This week in Bexley:

Schools Face Funding Uncertainty as Forum Debates Budget Allocations

Bexley's schools are navigating a complex financial landscape as the Bexley Schools Forum met on Monday, 12 January 2026, to discuss crucial budget allocations for the upcoming academic year. The forum grappled with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which funds mainstream schools, early years education, and provision for children with high needs. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in balancing these budgets, particularly the growing deficit in the High Needs Block.

The Safety Valve programme, designed to address the borough's high needs deficit, was a central focus. This programme aims to reduce the need for expensive out-of-borough placements for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). While initial reports suggest positive impacts, such as a high success rate in preventing or delaying Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan assessments, the programme faces risks. Rising construction costs for the Shenstone School expansion and an increase in costly out-of-borough placements are putting pressure on the budget.

For mainstream schools, the proposed funding formula for 2026/27 includes an increase in the unit of funding per pupil. However, this is offset by a decrease in overall pupil numbers and an increase in pupils eligible for free school meals and those with low prior attainment. The forum also considered a proposal for a 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, a move permitted by funding regulations and assumed within the Safety Valve agreement. This transfer, while intended to alleviate pressure on the High Needs Block, could mean less funding available for mainstream schools.

The Early Years Block is set to see a significant increase, largely due to the full-year cost of extended entitlements for working parents. However, the report also outlined central costs that the local authority can retain from this funding, impacting the direct allocation to providers.

The projected accumulated deficit for the High Needs Block is forecast to increase significantly by March 2029, underscoring the ongoing financial strain on services for children with the most complex needs. These decisions directly impact the resources available for education, potentially affecting class sizes, staffing levels, and the provision of specialist support for vulnerable children across Bexley.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Transport Network Under Review: From Rail Upgrades to Cycle Routes

The Transport Users' Sub-Committee convened on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to address a wide array of transport issues affecting Bexley residents. Key discussions centred on planned rail service upgrades, Transport for London (TfL) matters, and ongoing road and highway concerns.

Rail Service Enhancements and Challenges

Significant attention was given to rail services, with updates on the Dartford line including a £10 million upgrade at Dartford Junction scheduled for February 2026. This work aims to improve reliability. However, residents may experience disruption during a blockade between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February 2026.

The meeting also touched upon the London Bridge Kent Metro Strategic Study, a long-term review of metro services up to 2055. This study, a collaboration between Network Rail, TfL, and Southeastern, will consider the impact of housing development and connectivity with the Elizabeth Line. The final report is expected by July 2026.

Updates on Southeastern's timetable changes included increased evening services on the Bexleyheath Line and longer train carriages on services between Victoria and Dartford/Gravesend, aiming to improve passenger comfort and capacity.

TfL Bus Services and Congestion Charging

Discussions on TfL bus services focused on performance monitoring, with reports on routes experiencing issues. The impact of events like the London Underground strike and roadworks on bus performance was also noted. Consultations on the Central London Congestion Charging Scheme and the closure of TfL's Capital Call service were also on the agenda. Changes to local bus services, including the introduction of the Superloop Route SL11 and adjustments to Routes 96, 229, and 469, were also discussed, impacting daily commutes for many.

Road Improvements and Safety

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to road issues. Plans for a cycle route between Bexleyheath and Erith are progressing, with a recommendation to use an alternative alignment via Arnsberg Way and Long Lane. This aims to create safer and more direct cycling paths. The installation of residential cycle parking units and ongoing cycle training programmes were also highlighted.

The provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging points is expanding, with updates on lamp column and in-ground units, as well as a government-funded initiative for residential charge points. Highway maintenance and improvement schemes, including road resurfacing and pedestrian crossing upgrades, were also on the agenda. Road safety was reviewed, with data on casualty levels presented, reinforcing the council's duty under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to study accidents and implement preventative measures.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Reviews Premises Licence Amidst Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday, 16 January 2026, to consider a review of a premises licence for Two 1 Five, a venue located at 215 Broadway, Bexleyheath. The review was initiated by the Licensing Authority due to concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The premises, originally licensed for off-sales, was granted a new licence in January 2022 for on-sales of alcohol and late-night refreshment. The current review, submitted in November 2025, cited representations from the Licensing Authority and the Police. The potential outcomes of the review could include modifying licence conditions, suspending the licence, or even revoking it entirely. This decision has direct implications for the local amenity and the safety of the surrounding area.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Local Authority Funding and Property Management Under Scrutiny

The Local Authority funding and resourcing challenges scrutiny project sub-group met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to examine the council's property data and its ongoing scrutiny project plan. A key focus was the implementation of a new property asset management system, Civica, aimed at improving the management and reporting of the council's extensive property portfolio.

The Civica system is being rolled out in phases, covering asset lists, lease/rent roll data, compliance, and condition surveys. The migration of data from older systems is progressing, with a target to decommission the Qube and Uniform systems by July 2026. The report highlighted potential risks, including billing discrepancies and missed income due to inaccurate data migration, and the effectiveness of reporting being constrained by data gaps. Mitigation measures include end-to-end data reconciliation and ongoing data gap analysis.

The sub-group also reviewed its project plan for scrutinising funding and resourcing challenges. This plan outlines the approach to reviewing financial strategies, including discussions on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the Corporate Landlord model. The Corporate Landlord model aims to centralise property management for greater efficiency and cost savings. The sub-group's work is expected to culminate in a final report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in March.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, 26 January 2026. View the agenda here.
• The Public Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday, 26 January 2026. View the agenda here.
• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 27 January 2026, has been cancelled.
• The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. View the agenda here.
• The General Purposes and Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. View the agenda here.
• The Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, to discuss licence determinations, fees and charges, and enforcement updates. View the agenda here.
• The Civic Recognition Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to consider a nomination for the Freedom of the Borough. View the agenda here.

This week in Bexley:

Education's Future: New Syllabus Aims to Enhance Religious Education for All

Bexley Council's Bexley Agreed Syllabus Conference met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to discuss a significant update to how Religious Education (RE) will be taught in the borough's schools. The proposed new syllabus, sourced from RE Today, aims to provide a more structured and engaging learning experience for students from early years through to Key Stage 4.

The core of the discussion revolved around the DRAFT Bexley Agreed Syllabus Review & Next Steps. Teachers have been consulted on sample units of work and assessment methods from the proposed syllabus. The intention is to adopt a commercially available syllabus from RE Today, which offers a systematic approach to learning. This move is part of the council's commitment to ensuring RE is taught according to the Education Act 1996¹, which mandates that all maintained schools follow a locally agreed syllabus.

The proposed timeline aims for the new syllabus to be in place by September 2026, with full implementation in 2027. This decision has real-world implications for thousands of students across Bexley, shaping their understanding of diverse religious and non-religious worldviews. The syllabus outlines specific topics for each key stage, such as Who is a Christian and what do they believe? for Key Stage 2, and Do we need to prove God's Existence? for Key Stage 4.

Concerns were raised about the financial implications of purchasing a licence for the new syllabus and associated training, estimated to cost up to £6,000. However, these costs are to be met from existing council budgets. The conference was scheduled to consider recommending the adoption of the syllabus to the Cabinet Member for Education, a crucial step before any launch events can take place.

The review also delved into the content itself, with discussions on which topics should remain mandatory and which could be optional. Questions were raised about the sufficiency of material covering various faiths and non-religious views, particularly in earlier years of schooling. This ensures that the syllabus is not only legally compliant but also relevant and inclusive for all students in Bexley.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Bexley Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday, 12 January 2026, to discuss funding for schools, early years, and high needs, as well as an update on the Safety Valve programme. View the agenda here.
• The Local Authority funding and resourcing challenges scrutiny project sub-group is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to discuss property data systems and the project plan. View the agenda here.
• The Transport Users' Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss rail issues, Transport for London updates, and road matters. View the agenda here.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, 16 January 2026, to review the premises licence for Two 1 Five in Bexleyheath. View the agenda here.
• The Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. View the agenda here.
• The Civic Recognition Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 January 2026. View the agenda here.

This week in Bexley:

Planning Committee to Review Traveller Site Redevelopment and Green Belt Applications

The Bexley Council Planning Committee met this week to consider several planning applications, including the redevelopment of a traveller site and applications affecting the Green Belt¹. The meeting took place on Thursday 18 December 2025.

• Traveller Site Redevelopment: Councillors reviewed application 24/02748/FUL for the redevelopment of an existing traveller site at 1 - 8 Mckillop Way, Sidcup. The proposal includes demolishing six existing amenity buildings and erecting nine new ones, along with layout alterations to create an additional plot.
• Green Belt Development: The committee considered application 25/01519/FUL, a retrospective application for a single-storey outbuilding and two timber smoking cabins at the Sidcup Conservative Club, Oxford Road, Sidcup. The location is within the Green Belt, raising concerns about the impact on the area's openness.
• Housing Development: Councillors also discussed application 25/02045/FUL for a detached two-storey dwelling with a garage at land to the rear of 88 North Cray Road, Bexley. This proposal also involves external alterations to the existing dwelling.

These decisions have implications for housing provision, the protection of green spaces, and the quality of life for both existing residents and future occupiers.

Traveller Site Redevelopment: Addressing Housing Needs

The proposed redevelopment of the traveller site at Mckillop Way aims to improve living conditions for residents by providing new amenity buildings and an additional plot. The report pack noted that key considerations included the development's impact on the area's character, neighbouring properties, and highways.

Green Belt Scrutiny: Balancing Development and Preservation

The retrospective application at the Sidcup Conservative Club raised concerns about development within the Green Belt. The report pack highlighted the need to consider the development's impact on the Green Belt's openness, the area's character, and neighbouring amenities.

Other Planning Applications

The Planning Committee also considered several other applications, including:

• 5 Hatherley Road, Sidcup: Application 24/02052/FUL for a three-storey rear extension to a place of worship at 5 Hatherley Road, Sidcup, to provide additional community and worship space.
• Garages Adjacent No's 5 To 10 Lumley Close, Belvedere: Application 24/02953/FUL for the erection of three dwelling houses with associated parking and refuse storage at garages adjacent to No's 5 to 10 Lumley Close, Belvedere, following the demolition of existing garages.
• 266 Sherwood Park Avenue, Sidcup: Application 25/01421/FUL for a change of use from a dry cleaners to a micro pub at 266 Sherwood Park Avenue, Sidcup, including a smoking shelter at the rear.
• Yard Adjacent To 11 Blackhorse Road and part of Trident House, Grassington Road, Sidcup: Application 25/02049/FUL for a two-storey end-of-terrace dwellinghouse at Yard Adjacent To 11 Blackhorse Road and part of Trident House, Grassington Road, Sidcup, including parking, cycle, and refuse storage after demolishing existing garages.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Pension Fund Investments and Strategy Under Scrutiny

The Bexley Council Pensions Committee convened this week to discuss the Bexley Pension Fund's investment performance, administration, and strategic asset allocation. The meeting took place on Tuesday 09 December 2025. The committee also considered the potential admission of Buckinghamshire County Council Pension Fund to the London CIV¹.

• Strategic Asset Allocation: Councillors considered proposals to update the fund's strategic asset allocation (SAA) to align with the committee's objectives and investment beliefs. The aim is to strike a balance between generating returns and managing risk, especially as the fund matures and requires more cash to pay benefits.
• Investment Performance: The fund's investments increased in value by £25 million in the quarter ending 30 September 2025, reaching £1.07 billion. However, the fund's return was lower than the benchmark return for the quarter, year, three-year, and five-year periods.
• Buckinghamshire Admission: The committee discussed the London CIV's business case to admit Buckinghamshire County Council Pension Fund into the pool, a move driven by the upcoming UK Pension Schemes Bill 2025.
• Administration Update: The committee received an update on the administration of the Bexley Pension Fund, including progress on the McCloud remedy and delays in connecting to the Pension Dashboard.

Strategic Asset Allocation: Balancing Risk and Return

The Pensions Committee considered proposals to update the strategic asset allocation (SAA) of the Bexley Pension Fund.

• Objectives: The proposals aimed to align with the committee's objectives and investment beliefs, including agreeing on the fund's strategic objectives and the Pension Risk Management Framework (PRMF).
• Funding Position: The fund was reported to be in a strong funding position, with initial valuation results giving a funding level of 119% and an updated liability discount rate of CPI+2.6%.
• Key Proposals: The proposals included maintaining a strategic allocation to the London CIV Absolute Return Fund, allocating to social affordable housing, and reducing the SAA weights to infrastructure and inflation plus property and global bonds.

Investment Performance: Mixed Results

The committee received a report summarizing the investment performance of the Bexley Pension Fund for the quarter ending 30 September 2025.

• Overall Increase: The quarter showed an overall increase in valuation for the fund compared to recent performance, driven by gains in global financial markets.
• Fund Value: The value of the Fund's investments as at 30 September 2025 was £1.07 billion, an increase of £25 million, representing a +2.39% change.
• Performance Table: The report included a table showing the performance of the fund over various periods, with the fund's return lagging behind the benchmark return in all periods.

Buckinghamshire County Council Pension Fund Admission: A Strategic Move

The committee discussed the London CIV's business case to admit Buckinghamshire County Council Pension Fund into the pool.

• Government Mandate: The government will shortly be passing the UK Pension Schemes Bill 2025, requiring all LGPS funds to transfer their assets to their chosen asset pools by 31 March 2026.
• Buckinghamshire's Interest: Buckinghamshire County Council Pension Fund formally approached the London CIV to join as its preferred pool.
• Benefits: The London CIV saw benefits in terms of increased scale, improved finances, geographic proximity, and alignment of investment approach.

Administration Report: McCloud Remedy and Pension Dashboard Delay

The committee received an update on the administration of the Bexley Pension Fund.

• McCloud Remedy: 16.6% of the Bexley LGPS membership are McCloud eligible². LPPA had successfully delivered Annual Benefit Statements (ABS) with the remedy underpin to over 92.2% of remedy eligible active members and 84.8% of remedy eligible deferred members.
• Pension Dashboard Delay: The 31 October 2025 Pension Dashboard connection deadline was not achieved, and the fund had notified The Pensions Regulator (tPR) of the delay.
• Customer Contact Centre: The Customer Contact Centre recorded an average wait time of 3 minutes 25 seconds across the quarter, which was under the target of 4 minutes.

Other Items

The agenda also included:

• Minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2025
• Declarations of Interests and Dispensations
• Items of Late Business
• Exclusion of the Press and Public
• Quarterly Financial and Fund Management Update – 30 September 2025

View the full agenda and reports here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 18 December 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including a retrospective application for the Sidcup Conservative Club, and a proposal to redevelop an existing traveller site. View the agenda here.