The General Purposes and Licensing Committee meeting scheduled for 10 February 2026 was set to discuss a range of important council matters, including the proposed pay award for council staff, changes to polling places for the upcoming local elections, and the council's member and officer protocol. The committee was also scheduled to review the programme of meetings for the next municipal year and consider appointments to sub-committees.

2026/27 Pay Award and Pay Policy Statement

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed pay award for council staff for the 2026/27 financial year. The report outlined a recommended flat 4.45% pay increase on all salary points and rates, along with an increase of 3.2% to the Merited Rewards budget. The report also detailed the rejection of the Trade Unions' pay claim, which had sought a minimum increase of £3,000 or 10%, whichever was greater, along with other enhancements. The committee was also scheduled to consider the 2026/27 Pay Policy Statement, which sets out the council's policies on workforce remuneration, particularly concerning senior staff and lowest-paid employees, in line with the Localism Act 2011.

2026 Local Council Elections - Changes to Polling Places

The committee was to be advised of proposed changes to several polling places for the Local Council Elections scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026. Three polling stations – Bromley Common Baptist Church, Castlecombe Children & Family Centre, and Blenheim Children & Family Centre – were identified as unavailable. The report detailed the proposed alternative venues for these districts: Holmesdale Football Club for Bromley Common & Holwood, the Duke of Kent Bowls Club for Mottingham, and Unity Church for Orpington.

Constitution - Member/Officer Protocol

An updated Member/Officer Protocol was presented for approval. This protocol, part of the council's ethical governance framework, aims to support effective working relationships between elected members and officers, promote high standards of conduct, and underpin lawful and transparent decision-making. The revised protocol includes an executive summary for improved accessibility and detailed guidance on various aspects of the member-officer relationship.

Members Allowances Scheme 2026/27

The committee was asked to consider the proposed Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27. In line with recent practice, the proposed increase for allowances was set at 4.45%, mirroring the proposed staff pay award. The report also detailed proposed increases for the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral allowances. The scheme, which requires approval by full council, takes into account recommendations from the Independent Panel on Remuneration of Councillors in London.

Programme of Meetings 2026/27

A draft programme of meetings for the 2026/27 Council year was presented for consideration. The proposed timetable was based on the current year's schedule with minor alterations, aiming to avoid clashes and align with key financial and electoral timelines. The programme prioritises pre-decision scrutiny, with Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) Committee meetings closely aligned with the Executive.

Rights of Way Sub-Committee: Appointment

Following changes to the overall political balance of the council, a vacancy had arisen on the Rights of Way Sub-Committee. The report detailed the current membership allocation and sought a nomination from the Labour group to fill the vacant seat.

Work Programme and Matters Outstanding

The committee was to review its work programme for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 council years, as well as consider any outstanding matters from previous meetings. This included an update on the issue of appointing ex-councillors to the Bromley Town Twinning Association.

Licensing Sub-Committee Minutes

The committee received the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee meetings held on 20 October 2025, 29 October 2025, 28 November 2025, and 18 December 2025. These minutes covered various licensing applications and decisions, including those related to Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, Still Water Spa, and Three Hounds Beer Cafe and Bottle Shop.