Councillor Howard Jackson

Bexley Agreed Syllabus Conference - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Bexley Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) convened to formally establish the conference and discuss the review of the Bexley Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE). Councillor Bola Carew was appointed as chairman for the meeting. Members agreed to hold off on making any major changes to the RE curriculum until there is more clarity on the proposal to add RE to the national curriculum.

Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss local and national updates on religious education (RE), including concerns about community tensions and the removal of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) bursary for RE teachers. The council agreed to publish Ramadan guidance for teachers by February 2026, and members expressed interest in reviewing the Locally Agreed Syllabus (LAS) in January 2026. Members also voiced concerns about rising community tensions and the need for specific support and resources to address hate and promote inclusion in schools.

Council - Wednesday, 5th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Council meeting on 5 November 2025 saw the formal handover of leadership, with Councillor David Leaf appointed as the new Leader of the Council. The meeting also included a comprehensive review of the Council's achievements over the past term, with particular emphasis on the Bexley Plan 2022-2026 and its three key priorities: Aspiration for residents, Ambition for the Borough, and an Efficient and Effective Council.

Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 15th October, 2025 7.30 pm

The Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the customer experience strategy, the people strategy, and the work programme. The committee noted the progress made on the customer experience strategy and the people strategy, and agreed to set up a task and finish group on the new Procurement Act regulations. Councillor Stefano Borella, Leader of the Labour Group / Shadow Cabinet Member for Corporate Policy and Budget, enquired whether Councillor David Leaf, Cabinet Member for Resources, would continue to attend the committee meetings once he is elected as leader of the council.

Planning Committee - Thursday, 9th October, 2025 7.00 pm

The Bexley Council Planning Committee met to discuss three town planning applications. A proposal for 12 flats on Old Manor Way was deferred for more information about road safety, while plans for a building containing two flats on Lea Vale were approved. Councillors also approved a retrospective application for air conditioning units at Blendon Methodist Church.