The Executive committee of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 18 March 2026, approving the acquisition of 40 new social housing units in Orpington and agreeing to a new contract for highway maintenance. The committee also discussed the council's budget monitoring for 2025/26, noting a projected overspend, and approved the allocation of funds from the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The Crofton, Orpington - Social Housing Acquisition

The Council will proceed with the freehold acquisition of The Crofton development at 208-212 High Street, Orpington BR6 0JN. This acquisition comprises 40 residential units designated for social housing. The developer will retain a long leasehold interest in the ground floor retail units at a peppercorn rent. The decision is contingent on securing grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA), with authority delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property & Regeneration and relevant Legal Officers to finalise the necessary paperwork. Acquisition fees, including professional advice, surveys, and legal work, will be capitalised and added to the overall capital draw down. Full Council will be recommended to approve the addition of this acquisition to the capital programme.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Council has been allocated £8,930,932 from the Government's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. The committee approved the full utilisation of £2,980,643.52 in 2026/27. This fund replaces the Household Support Fund but with reduced funding and a narrower scope, focusing more on resilience and community coordination rather than direct financial payments, except for immediate crisis situations. The existing contract with Blackhawk Network will be extended to align with the CRF delivery timeframe, enabling continued crisis payment delivery. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning and Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to make any final changes to the fund's utilisation. Inter-authority delivery arrangements with the London Borough of Bexley for the crisis payment provision element of the CRF were also agreed, with authority delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning & Regeneration and the Director of Finance to finalise and award the Inter-Authority Agreement.

Award of Contract for Highway Maintenance

The Executive approved the award of contracts for highway maintenance, covering both major and minor works. These contracts, awarded to providers detailed in the Part 2 report, will commence on 1 July 2026 for an initial six-year period, with the option to extend for two further periods of two years each, potentially extending the contract duration to ten years. Authority to exercise these extension options has been delegated to the Director of Environment and Public Protection, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and relevant senior officers. The current highway maintenance contracts, held by JB Riney, expire on 30 June 2026.

Budget Monitoring 2025/26

The committee received an update on the council's budget monitoring for 2025/26, based on expenditure up to December 2025. A projected net overspend of £16,156,000 on services was noted. The report highlighted that a projected reduction to the General Fund balance of £12,018,000 is forecast, with earmarked reserves being redesignated and utilised to maintain the overall £20m balance. Full year cost pressures of £20,554,000 were also noted, and individual Portfolio Holders were asked to address any identified issues.

Gateway 0, Commissioning Strategy for Transport Services Prior to Proceeding to Procurement

The committee agreed to undertake a review of existing commissioning arrangements for transport services for all client groups and to develop a passenger transport services strategy to inform future procurement. The current framework contract for transport services, which facilitates travel for eligible children and young persons to education and adults to day services, commenced in September 2020 and has an extension option until 31 August 2027. The report noted that the provider market has faced challenges due to economic changes and increased competition for drivers, impacting service availability and quality. The proposed strategy aims to ensure best value for the Council.

Learning Disability Complex Needs Day Service Contract Award

The Executive agreed to award a new contract for the Learning Disability Complex Needs Day Service at Astley Day Centre. The contract will be for a period of five years from 16 August 2026 to 15 August 2031, with an option to extend for a further three years. The provider and contract value are detailed in the Part 2 report. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and other senior officers, to exercise the three-year extension period. This service provides day activities for adults with complex learning disabilities and is considered vital for their social interaction, wellbeing, and for providing respite to carers.

The meeting also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 February 2026.