The General Purposes and Audit Committee of Bexley Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to discuss a range of financial and operational matters. The committee's agenda includes the review of draft audit reports for both the London Borough of Bexley's and the Bexley Pension Fund's 2024/25 statements of accounts, alongside updates on internal audit and counter-fraud activities.

Stopping Up Of Highway Land - Bexley Road Cul-De-Sac, Erith

The committee is set to consider a proposal to stop up highway land at the Bexley Road cul-de-sac in Erith. This action is requested by BexleyCo to facilitate the development of 33 residential dwellings and commercial floorspace, following the partial demolition of The Old Post Office at 89 Erith High Street. The report indicates that the proposed stopping up will not result in any adverse impact on the public, as a footway between the area to be stopped up and open space to the north will remain, preserving a pedestrian route. The applicant, BexleyCo, will cover the costs associated with processing this application.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/7

A key item on the agenda is the recommendation for approval of the Council's Pay Policy Statement for 2026/7, as required by the Localism Act 2011. This statement outlines the Council's policy on the remuneration of its senior executives, lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between these two groups. The report notes a correction to the previously published Pay Policy Statement for 2025/6 regarding the pay ratio as at 31 March 2024, with the correct figure also being 5.4 to 1. The committee will also be asked to note the decision to retain existing arrangements regarding the abatement of pensions in payment upon re-employment in Local Government.

Treasury Management Half Yearly Report 2025/26

The committee will receive a six-month review of the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26, in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management 2021. The report highlights developments since September 2025, including a decrease in the Bank Rate by 0.25% to 3.75% in December 2025, with forecasts suggesting no further rate cuts this financial year. UK gilt yields have also fallen sharply since September 2025. The report indicates that all treasury management activities during the first half of 2025/26 were in accordance with the Annual Strategy approved by Council in March 2025.

Calculation Of Council Tax Base For 2026/27

A report will be presented detailing the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2026/27, as mandated by the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The calculated Council Tax Base for the year is 86,535.1 Band D equivalents. Additionally, calculations for the parts of the area subject to levies from the Southern and Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committees of the Environment Agency will be presented, totalling 50,060.6 and 36,474.5 Band D equivalents respectively. The estimated yield for 2026/27, based on a collection rate of 98.50% and assuming no change in Council Tax charges, is £152.964m, an increase of £2.345m (1.56%) from 2025/26.

Calculation Of Business Rates Income 2026/27

The committee will review the provisional business rates income calculation for 2026/27. This report focuses on business rates income, which is one of the three main sources of local income for Bexley. Since 2013/14, local authorities have been able to retain a share of their business rate income, with the proportion retained locally being 67%. The report highlights three significant changes for 2026/27: the first reset of the business rates baseline since 2013 as part of the Fair Funding Review, the revaluation of rateable values by the Valuation Agency Office in March 2026, and the introduction of new business rates multipliers for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector, as well as a high-value multiplier for large properties.

Draft Audit Results Report For The London Borough Of Bexley's 2024/25 Statement Of Accounts

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) will present their Draft Audit Results Report (ARR) for the audit of the Council's accounts for the 2024/25 year. The report will include EY's findings on areas of audit emphasis, their views on the Council's accounting policies and judgements, and any material internal control findings. The auditors are also required to consider whether the Council has made 'proper arrangements' to secure economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its use of resources. The committee is recommended to approve the accounts and delegate the signing of the accounts to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee, subject to no significant issues being identified in the remainder of the audit.

Draft Audit Results Report For Bexley Pension Fund's 2024/25 Statement Of Accounts

Similarly, EY will present their Draft Audit Results Report (ARR) for the audit of the Bexley Pension Fund's accounts for the 2024/25 year. This report will detail EY's findings on audit emphasis areas, accounting policies, judgements, and material internal control findings. The committee is recommended to approve the accounts and delegate the signing to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chairman, subject to no significant issues arising from the remaining audit work.

Internal Audit & Counter Fraud Progress Reports Q3 2025/26

An update on internal audit activity from September 2025 to January 2026 will be provided, covering the finalisation of the 2024/25 plan and progress on the 2025/26 plan. An update on counter fraud activity from September 2025 to December 2025 will also be presented. The committee is asked to note the report and approve any changes to the internal audit plan, including an additional audit for the Learning & Enterprise College Bexley (LECB) and contract arrangements.

Risk Management Update

A report will be presented on how risk is managed at Bexley Council and the current activities undertaken. This follows a fundamental review of Bexley's risks in December 2025, facilitated by insurance experts Zurich. A revised strategic risk register is in development and is anticipated to be presented to the committee in March 2026, alongside a revised Risk Management Policy. The council aims to embed a consistent approach to risk management across all levels of the organisation.