The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including policing in Bexley, community safety initiatives, and updates on planning reforms. The committee will also receive reports on the new CCTV system, the 'How clean is our Borough?' scrutiny sub-group's recommendations, and employment support programmes.

Policing in Bexley

Chief Inspector Hendrick is scheduled to attend to provide an overview of policing in Bexley, ahead of a more detailed discussion on the work of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP).

Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP)

The committee is set to receive an overview of the BCSP's work and the priorities within its draft strategy for 2026-2030. This includes an introduction to the partnership's governance structure, its thematic working groups, and various case management panels. The draft strategy aims to reduce crime and disorder, address high-harm issues, support victims, and strengthen community confidence. The report highlights that domestic abuse reports in Bexley have increased, though the borough's relative position within London has improved.

Update on the Development and Installation of the New CCTV System

This report will summarise the progress on the implementation of a new borough-wide hybrid CCTV system. This follows a decision in December 2024 to adopt a mix of fixed and mobile cameras, with a focus on areas of highest need, and to establish a new overarching corporate video surveillance policy. The new system aims to enhance public safety and community reassurance while ensuring compliance with national surveillance standards and delivering cost efficiencies. The report details the infrastructure and connectivity, camera deployment, and governance arrangements, including the development of a new Video Surveillance Systems Operations Policy.

Update on Planning Reforms

The committee will be briefed on recent government consultations regarding revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These reforms aim to streamline the planning system to address development needs, particularly housing and infrastructure, and are intended to make the system more predictable and rules-based. The report summarises proposed changes to national decision-making policies, development plans, and the presumption in favour of development. It also covers proposed changes to density requirements, biodiversity net gain, green belt policies, and heritage. The council's response to the consultation is due on 10 March 2026.

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

This report provides a six-month update on the progress made regarding the recommendations from the 'How clean is our Borough?' scrutiny sub-group. It details the Cabinet Member's responses and the current status of each recommendation. Updates include information on street cleansing specifications, the FixMyStreet app, weed removal and grounds maintenance methods, the trial of QR codes for reporting issues, advocacy for stricter HMO regulations, and street cleansing presentations in schools.

Employment Support

The committee will receive an overview of programmes recently introduced by Bexley Business and Employment (BBE) to help economically inactive residents gain confidence and job-searching skills. The report highlights that Bexley has a higher proportion of economically active residents than the London average, but a higher percentage of part-time employment and lower average earnings. BBE provides assistance to over 2,000 residents annually, with around 450 achieving sustained employment. The report details 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 and disadvantaged groups.

Work Programme

The committee is invited to make decisions regarding its work programme for the upcoming year. This includes amending and agreeing the draft outline work programme for 2025/26, identifying any forthcoming decisions from the forward plan that the committee wishes to be consulted on, and considering relevant performance data from the Bexley Status Report. Members will also have the opportunity to identify any reality checking visits they would like to undertake. The report also lists 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)

This briefing note signposts members to performance data within the Quarter 2 Status Report that is relevant to the committee's remit. It highlights indicators related to crime, housing, planning applications, parking enforcement, waste management, employment, libraries, highways, sport and physical activity, and building control. The report also details exceptions where performance is out of the normal range or has changed trend levels.