This week in Bexley:

New Mayor Elected as Council Gears Up for the Year Ahead

Bexley Council held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, marking a significant transition with the election of a new Mayor and the appointment of the Council Leader. Councillor Lisa Jane Moore was elected as the new Mayor for the Municipal Year 2026-27, taking on the ceremonial duties and championing her chosen charities: Crossroads Care South East London, Truly Beloved, and the Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group. Her theme for the year, Samunya Bexley or Bexley Together, aims to foster unity and community spirit across the borough.

Councillor David Leaf was re-appointed as the Leader of the Council until May 2030. The meeting also saw the approval of the council's committee structures, appointments, and the calendar of meetings for the upcoming municipal year. These decisions lay the groundwork for how the council will operate and make decisions affecting residents over the next twelve months.

Councillor Moore, in her acceptance speech, emphasised the importance of community and mutual support, stating, Samunya means we are one, or we are together. It expresses an idea that a person's identity and well-being are deeply connected to the community around them. This sentiment is particularly relevant as the council navigates the ongoing need to support vulnerable residents and ensure services are delivered effectively.

The meeting also included a vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Christine Catterall, who was commended for her diligent service throughout the Municipal Year 2025-26.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Committee Structures and Meeting Schedules Approved

Following the election of the new Mayor and Leader, the Council formally approved the committee structures, membership sizes, and the allocation of seats to political groups for the Municipal Year 2026/27. This process is fundamental to how the council scrutinises decisions and holds the Cabinet to account.

The Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2026/27 was also approved, outlining the schedule for future council and committee meetings. Councillor Cameron Smith raised concerns about the number of opposition members required to call in decisions, suggesting it could limit the opposition's ability to challenge executive actions. Councillor Leaf responded by stating that decisions remain open to scrutiny and that the proposed number of four members is proportionately lower than in previous years, while also noting the potential for opposition parties to collaborate. This discussion highlights the ongoing balance between efficient decision-making and robust democratic oversight, which directly impacts how residents' concerns are addressed.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Election Results Notified

The results of the Borough Council Elections held on 7 May 2026 were formally notified to the Council. This included a ward-by-ward listing of candidates and votes, confirming the composition of the council for the new municipal year.

Members' Allowances Scheme Approved

The Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 was approved. This scheme outlines the financial remuneration provided to councillors for their service, a matter that directly impacts the resources available for council operations.

Working Conventions Agreed

The Council reviewed and agreed upon the Working Conventions for 2026/27. These conventions provide guidelines for the conduct of council business and are essential for ensuring smooth and effective meetings.

This week in Bexley:

Pub Licence Changes Spark Resident Concerns: The Alma Faces Scrutiny

A proposal to significantly alter the premises licence for The Alma pub in Sidcup has ignited strong objections from local residents and responsible authorities. The application, submitted by Traditional Hub Pub Company Limited, seeks to extend operating hours, introduce live and recorded music outdoors, and remove existing conditions that residents fear will lead to increased noise and disruption.

The core of the controversy lies in the proposed removal of a condition that currently ensures noise from regulated entertainment during night hours is inaudible at nearby residential properties. Residents have also objected to the proposed extension of admissions until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and the addition of outdoor music. These changes, if approved, could fundamentally alter the character of the neighbourhood and impact the quality of life for those living nearby.

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday, 20 April 2026, to consider these objections. The committee must balance the applicant's desire to operate and potentially increase business with the licensing objectives, which include the prevention of public nuisance. The outcome of this decision will directly affect the peace and quiet of the local community.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Top Management Review Panel Assesses Senior Officer Performance

The Top Management Review Panel convened on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to review the performance of the council's Corporate Leadership Team for the appraisal year 2025/26. This is a crucial process for ensuring that the council's most senior officers are meeting their objectives and delivering effectively for Bexley residents.

The panel examined how senior officers performed against their Key Objectives, assessed their behaviour and attitude, and reviewed their compliance with procedural and legislative requirements. The performance of the Chief Executive, Director of Adult Social Care & Health, Director of Children's Services, and Director of Finance & Corporate Services were all under review. The Director of Place was also due to leave their post, with their performance being summarised reflectively.

The meeting also considered the council's revised Performance, Wellbeing and Development Scheme, which is used to appraise the Corporate Leadership Team. This process is vital for accountability and for ensuring that the council is run efficiently and effectively, with a direct impact on the services residents receive.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Constitution Review Continues: Shaping Council Governance

The Constitution itself was a topic of discussion on Friday, 24 April 2026, as the council continues its work on revising its foundational governance document. While specific details of this meeting are pending publication, previous discussions have highlighted the importance of the Constitution in defining how decisions are made, who makes them, and how transparent the process is.

Changes to the Constitution can have a significant impact on residents' ability to engage with the council and understand its operations. Previous reviews have focused on streamlining the document, clarifying roles and responsibilities, strengthening the Members' Code of Conduct, and enhancing public participation procedures. The ongoing review aims to ensure the Constitution remains fit for purpose and compliant with current legislation.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Top Management Review Panel Meeting

A meeting of the Top Management Review Panel was held on Thursday, 23 April 2026. Information regarding the specific discussions and outcomes of this meeting is pending council publication.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Council Debates National Policies and Approves Budget Amidst Election Buzz

The Council meeting on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, was dominated by a motion regretting the impact of the Labour government's policies on Bexley residents, which was ultimately carried. The meeting also saw the approval of the council's budget for the upcoming year, including a Council Tax increase, and the adoption of a new Community Safety Partnership Strategy. Tributes were paid to councillors not seeking re-election, marking the end of an electoral cycle.

Motion Regretting Labour Government's Impact Carried Amidst Heated Debate

A motion proposed by Councillor Richard Diment, expressing regret over the impact of the Labour government elected in July 2024 on Bexley residents, was carried by the Council. The debate was passionate, with Conservative councillors detailing concerns about tax increases and economic policies they argued disproportionately affected Bexley. Labour councillors countered by highlighting government achievements such as poverty reduction and increased wages, while criticising the previous Conservative government's record. This debate reflects the national political landscape influencing local council discussions, particularly in the lead-up to local elections.

The motion's passage underscores the political divisions within the council and highlights how national policy decisions are felt at a local level, impacting services and residents' finances.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Budget and Financial Plans Approved: Council Tax to Rise

The Council approved the General Fund Budget of £271.950m for 2026/27, which includes a £5m contingency. This budget incorporates a 2.99% increase in the Council Tax share and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept, resulting in a total rise of 4.99%. This increase will place an additional financial burden on households, particularly those on lower incomes, and is a direct consequence of the council's efforts to balance its budget amidst rising costs and reduced central government funding.

The capital programme, amounting to £145m, will fund essential infrastructure projects like highways maintenance, playground improvements, and upgrades to libraries and community centres. The Council also noted the Greater London Authority's (GLA) precept, which adds to the overall council tax bill.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030 Adopted

The Bexley Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030 was approved, outlining the partnership's priorities for the next four years. This strategy is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. It aims to enhance safety across the borough through collaborative efforts between the council, police, and other agencies.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Tributes to Retiring Councillors: Decades of Service Honoured

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to paying tribute to councillors not seeking re-election. The Leader of the Council, Councillor David Leaf, and other members acknowledged the collective decades of service and dedication of those stepping down. These councillors have contributed to policy decisions, community initiatives, and the overall governance of Bexley. Their departure marks the end of an era for some, and their experience will be missed.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Leader's Report Highlights Key Achievements and Future Plans

The Leader of the Council, Councillor David Leaf, presented a comprehensive report detailing the council's work since November 2025. Key highlights included:

• Economic and Cultural Development: Adoption of new strategies to attract investment and enhance the borough's cultural appeal.
• Infrastructure Investment: Significant allocations for highways maintenance, playground improvements, and community facilities.
• Housing Delivery: Progress on new housing projects through BexleyCo and developer partnerships.
• SEND Services: Positive outcomes from an Ofsted and CQC inspection, indicating effective progress in services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Community Safety: Bexley maintaining its status as one of London's safest boroughs.
• Environmental Initiatives: High recycling rates and efforts to combat fly-tipping.
• Leisure and Transport: Investment in leisure centres and progress on transport improvements, including the Superloop bus route.
• Business Support: Schemes aimed at supporting local enterprises.
• Workforce Development: Progress on staff wellbeing and retention initiatives.

The report also detailed ongoing work in Adult Social Care, Children and Families, and Place Shaping, underscoring the council's commitment to a wide range of services impacting residents' daily lives.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Planning Committee Considers Development Proposals

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, to consider five town planning applications. These applications included proposals for extensions to existing properties and the creation of new dwellings, demonstrating the ongoing development within the borough.

Residential Development and Property Extensions

The committee reviewed, and refused, an application for new dwellings at 9 Warren Road, Sidcup. It also reviewed the conversion of 13-14 Christopher Close, Sidcup, into additional flats. Proposals for extensions were also considered at Benedict House Preparatory School, Sidcup, to allow limited community use of a games area, and at 20 Sandhurst Road, Sidcup, and 2 Montgomery Close, Sidcup.

The recommendations for these applications generally involved granting planning permission subject to conditions, indicating that the proposed developments were considered acceptable in terms of design, impact on neighbouring amenities, and highway safety. These decisions shape the physical landscape of Bexley and can impact local infrastructure and community character.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Council Approves New Community Safety Strategy Amidst Budgetary Concerns

The Public Cabinet met on Thursday, 9 April 2026, to review the council's performance, discuss budget monitoring, and crucially, approve the Bexley Community Safety Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy sets out how the council and its partners will work to keep residents safe from crime and anti-social behaviour over the next four years. While the strategy itself was met with general approval, the meeting also highlighted ongoing financial pressures that could impact the delivery of these vital services.

A Renewed Commitment to Safety

The Bexley Community Safety Strategy 2026-2030, developed in partnership with the police, fire brigade, probation services, health partners, MOPAC, and the voluntary sector, aims to tackle key issues including anti-social behaviour, serious violence, and domestic abuse. It also places a strong emphasis on community reassurance.

Councillor Melvin Seymour, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health, highlighted the importance of addressing coercive behaviour, expressing a hope that the council would not make it more difficult for people to pay by cash, as control over bank accounts can be a tool for coercion. This concern underscores the human impact of policy decisions, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.

Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children & Families, stressed the importance of integrating data from the NetEngage app into strategic decision-making, ensuring that resources are directed effectively to where they are most needed.

The strategy's approval is a significant step, but its success will depend on adequate funding and effective implementation, especially in light of the budget monitoring report presented at the same meeting.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Budget Monitoring: A Tight Financial Ship

The council is forecasting a projected overspend of £1.361 million against a net revenue budget of just over £253 million. While this represents less than half a percent of the total budget and is attributed to the effectiveness of the financial intervention strategy, it signals the ongoing challenge of managing public finances.

Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources & Transformation, noted that all available funding for road improvements had been spent, with some funding for the current year already being utilised. However, he also lamented the loss of approximately £10 million in grants from the Mayor of London and the GLA since 2017, highlighting the impact of external funding decisions on local services.

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, raised concerns about the condition of pavements and lampposts, suggesting a greater focus on pavement renewals. Councillor Leaf reminded members that they had previously voted against £30 million of investment in highways, including pavements, over the next four years. This exchange illustrates how difficult decisions about resource allocation are made, and how past votes can have tangible consequences for residents' daily lives.

The Cabinet was asked to approve the budget monitoring position, slippage and accelerated spend in the capital programme, and additions and deletions to the capital programme.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Delivery Framework: Strengthening Council Operations

An update was provided on the council's Delivery Framework, a system designed to link the council's priorities to its day-to-day operations. This framework aims to provide clearer accountability and stronger assurance in how services are delivered. Councillor David Leaf highlighted the importance of the operating principles of customer first, continually improving, and best use of resources, which are central to ensuring the council serves residents effectively and efficiently.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Performance Review: Q3 Highlights and Concerns

The council's performance against key indicators for the third quarter of the financial year (October to December 2025) was presented. While there were positive exceptions, such as an increase in self-directed support in adult social care, concerns were raised regarding a decline in repeat incidents of domestic abuse and a decrease in the percentage of care leavers accessing employment, education, or training. These figures are vital for understanding the real-world impact of council services on vulnerable groups.

View the full agenda and reports here.