This week in Bexley:

Council Transformation Programme Faces Scrutiny Over Pace and Ownership

Bexley Council's ambitious transformation programme, designed to address ongoing financial pressures, came under scrutiny at this week's Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting. The meeting was held on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Councillors questioned the programme's pace, ownership, and potential impact on staff and services.

• Transformation Programme: The council is aiming for a balanced model that brings together targeted investment in strategic transformation programmes alongside in-service improvement activity.
• Speed Concerns: Councillor Howard Jackson expressed concern that the council was not moving fast enough to hit its targets.
  • Councillor David Leaf, Cabinet Member for Resources, responded that there was a natural culture of risk aversion in the public sector because it is taxpayers' money at stake. He added that the council was keen to progress at pace, but also mindful of certain risks.
• Ownership Concerns: Councillor Stefano Borella raised concerns about the ownership of the programme, and whether heads of service were ensuring the whole council took ownership. He also said that scrutiny needed to look at the transformation programme more regularly.
• Working From Home: Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE asked about the impact of working from home on the culture programme.
  • Kate Bonham, Deputy Director, said that the council was not specifically looking at this as part of the culture programme, but that it was something that was kept under regular review. She added that the council had taken the approach of recommending two to three days a week in the office, and that this had enabled the council to recruit from a much wider pool of people.

The success of this transformation programme is crucial for the council's financial stability and its ability to deliver essential services to residents.

Asset Management Strategy: Balancing Financial Needs with Community Assets

The Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee also discussed the council's proposed Asset Management Strategy for 2025-2029. The strategy provides a framework for the effective use and management of the council's property assets, which are currently valued at £706m and include over 690 assets.

• Key Risks: Councillor Hall asked about the key risks to the delivery of the strategy, and what metrics would be used to measure success.
  • Alan McCarthy, Interim Head of Property, said that one of the key aspects of the strategy was undertaking an asset challenge process with all the service directorates, and that regular updates would be required through that governance.
• Asset Discrepancy: Councillor Borella noted a discrepancy in the number of assets listed on pages 72 and 76 of the Public Reports Pack, and requested clarity on the matter.
  • Alan McCarthy responded that the portfolio size was actually 690 assets, not 750, and that this would be corrected in the survey.
• Asset Sales: Councillor Larry Ferguson asked if any conversations had taken place about whether any assets might be sold to possibly relieve the council's financial situation, and if so, which assets would be looked at first.
  • Councillor Leaf responded that the council did have a disposals programme, and that some of those sites were in the Bextico pipeline.
• Timescales: Councillor Chris Ball said that the timescales for the asset management strategy seemed incredibly long, and asked whether the council was going to be delaying the transformation programme because the property bits were lagging behind.

This strategy will determine how the council manages its assets, potentially impacting community services and the local economy.

Employment Rights Bill: A Mixed Bag for Bexley?

Councillor Leaf provided an update on financial matters, including the household support fund and the fair funding review. He also provided some clarity on the employment rights bill and its impact on local authorities.

• Employment Rights Bill: Councillor Hall asked Councillor Leaf to provide some clarity on the employment rights bill and its impact on local authorities.
  • Councillor Leaf responded that the bill had generated a lot of interest in local government circles, and that there were some specific areas that would directly affect local government more so than other sectors of the economy. He mentioned the proposal to bring back a body around school support staff pay negotiating bodies, and the adult social care fair pay agreements and the negotiating body that the government is looking to set up on that front.
• Councillor Borella's Support: Councillor Borella said that he welcomed the employment rights bill, and that he thought it would strengthen workers' rights. He also said that he hoped Bexley would get a better deal out of the fair funding review.

The Employment Rights Bill could have significant implications for Bexley Council, affecting its workforce and financial stability.

SEND Improvement Stocktake Update

The SEND Priority Action Plan Scrutiny Sub-Group met to review the progress of the Priority Action Plan (PAP) for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) improvements in Bexley. The meeting was held on Tuesday 22 July 2025. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• General Purposes and Audit Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025 will discuss the annual report on redundancy, severance and early release of pension benefits, the annual treasury management outturn report, internal audit and counter fraud progress, the annual head of internal audit report, and the updated internal audit plan. View the agenda here.
• Planning Committee on Thursday 31 July 2025 will consider several planning applications, including a large residential development at the former Bexley Maternity Hospital. View the agenda here.

This week in Bexley:

Clock Tower Evangelism Sparks Free Speech Debate

A decision by the Licensing Sub-Committee not to issue a counter notice against a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Christ Church International to conduct evangelism at the Bexleyheath Clock Tower on Saturday 5 July 2025 has sparked debate about free speech versus public nuisance. The meeting was held on Friday 04 July 2025.

• Police and Environmental Health Objections: Both the Metropolitan Police Service and the Environmental Health Service objected, citing concerns about crime, disorder, public safety, and noise nuisance.
• Human Rights Considerations: The sub-committee cited human rights considerations, particularly Articles 6 and 8 of the convention¹, in its decision.
• Previous Complaints: The Bexleyheath Business Improvement Development Team had received 30 complaints about noise from a similar gathering the previous week.

This decision raises questions about how the council balances the rights of individuals to express their beliefs with the need to protect the public from potential disruption.

Council Grapples with SEND Deficit and School Funding

Bexley's schools are facing increasing financial pressure as the deficit in the high needs block² continues to grow. The Bexley Schools Forum met on Monday to discuss the issue, revealing a forecast deficit of £7 million. The meeting was held on Monday 16 June 2025.

• Safety Valve Programme: Bexley is part of the Safety Valve programme³, an agreement with the Department for Education (DfE) to manage and reduce the high needs deficit.
• Rising Costs: Increased demand for tuition services, personal budgets, and alternative provision are contributing to the deficit.
• School Funding Transfer: The Schools Forum approved a 0.5% transfer from the schools block to the high needs block for 2025/26, meaning less money for mainstream schools.
• Independent Placements: The number of children requiring specialist settings has outstripped the expansion of special school placements, forcing the council to use more expensive independent sector placements.

The accumulated deficit is projected to reach around £24 million by March 2026, potentially leading to further cuts in school funding and reduced support for vulnerable children.

Licensing Committee Reviews Policies and Enforcement

The Licensing Committee met to discuss the council's statement of licensing policy, updates on licensing enforcement, and licences determined under delegated powers. The meeting was held on Tuesday 15 July 2025.

• Statement of Licensing Policy: The committee was scheduled to consider the council's statement of licensing policy for the five-year period from 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2031, as required by the Licensing Act 2003.
• Enforcement Update: The Council's Licensing Enforcement Officer indicated that she had nothing to report on this occasion.
• Trading Standards Activity: Trading Standards reported on alcohol sales, fireworks, animals, special treatments, and scrap metal.
• Closure Orders: Five closure notices were issued to premises in Bexley for the sale of illicit or counterfeit tobacco.

The committee also received a report summarising the licences granted under the Licensing Act 2003 by the Deputy Director, Strategic Planning & Housing under delegated powers from 1 March 2025 to 30 June 2025.

Other Matters

• The Council met on Wednesday 16 July 2025, to discuss appointments, questions from the public and councillors, reports from the leader of the council and various committees, and business remaining from a previous meeting. View the agenda here.
• The Transport Users' Sub-Committee met to discuss road and rail issues, updates from Transport for London (TfL), and school travel plans. View the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• SEND Priority Action Plan Scrutiny Sub-Group on Tuesday 22 July 2025 will review the progress of the Priority Action Plan and discuss actions from the previous meeting. View the agenda here.
• Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025 will discuss the council's transformation programme and asset management strategy. View the agenda here.
• General Purposes and Audit Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025. View the agenda here.
• Planning Committee on Thursday 31 July 2025. View the agenda here.

This week in Bexley:

Morley's Take Away Licence Sparks Objections Over Late-Night Noise and Disorder

A licensing application for Morley's Take Away, located at 33A Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath, was reviewed by the Licensing Sub-Committee this week, drawing significant opposition from local authorities and residents. The meeting was scheduled for Monday 07 July 2025. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption and provide late-night refreshment until 1 am on weekdays and 2 am on weekends.

• Previous Refusal: A prior application for the same premises was rejected by the sub-committee on 5 December 2024, indicating a history of concerns regarding the location.
• Objections: Representations against the application were lodged by the Police, the Licensing Authority, the Environmental Health Service, and ten local residents, citing potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.
• Volunteer Steps: Mr Partheepan Kirushnapillai, the applicant, volunteered steps to promote the licensing objectives¹, including CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy², staff training, and measures to prevent public nuisance.
• Trading Beyond Permitted Hours: A routine inspection on 9 May 2025 revealed the premises were already operating beyond their permitted hours, raising questions about compliance.
• Planning Permission: The Planning Department noted that operating outside the hours stipulated in planning ref: 13/01708/FUL would require additional planning permission.

The decision on this application could significantly impact the quality of life for residents in the surrounding area, particularly regarding noise and anti-social behaviour during late-night hours.

Religious Education Review Focuses on Curriculum Disparities and Inclusion

The Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) convened this week to discuss local and national updates on religious education, including a review of the locally agreed syllabus and the national Curriculum and Assessment Review. The meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 09 July 2025.

• Curriculum and Assessment Review: The meeting addressed the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review, which aims to improve the curriculum and assessment system in England.
• National Disparities: Evidence suggests a lack of national content standards has led to disparities in the quality of Religious Education (RE) provision across the country.
• GCSE Uptake: Students in schools with a religious character are almost five times more likely to be entered for GCSE Religious Studies (RS) than those in other schools, highlighting inequalities in access to RE.
• Local Syllabus Review: Feedback from local primary schools indicated that the Bexley Agreed Syllabus was working well, but that further details on assessments and teaching ideas would be appreciated.
• Inclusion: Secondary schools requested that Humanist perspectives be added to the syllabus and for a baseline of what skills children had from Religious Education when moving into secondary schools. Schools also asked for more support in Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisions to adapt the syllabus for children.
• School Speakers: Primary schools are still requesting speakers to come and visit schools, and that it would be great if Bexley could have its own bank of speakers to go to different local schools.

These discussions highlight the importance of ensuring high-quality, inclusive religious education for all students in Bexley, regardless of their background or school type.

Library Strategy Aims to Be At the Heart of Bexley's Growth

The Public Cabinet met this week to discuss a new Library Strategy for 2025 – 2030, shaped by a nine-week public consultation. The meeting was scheduled for Thursday 10 July 2025. The strategy sets out a five-year vision for libraries in Bexley, aiming to position them as dynamic hubs of opportunity for local communities.

• Vision: Libraries are at the heart of Bexley's growth. In the next five years, they will be dynamic hubs of opportunity for our local communities, where everyone can access the resources, culture, and information they need to thrive.
• Priorities: The strategy focuses on literacy and reading, culture and creativity, digital and economic improvement, and health and wellbeing.
• Universal Library Offers: The Library Strategy is inspired by the national Universal Library Offers³.
• Budget Overspend: The Budget Monitoring Report 2024/25 March 2025 (Period 12 Outturn) showed a revenue outturn of an overspend of £1.523m against the current net budget of £215.029m.
• Medium Term Financial Strategy: When setting the 2025/26 budget, a medium term budget gap of £32.658m was forecast for 2026/27 increasing to £43.893 by 2028/29.

The adoption of this strategy aligns with the council's statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

Other Matters

• The Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 08 July 2025 was postponed. View the meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Council on Wednesday 16 July 2025 will cover a range of topics, including reports from various committees, questions from both the public and councillors, and a report from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE. View the agenda here.
• Licensing Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will discuss the council's statement of licensing policy, updates on licensing enforcement, and licences determined under delegated powers. View the agenda here.
• Transport Users' Sub-Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025 will discuss rail and road issues, Transport for London (TfL) updates, a police service update and school travel plans. View the agenda here.
• SEND Priority Action Plan Scrutiny Sub-Group on Tuesday 22 July 2025. View the meeting details here.
• Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025. View the meeting details here.

This week in Bexley:

Clock Tower Evangelism Sparks Debate on Free Speech vs. Public Nuisance

A recent decision by the Licensing Sub-Committee has ignited a debate about the balance between freedom of expression and the potential for public nuisance. The sub-committee chose not to issue a counter notice against a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) submitted by Mr Kwame Arthur for Christ Church International to conduct evangelism at the Bexleyheath Clock Tower on Saturday 5 July 2025. Read the full decision here.

This decision came despite objections from both the Metropolitan Police Service and the Environmental Health Service.

• Police Concerns: The police argued the TEN lacked details on managing a gathering of 150 people in a busy public space, raising concerns about crime, disorder, and public safety. They cited previous incidents of religious groups causing disturbances and blocking the highway, including one where someone was hit by a flag.
• Environmental Health Objections: Environmental Health cited potential public nuisance due to noise control and the impact of amplified sound on the public and nearby residents. They noted that the Bexleyheath Business Improvement Development Team had received 30 complaints about noise from a similar gathering the previous week.

The sub-committee was reminded of its duty to consider the objections, Bexley's Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Despite these concerns, the sub-committee decided to allow the event to proceed without additional conditions, citing human rights considerations, particularly Articles 6 and 8 of the convention¹.

This decision raises questions about how the council balances the rights of individuals to express their beliefs with the need to protect the public from potential disruption and nuisance.

Dark Kitchen Approved Despite Drug Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee also granted a premises licence to Nocturnal Elfs Limited for a dark kitchen² at Rear of 158C Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath. Read the full decision here. The business will operate as a delivery-only convenience store, selling alcohol and late-night refreshments.

The initial application sought permission for these activities 24/7, but was amended following representations from responsible authorities. The amended application sought permission for:

• Sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises: Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 to 00:00; Friday and Saturday, 08:00 to 02:00 the following day.
• Late night refreshment (delivery only): Sunday to Thursday, 23:00 to 00:00; Friday and Saturday, 23:00 to 02:00 the following day.
• Opening hours: Every day, 00:00 to 23:59.

Mr Ahdill Ali, Director of Nocturnal Elfs, explained that the business would operate as a convenience store for quickly processed deliveries only, with no public access to the premises. He also addressed concerns about drug exchanges, stating that the convenience store would have no impact on such activity.

The sub-committee imposed several conditions on the licence, including:

• The premises shall not be open to the public.
• Alcohol and late night refreshment shall be provided for delivery only.
• Only staff members are to be employed for deliveries, using electric vehicles only.
• A minimum order price of £10 for orders including alcohol.
• Deliveries only to residential or business addresses, not public places.
• Implementation of Challenge 25 policy with record-keeping.

The sub-committee noted that the responsible authorities had withdrawn their objections due to the amendments and offered conditions. They acknowledged Mr Ali's clarification that the premises would operate as a convenience store for quick deliveries only, with no public access. The sub-committee also considered the objections from other persons regarding drug deals and noise but found no evidence that the applicant would contribute to drug-related problems.

This decision highlights the council's efforts to support local businesses while addressing potential concerns about crime and public nuisance.

Social Care Faces Scrutiny Amidst CQC Assessment

Bexley's Adult Social Care services are under the microscope as the council prepares for an upcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment. The Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the assessment process and other key issues. Read the full report here.

The CQC assessment will involve:

• Information gathering, including a self-assessment and information return.
• Speaking with people, voluntary and community groups, and unpaid carer groups.
• A site visit.

The council submitted its information return to the CQC on 2 May 2025, and the site visit is expected within six months of the notification.

Councillor Melvin Seymour, Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Health, praised the hard work of the officers and their commitment. He also noted that the CQC inspection was the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle and that the council was ahead of the game due to the peer review and work from In Power.

The committee also discussed the Care at Home transformation programme, aimed at delivering more personalised, outcome-focused care. Alison Rogers, Director of Integrated Commissioning, noted that the council had commissioned an external review to ensure the programme was going in the right direction.

Councillor Rags Sandhu shared his experience of visiting Parkview Care Home, praising the staff and the quality of care. He raised the issue of language barriers for some residents from ethnic minority backgrounds, suggesting that the council should plan for an increasing need for culturally sensitive care in the future.

The committee also reviewed the budget monitoring report, which indicated an overspend position of £3.3 million as of May 2025, due to inflation and increased demand.

These discussions highlight the challenges and opportunities facing Bexley's Adult Social Care services as they strive to provide high-quality care to a growing and diverse population.

Other Matters

• The Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Planning Committee also met this week. Unfortunately, no transcripts or minutes are available for these meetings. You can view the meeting details here and here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 07 July 2025 will consider a premises licence application for Morley's Take Away. View the agenda here.
• Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) on Wednesday 09 July 2025 will discuss local and national updates related to religious education, including a review of the locally agreed syllabus and the Curriculum and Assessment Review. View the agenda here.
• Public Cabinet on Thursday 10 July 2025 will discuss the adoption of a new Library Strategy, budget monitoring reports, an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy, and a review of the council's annual performance. View the agenda here.
• Licensing Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025. View the meeting details here.
• Council on Wednesday 16 July 2025. View the meeting details here.
• Transport Users' Sub-Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025. View the meeting details here.