The Council meeting scheduled for 8 December 2025 included discussions on the Council Tax Support Scheme for the upcoming year, the Treasury Management performance for the second quarter of 2025/26, and an updated Code of Corporate Governance. The meeting also featured a range of motions proposed by councillors on various topics, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) signs, the retention of a 24-hour police front counter, road safety policy reform, and the government's proposed changes to the planning system.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Council was scheduled to consider proposals for the Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year. The Executive had previously approved these proposals, which maintain the current scheme with a minimum 50% contribution from recipients. The estimated annual cost of the scheme is £12.6 million, funded through Council Tax, Business Rates, fees, charges, and government grant funding.

Treasury Management Quarter 2 Performance and Mid-Year Review

A report was presented detailing the treasury management activity for the second quarter of 2025/26. As of 30 September 2025, investments totalled £287.2 million, with no outstanding external borrowing. The report also included a mid-year review of the treasury management strategy statement and annual investment strategy. The budget for interest on balances projected a £500,000 surplus against a budget of £82 million for 2025/26.

Code of Corporate Governance

The Council was asked to approve an updated Code of Corporate Governance for inclusion in the Council's Constitution. This code, last revised in 2019, has been updated to align with revised guidance issued in May 2025 by CIPFA and SOLACE. The updated code summarises the factors contributing to effective governance and accountability within Bromley. The cost associated with this update is minimal, falling under the Democratic Services budget.

Committee Appointments

The Council was required to review committee seats to ensure political balance, in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Recent changes in group memberships, including Councillor Alisa Igoe leaving the Labour Group and Councillor Sophie Dunbar joining the Conservative group, necessitated a review of proportionality. The report outlined the updated allocation of seats across various political groups, with the Conservative group holding the majority.

Motions

A series of motions were scheduled for consideration by the Council:

• ULEZ and LEZ Signs: Proposed by Councillor Simon Fawthrop and seconded by Councillor Colin Smith, this motion deplored the use of unapproved and unlawful ULEZ and LEZ signs by the Mayor of London and TfL, calling for the repayment of penalties, an apology, and either the scrapping of the ULEZ expansion or the updating of signs to comply with regulations.
• Loss of 24/7 Police Front Counter Bromley Police Station: Proposed by Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross, this motion expressed concern over the reduction in opening hours at Bromley Police Station's front counter, arguing it would leave residents without 24/7 access and disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals. It called for a reconsideration of the reduced hours and a full impact assessment if the overnight closure proceeded.
• Keep Bromley's 24-hour Police Front Counter: Proposed by Councillor Thomas Turrell and seconded by Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross, this motion also highlighted concerns about the reduced hours at Bromley Police Station, referencing a previous manifesto commitment by the Mayor of London to maintain 24-hour front counters in each borough. It emphasised the impact on victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable groups, and called for the reinstatement of the 24-hour service.
• From 'Waiting for Harm' to 'Proactive Prevention' - Road Safety Policy Reform: Proposed by Councillor Ryan Thomson and seconded by Councillor Kathy Bance MBE, this motion advocated for a more preventative approach to road safety. It urged the Transport, Highways and Road Safety Portfolio Holder to amend the policy to include annual collision data reviews, consideration of all collisions (not just those with fatalities or serious injuries), recording of near-miss events, incorporation of speeding reports, reconsideration of 20mph limits, and resident consultation before submitting funding bids.
• Intended changes to the Planning System: Proposed by Councillor Alexa Michael and seconded by Councillor Simon Fawthrop, this motion condemned the government's proposed changes to the planning system, which would weaken local councils' ability to block housing developments. It argued that democratically elected councillors should have the final say on housing applications and called on Bromley's MPs to lobby the government to reject these proposals.
• Flying the Union Flag and the Cross of St George: Proposed by Councillor Christopher Marlow and seconded by Councillor Alan Cook, this motion resolved to display the Union Flag and the Cross of St George prominently in the Council Chamber at all future meetings and to fly the Cross of St George alongside the Union Flag from the Civic Centre. The cost of new flags would be borne by voluntary contributions from councillors.
• Placing of Asylum Seekers in Hotels in the Borough: Proposed by Councillor Alan Cook and seconded by Councillor Christopher Marlow, this motion expressed the Council's position to fight, through all legal means necessary, to stop the government placing asylum seekers in hotel accommodation and Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the London Borough of Bromley.

Questions

The meeting also included a session for questions from members of the public and members of the Council to Portfolio Holders and the Leader of the Council. These questions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Expenditure on carbon offset projects and reported carbon emissions saved.
• Plans for redeveloping the children's splash pool in Croydon Road Recreation Ground.
• Fair wages for APCOA Civil Enforcement Officers involved in identifying stolen blue badges.
• The definition of use for archive buildings versus museums and art stores under Policy 55, in relation to the Priory Gardens depot.
• Applications for the Green Roots Fund and associated projects.
• Support for Friends of Park groups as part of the 'Bromley at Night Strategy'.
• The contribution of volunteer gardeners to Priory Gardens.
• Steps Bromley Council will take to ensure development does not deplete wildlife and habitats.
• Weekend charges at Chelsfield Station Car Park.
• Funding and criteria for the local Health Innovation fund.
• The effectiveness of a visible police presence in deterring speeders.
• Monitoring of speeding on Hawes Lane by the Portfolio Holder.
• Evidence supporting the assertion that vibration from speed humps damages houses.
• Review of speed hump removal in Hawes Lane and potential for digital speed displays.
• Plans to address Blue Badge scheme abuse.
• Exploration of introducing carers parking permits in Bromley.
• Monitoring of outstanding repairs and follow-up procedures for contractors missing completion dates for lamppost repairs.
• Adoption of a formal Healthier Food Advertising Policy on Council-owned advertising assets.
• Urgent review of how the Council works with the police to tackle speeding and dangerous driving.
• The methodology for conducting the annual rough sleeper count and contributing agencies.
• Borough readiness for frost and snow, including gritting capacity and resilience measures.
• Acceptability of increased referrals and upheld complaints to the ombudsman.
• Progress on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) licensed without appropriate planning permission.
• The total amount of money Bromley Council will need to borrow for committed capital spending.
• Updates on the demolition of the Mitre and support for building owners and tenants.
• The mechanism for local residents to report concerns about speeding and dangerous roads.
• Difficulties and delays in the preparation and publishing of Traffic Management Orders (TMOs).
• Measures to ensure road closures, temporary traffic lights, and diversions are removed quickly.
• Seasonal data on homelessness during the Christmas and winter period and additional support.
• The effectiveness of the appointments system at Churchfields Refuse and Recycling Centre and its potential introduction at Waldo Road.
• The number of additional headcount versus replacement staff for EHP coordinators.
• The increase in costs for the Anerley Road bus lane scheme.
• The Council's choice not to adopt the London Living Wage for directly employed staff or contractors.
• The number of empty properties in Bromley, broken down by ward.
• The number of fixed penalty notices issued for fly-tipping and successful prosecutions.
• The number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued due to misuse or overstay at parking bays on Plaistow Lane adjacent to Sundridge Village shopping parades.

Statement Requests

A request was made for a statement from the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing regarding an update on the Green Belt Assessment and sites identified for residential development. This request stemmed from recent planning proposals for development on Green Belt land at Hayes Farm, Biggin Hill, and St Mary's Cray, with residents seeking reassurance about the protection of Green Belt designation and the identification of any such sites for potential residential development.