The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of topics impacting the borough, including community safety, environmental quality, planning reforms, and employment support. The meeting's agenda also included updates on the new CCTV system and the council's work programme.

Policing in Bexley

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on policing in Bexley from CI Hendrick, ahead of a more detailed discussion on the Bexley Community Safety Partnership.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP)

A report was scheduled to provide the committee with an overview of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership's work, including its draft strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy aims to reduce crime and disorder, support victims, and enhance community resilience. The report was expected to detail the partnership's governance structure, its thematic working groups, and the various case management panels that coordinate responses to safeguarding and risk concerns. The BCSP's priorities for 2026-2030 were identified as serious violence, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, and community reassurance. The report also highlighted an increase in domestic abuse reports in Bexley, though the borough's relative position within London had improved.

Update on the Development and Installation of the New CCTV System

The committee was due to receive an update on the implementation of Bexley's new hybrid CCTV system. This follows a decision in December 2024 to adopt a new model for CCTV provision, moving away from a long-standing PFI contract. The new system involves a mix of fixed and mobile digital cameras, with a focus on areas of highest need identified through crime data. A new overarching corporate video surveillance policy was also being developed to ensure governance and compliance with national standards. The report was expected to cover the infrastructure and connectivity of the new system, camera deployment, governance and oversight, resourcing, and budget projections, which indicated significant revenue savings.

Update on Planning Reforms

The committee was scheduled to discuss recent government reforms to the planning system. A report was to summarise proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), following a consultation launched in December 2025. The aim of these reforms is to streamline the planning process, making it more predictable and reducing barriers to development, with a stated goal of accelerating housing delivery and economic growth. The report was expected to outline proposed changes to national decision-making policies, the function of development plans, and the presumption in favour of development. It was also to cover proposed changes related to design, density, railway stations, biodiversity net gain, the environment, green belt and grey belt land, viability testing, and heritage policy. The council's response to the consultation was due in March 2026.

6-Month Update on the Recommendations of the 'How Clean is Our Borough?' Scrutiny Sub-Group

A six-month update was scheduled on the progress of recommendations made by the 'How Clean is Our Borough?' scrutiny sub-group. The report was to detail the Cabinet Member's responses to these recommendations and provide an update on their implementation. Topics covered in the update included the adherence of the contractor, Countrystyle, to street cleansing specifications, the use of the FixMyStreet app, alignment of weed removal and grounds maintenance methods, the trial of QR codes for reporting issues, advocacy for stricter requirements on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) regarding waste, and the introduction of street cleansing presentations in schools.

Employment Support

The committee was to receive an overview of programmes recently introduced by Bexley Business and Employment (BBE) to help economically inactive residents gain employment. The report was to highlight local employment statistics, noting that while Bexley has a higher proportion of economically active residents than the London average, a significant number work part-time with lower earnings, impacting economic independence. The report was to detail new programmes introduced in 2025, including Restart 2.0, the Trailblazer scheme, and the Connect to Work programme, which focuses on individuals with health conditions or from disadvantaged groups. Partnership developments, such as closer links with Job Centre Plus, were also to be discussed.

Work Programme

The committee was invited to make decisions about its work programme for the upcoming year. This included amending the draft outline work programme for 2025/26, identifying any forthcoming decisions from the forward plan on which the committee wished to be consulted, and considering relevant performance data from the Bexley Status Report to identify any areas requiring further scrutiny. Members were also invited to suggest any reality checking visits they would like to undertake. The report also listed key executive decisions scheduled for February to May 2026, including the adoption of the Economic Growth Strategy and Action Plan, and the Transport and Road Safety Programme of Investment for 2026/27.

Bexley Status Report – Quarter 2 2025 (July-September 2025)

The committee was to be signposted to performance data relevant to its remit, as reported in the Quarter 2 Bexley Status Report. This included indicators related to crime, housing, planning applications, penalty charge notices, waste management, employment, libraries, road maintenance, physical activity, and building control. The report highlighted specific indicators that were performing out of the normal range or showing a changed trend, such as repeat incidents of domestic abuse, discharges of duty as a result of private sector offers, household waste recycling rates, people in sustained employment, attendances at sports centres, and the number of issues reported on FixMyStreet.

Transport Users Sub-Committee Minutes

The minutes from two previous meetings of the Transport Users' Sub-Committee were provided for information. The meeting on 17 July 2025 included updates on rail issues from Southeastern, including performance data, station refurbishments, and the merger with Network Rail. Transport for London (TfL) provided updates on consultations regarding DLR extensions, congestion charge changes, and the Capital Call service review. There was also a discussion on road issues, including cycle network development and electric vehicle charging points, and a presentation on school travel plans. The meeting on 16 October 2025 continued discussions on rail issues, including lift reliability at Bexley station and the Sidcup Line rounder service. An update from the Safer Transport Team was provided, along with information on TfL updates and parking enforcement. Road issues, including the cycle route between Bexleyheath and Erith and electric vehicle charging, were also discussed.