The Public Cabinet of Bexley Council convened to discuss several key strategies and reports, including the integrated performance, budget monitoring, data strategy, asset management, and sexual and reproductive health. The cabinet approved the revenue budget monitoring position for August 2025, a new data strategy, an artificial intelligence statement, an asset management strategy, and a sexual health strategy developed in collaboration with other London boroughs. Tributes were also paid to Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, as this was her last meeting in the role.

Integrated Performance Report

The cabinet reviewed the integrated performance report, which highlighted 10 exceptions, eight positive and two for information or consideration.

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, drew attention to the planning department's upgrade to premium status, making it one of the best performing in the country.

Councillor Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, noted the increase in discharges and challenges in procuring properties, as well as the continued prioritisation of tackling fly-tipping, the success of the Fix My Street service, and improvements in household waste recycling. He also noted the good attendance figures at the borough's sports centres, which he said showed that investment in new equipment was being appreciated by users.

Councillor David Leaf, Deputy Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Resources, highlighted the good performance regarding corporate complaints and member inquiries closed on time, noting a recent Finance and Corporate Services scrutiny committee paper with further details on the customer experience strategy.

Councillor June Slaughter raised concerns about planning performance indicators PL14 and PL15, specifically regarding the number of extensions agreed, and the perception that private companies offer an easier route for building control work. Councillor Diment responded that council officers ensure building control work is done properly and by the book to safeguard residents.

Revenue Budget Monitoring

The cabinet considered the revenue budget monitoring report up to the end of August. Ms Morris, Deputy Director, presented the report, noting a forecast overspend of just under £2.2 million, an improved position from the previous monitoring period.

Councillor Leaf commented that this position was not uncommon in local government, and that Bexley's position was stronger than a number of other local authorities.

Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, expressed outrage at the Prime Minister's threat to take money away from Bexley's highways budgets based on misinformation from Daniel Francis MP.

Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, noted the reduced spend on foster care, which he said was a testament to innovation and investment in foster care in Bexley.

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, addressed comments made by Daniel Francis MP regarding pothole funding, clarifying that the council intends to spend the full £895,000 allocated by the Department for Transport (DFT) during the year. He also discussed public realm improvements around Abbey Wood Station, including conversations with Transport for London (TFL) about bus stop infrastructure.

Councillor Munur stated that:

The bus stop opposite is the only bus stop in Bexley that belongs to the council but actually that causes a problem because there is no identification on there of when the next bus is due etc etc. So there is a conversation happening was due to happen with the TFL commissioner but unfortunately he had an accident and his physics got delayed so that conversation is live.

The cabinet approved the budget monitoring position, slippage, accelerated spend, additions, and deletions to the capital programme as set out in Appendix C of the reports pack.

Data Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Statement

The cabinet reviewed the new data strategy and an artificial intelligence (AI) statement. Ms Forsyth presented the strategy, noting that the council's data maturity was assessed at level three out of a possible five, and the initial ambition was to reach level four. The strategy sets out three priorities: purpose, process, and people. The AI statement sets out the basic current principles on the council's use of AI tools.

Councillor Leaf supported the strategy and statement, emphasising the importance of using technology, data, and AI to deliver frontline services efficiently. He stressed that AI would be used to assist in decision-making, not to replace human decision-makers.

Councillor Andrew Curtois raised concerns about the use of AI for legal research, referencing a case in New York where a lawyer used AI to generate non-existent case law. Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE responded that AI would not be making decisions and that human oversight would be necessary to ensure accuracy.

Councillor Curtois said:

as someone who works in law I look at page 85 and I see that we're using AI for the research or collation of information and as someone who works in law that does raise the hair a little bit you might be aware there was a case in New York recently where a lawyer used AI to research some case law and every single case that he came out with did not exist.

Councillor Anna Day felt that the council could be more daring in its use of data and AI, and asked if the council could learn from those who are ranked with a four out of five.

The cabinet approved the data strategy and AI statement, delegating future amendments to the AI statement to the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, the Caldicott Guardian¹ and Information Governance Board.

Asset Management Strategy

The cabinet considered the asset management strategy for 2025-2029. Mr. Chair presented the strategy, which provides a framework for the management, investment, and utilisation of the council's property assets. The strategy has five asset themes: optimal building use, maximisation of income, reduced operating costs, support for the growth and regeneration agenda, and ensuring social value.

Councillor Munur said that the asset strategy is crucial for ensuring that public land and buildings are managed effectively to support community needs and deliver value for money.

Councillor Leaf reiterated his thanks to officers who have spent a lot of time and effort putting the strategy together and also to colleagues, I see a number of them are here from the Open and Scootenay Committee who in the summer also cast their eyes over the draft of this strategy, asked a number of questions and gave feedback which has informed this final document.

Councillor Diment noted the inclusion of green infrastructure and the importance of the borough's parks, open spaces, and allotments. He also highlighted the importance of the council's 20 car parks in providing space for people to park their cars, and their importance for the economic vibrancy of the borough.

Councillor Foster asked about community benefits from smaller buildings, and Parkside Community Centre. Councillor Leaf responded that the strategy lays out the foundations of how decisions are made going forward, and that the council has a fabric of other buildings in the borough which people do make good use of.

Councillor Peter Reader asked about how priorities are allocated.

Councillor Philip Read said that Parkside Community Centre was way past its intended use.

The cabinet approved the asset management strategy for 2025-2029.

New Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy 2025 to 2030

The cabinet reviewed the new Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy 2025 to 2030. Dr. Kleinman presented the strategy, explaining the need for a collaborative approach to address rising STI rates and health inequalities.

Councillor Stefano Borella asked about actions being taken in the north of the borough, where HIV is more prevalent. Dr. Kleinman responded that they have a CCPL, which is one of the GPs that's paid for by the NHS.

The cabinet approved the new Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy 2025 to 2030.

Tributes to Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE

At the close of the meeting, tributes were paid to Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, as this was her last meeting in the role. Councillor Leaf and the Chief Executive, Paul Thorogood, thanked her for her service and dedication to the borough.