The Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including contract performance reports for parking services and grounds maintenance, as well as updates on highway maintenance programmes and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The committee was also set to review the council's risk register and consider policy development regarding partnerships for parks.

Matters Arising and Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review progress on matters arising from previous meetings and to comment on the Forward Work Programme for the year ahead. This includes identifying any changes or issues that the committee wishes to scrutinise.

APCOA Performance Report Year 8 (2024/25)

A report was scheduled to update members on the performance of the parking services contract with APCOA for the 2024/25 year. APCOA is responsible for civil traffic and parking enforcement, bus lane and moving traffic enforcement, and the operation and management of car parks and cashless parking services. The report was expected to detail the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued, performance related to CCTV enforcement, and initiatives undertaken by APCOA. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the contract were also to be reviewed.

idverde Annual Contract Performance Report (2024/25)

This report was scheduled to review idverde's performance against its contract for parks management and grounds maintenance services during the 2024/25 period. The contract covers the management and maintenance of the borough's parks, open spaces, countryside sites, and greenspaces. The report was expected to detail performance against Key Service Objectives (KSOs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well as summarise enquiries, complaints, compliments, and the results of the annual park user satisfaction survey. Contract achievements and plans for continual improvement were also to be discussed.

Updates from Portfolio Holders

The committee was scheduled to receive updates from the Environment Portfolio Holder and the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety. These updates would provide an overview of recent activities and developments within their respective areas of responsibility.

ECS Performance Overview - Quarter 2

This report was to provide an overview of performance against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Environment & Community Services Portfolio Plan for 2025/26, as reported in Quarter 2 (July – September 2025). The report was to highlight indicators with a Red RAG status, indicating areas where targets were not being met, and provide commentary on the reasons for underperformance and planned actions.

Information Briefings

The committee was scheduled to receive information briefings on several reports, including the Open Space Strategy, Draft Budget, Carbon Net Zero Action Plan, Capital Monitoring Report, and a Fly Tipping Update Report.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Reports to the Portfolio Holders

Planned Highway Maintenance Programme

The committee was scheduled to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report recommending a programme of planned carriageway and footway maintenance projects for 2026/27. This programme is to be funded from existing Bromley Council capital budgets and Department for Transport (DfT) grant funding. The report was expected to detail the proposed schemes, funding allocations, and the rationale for prioritising certain roads for maintenance.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Reports Going to the Executive

The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI) in Bromley

This report was scheduled for pre-decision scrutiny before going to the Executive. It concerns the council's acceptance of Government funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme to facilitate the rollout of on-street electric vehicle charging points in residential areas. The report was expected to outline the proposed collaborative procurement approach with neighbouring boroughs, the expected number of charge points, and the financial implications.

Gateway 1 Proceed to Procurement: Parking Services (Executive)

This report was also scheduled for pre-decision scrutiny before going to the Executive. It concerns the retendering of the Parking Enforcement and Associated Services contract, which is due to end in April 2027. The report was to recommend a revised procurement strategy for a single contract covering both Bromley and Bexley, aiming to achieve economies of scale and avoid fragmented service delivery.

Policy Development Item: Partnerships for Parks

This item was scheduled for discussion to inform policy development regarding how the council can effectively work with community stakeholders to sustain the quality of the borough's green spaces, particularly in the context of increasing budgetary pressures. The report was expected to outline the benefits of existing partnerships and explore ways to enhance collaboration.

Contracts Register Report - Part 1

The committee was scheduled to review an extract from the Contracts Register, detailing contracts with a whole life value of £50,000 or higher. This report is part of a regular scrutiny process to inform members of procurement activity and contract management.

Risk Register Update Report

This report was to present the Environment & Community Services Risk Register, detailing identified risks, their causes and effects, and the existing controls and further actions required to mitigate them. The report was also to include a summary of the risk position through a Heat Map, which is reported to the Audit and Risk Committee.

The meeting also included standard items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting. Additionally, there was provision for oral questions from members of the public and councillors, and written questions. Part 2 of the agenda included exempt minutes and an exempt contracts register report, which would be considered in private.