philip Read asked for an update on the council's autism strategy. Councillor Melvin Seymour, Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health, responded that the strategy is now in place, and is managed by the autism partnership board.

Councillor Cheryl Bacon asked for more detail on the exercise comparing the conditions of the road networks across the London boroughs. Councillor Richard Diment responded that Bexley's road network is in a considerably better condition than many of its neighbours.

Erith Regeneration

Councillor Nicola Taylor raised concerns about the lack of consultation with ward councillors on the future of Erith, the neglect of Erith residents, and the need for affordable housing and jobs. She criticised the council for allowing West Street Small Park to be built on, repaving Pier Road when other areas needed attention, and failing to address anti-social behaviour in Pier Square. She also raised concerns about traffic outside a local school and the lack of response to the School Streets Initiative⁶.

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, refuted Councillor Taylor's claims, highlighting the work of Bexley Business and Employment (BBE) and BexleyCo in Erith. He said that the meeting with stakeholders was not for ward members to attend.

Councillor Chris Ball supported Councillor Taylor's comments, saying that Erith is being done unto, rather than with. He criticised the council for not having a big picture strategic view of what the area could look like.

Councillor Cameron Smith said that nothing he'd written as a summary of the meeting had been disputed for accuracy.

Other Business

• Councillors approved the reports of various committees, including the Licensing Committee, Pensions Committee, and Planning Committee.
• Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE was appointed to replace Councillor Peter Reader as the fourth Conservative substitute on the Pensions Committee.
• Councillor Patrick Adams was appointed to replace Councillor Rags Sandhu as the Council's Deputy Representative on LGPS CIV Ltd.