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Council - Wednesday, 24th April, 2024 7.30 pm

April 24, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The council meeting addressed several key issues, including the implementation of LGBT+ inclusive education, housing pressures, and local transportation improvements. The session was marked by a significant consensus on promoting inclusive education, discussions on housing solutions, and debates on transportation policies.

  1. LGBT+ Inclusive Education: The council unanimously agreed to support government guidance on LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education. The discussion highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the need to update educational policies to reflect current societal values. This decision aims to foster a more accepting and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

  2. Housing Pressures: The council discussed the ongoing housing crisis, focusing on the lack of affordable housing and the impact of external factors such as asylum seekers and refugees on local housing availability. While there was acknowledgment of the issue, solutions focused on sustaining current arrangements rather than new initiatives. The implications of this decision suggest a continued strain on local housing resources without a significant strategic shift to address the root causes of the housing shortage.

  3. Transportation Improvements: The meeting covered the introduction of the Superloop bus service and potential extensions of the DLR to Belvedere. The council expressed a desire to improve public transport connectivity, which is crucial for economic development and easing traffic congestion. The decision to advocate for these improvements reflects a proactive approach to transportation planning in the borough.

Interestingly, the meeting also included a moment of unity where the council members from different political backgrounds came together to support the motion on LGBT+ inclusive education, highlighting a progressive shift in council attitudes towards inclusivity and diversity.

Attendees

Councillor Patrick Adams
Councillor Esther Amaning
Councillor Nigel Betts
Profile image for CouncillorStefano Borella
Councillor Stefano Borella  Leader of the Labour Group / Shadow Cabinet Member for Corporate Policy and Budget •  Labour Party •  Slade Green & Northend
Councillor Bola Carew
Councillor Andrew Curtois
Councillor Sally Hinkley
Councillor Philip Read
Councillor Peter Reader
Councillor Rags Sandhu
Councillor Melvin Seymour
Profile image for CouncillorCameron Smith
Councillor Cameron Smith  Conservative Party •  St Mary's & St James
Profile image for CouncillorJanice Ward-Wilson
Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson  Conservative Party •  Crook Log
Councillor John Davey
Profile image for CouncillorDavid Leaf
Councillor David Leaf  Deputy Leader of the Council/Cabinet Member for Resources •  Conservative Party •  Blendon & Penhill
Councillor Baljeet Gill
Councillor Nicola Taylor
Councillor Larry Ferguson
Councillor James Hunt
Councillor Anna Day
Profile image for CouncillorChris Ball
Councillor Chris Ball  Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services •  Labour Party •  Erith
Councillor Peter Craske
Councillor Wendy Perfect
Councillor Cafer Munur
Councillor Daniel Francis
Councillor Andy Dourmoush
Councillor Nick O'Hare
Councillor Cheryl Bacon
Councillor Frazer Brooks
Councillor Chris Taylor
Councillor Mabel Ogundayo
Profile image for CouncillorSue Gower MBE
Councillor Sue Gower MBE  Mayor of Bexley 2024/25 •  Conservative Party •  Bexleyheath
Councillor Steven Hall
Councillor Brian Bishop
Profile image for CouncillorLisa Moore
Councillor Lisa Moore  Deputy Mayor of Bexley 2024/25 •  Conservative Party •  Longlands
Councillor Richard Diment
Councillor Howard Jackson