This week in Bexley:

Children's Services Under the Spotlight: Transformation and SEND Reforms Take Centre Stage

Bexley Council's Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, to delve into a series of ambitious transformation programmes and critical reforms impacting the borough's youngest residents. The discussions underscored the council's commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, even amidst significant budget pressures.

A major focus was the Children's Transformation Programme, which aims to deliver integrated, child-centred services. This includes a Commissioning Redesign projected to save £1.2 million by optimising children's placements, with £0.972 million already achieved by safely stepping down children from intensive settings. A further £0.78 million saving is anticipated through an Advanced Practitioner Model. The programme also encompasses the rollout of four Best Start Family Hubs and a new digital platform for families.

The Families First programme is a large-scale initiative to integrate early help and statutory services within local communities. Key elements include strengthened multi-agency working and the development of a new Family Group Decision Making service. Bexley is also participating in a national Kinship Zones pilot, funded by the Department for Education, to provide dedicated support to kinship carers, including a new Kinship Allowance.

Significant attention was given to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms. Following an inspection that identified widespread failings, Bexley has made progress, earning commendation from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission for its actions. Improvements are noted in the SEND Hub, the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and early identification. However, challenges remain in embedding Preparation for Adulthood and addressing variations in complex cases. The council is awaiting the lifting of an improvement notice, with indications that it is likely to be lifted.

The committee also reviewed the Local SEND Reform Plan, developed in response to government reforms. This plan, co-produced with children, young people, and professionals, outlines seven pillars for improving the SEND system. The government's changes to SEND funding, including the introduction of a High Needs Stability Grant, were discussed, with the council needing to find alternative funding for certain roles.

Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, highlighted Bexley's success in delivering a small underspend in children's social care, a feat achieved by many local authorities. He also spoke about the council's Fostering Strategy, which aims to increase local fostering placements, improve stability, and reduce reliance on external agencies. The strategy builds on the success of the Fostering Together model, which provides peer support and flexible assistance to carers.

The discussions also touched upon the government's upcoming guidance requiring schools to be mobile-phone free from September 2026. Councillors debated the practicalities and safety implications, with a consensus emerging that while a complete ban might be impractical, a consistent approach focusing on smartphones and their use within school grounds is necessary. The importance of educating parents and ensuring safety measures are in place for children who may need to contact parents or guardians was also stressed.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Public Cabinet Approves Budget Monitoring and Fostering Strategy Amidst Financial Scrutiny

Bexley Council's Public Cabinet met on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to review the council's financial health and approve key strategies. The meeting highlighted an outturn overspend of £208,000 for the 2025-26 financial year, an improvement of £1.153 million from previous reports. However, the current financial year (2026-27) forecasts an overspend of £601,000, primarily due to SEN transport costs and transformation savings not yet fully realised.

The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) was updated, projecting a widening budget gap from £8.192 million in 2027-28 to £21.885 million by 2030-31. This strategy relies on annual council tax increases of 4.99% and successful savings from the Future Bexley transformation programme. Key financial risks include contract and pay inflation, and increasing demand in social care and SEN transport.

The Future Bexley programme, now in its delivery phase, aims to achieve £3.630m in savings for 2026/27 through programmes focused on customer experience, whole-life transformation, and commercialisation. A new Assurance Framework has been launched to govern this programme, ensuring accountability and rigorous validation of savings.

An update on BexleyCo's business plan revealed progress on development sites, though sales at West Street have been slower than anticipated, leading to a hybrid sales and rental model. The overall forecast development profit remains over £24 million, with an expected profit after tax of £15.836 million. Challenges persist due to market conditions and construction inflation.

The Annual Performance Report for 2025/26 indicated strong service delivery but acknowledged continuing pressures in social care, housing, and SEND. A new vision statement for Children's Services was presented: Together, with our partners, we will build strong relationships with children and families to empower them to grow, enrich their education and wellbeing to be the best they can be.

The cabinet also approved in principle the development of a borough-wide Community Hubs Network, aiming to provide simpler, more accessible, and joined-up support closer to home. This initiative builds on existing programmes like Family Hubs and Best Start in Life, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

The Bexley Fostering Strategy 2026–2030 was approved, setting ambitious goals to increase local foster carers, improve placement stability, and strengthen support for carers. Key objectives include recruiting an additional 80 fostering households, placing 90% of children in care with local foster carers, and placing 80% of sibling groups together. This strategy is crucial for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and ensuring financial sustainability by reducing reliance on costly independent fostering agencies.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) Meets

The Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The meeting was scheduled to cover local and national developments in religious education, including the implementation of the new Locally Agreed Syllabus and the impact of local government reorganisation on SACREs. Updates were also expected on national curriculum reforms and the role of RE in promoting social cohesion. Information on NASACRE training opportunities and the Westhill/NASACRE Awards was also to be provided.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Members' Staffing Panel Postponed

The Members' Staffing Panel, originally scheduled for Thursday, 2 July 2026, has been postponed.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Obesity Crisis Looms: Council Tackles Rising Rates with New Strategies

Bexley Council is facing a growing public health challenge as obesity rates continue to climb, particularly among children and in the borough's most deprived areas. The Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to discuss progress on tackling obesity, an update on direct payments, and adult social care performance. The stark reality is that one in four adults and one in five reception-aged children in Bexley are living with obesity, a figure projected to rise significantly.

Dr. Nicole Klynman, Director of Public Health, and Katie Clare, Consultant in Public Health, presented data showing that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is highest in the most deprived areas, contributing to health inequalities and a widening gap in life expectancy. Key challenges identified include limited access to supermarkets, a high density of fast-food outlets, and food insecurity. Physical activity rates are alarmingly low, and there's a critical gap in weight management services for secondary school-aged children.

Despite these hurdles, the council is implementing initiatives like the Cook and Eat programme and working with local businesses on healthier catering. The Best Start Family Hubs are being used to train staff to promote healthy lifestyles. However, concerns were raised about the low engagement with existing services and the sustainability of weight loss. Councillor Cafer Munur highlighted the crucial link between mental health and obesity, questioning if current support adequately addresses chronic stress, a factor known to influence eating habits. He also stressed the need for a whole council approach to the Bexley 2050 vision, urging that planning decisions, such as the proliferation of fast-food outlets, should not contradict public health goals.

The committee also heard that Bexley's tier 2 weight management services, while having low numbers, are the highest in South East London, a small comfort in the face of a significant challenge. The long-term implications of rising obesity for future adult social care budgets were also a point of concern.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Direct Payments Uptake Increases, Offering More Choice and Control

Bexley Council is seeing a positive trend in the uptake of direct payments, a scheme that empowers individuals to manage their own care needs. An update presented to the Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 25 June 2026, revealed that direct payment uptake has increased from 18.1% in October 2022 to 23.3% in 2024/25, now exceeding the peer group average and nearing the London average.

Direct payments offer individuals the choice and control to commission their own care, whether through agencies, employing personal assistants, or using funds creatively for social activities. This approach is seen as the ultimate in choice and control for individuals receiving social care support. The increase follows recommendations from a 2022-2023 scrutiny subgroup, leading to the co-production of expenditure guidelines, the launch of the Your Life, Your Choice Care Finder website, and the establishment of a dedicated Direct Payment Support Service.

While the increase is welcome, Councillor Cafer Munur urged caution, noting that direct payments are not suitable for everyone and stressing the importance of a safety net for those who prefer not to manage their own care. Concerns about potential increased monitoring costs and ensuring value for money were also raised. Officers assured the committee that the focus remains on meeting individual needs flexibly and that commissioned services are used to sense-check market rates.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Community Safety and Recycling Take Centre Stage at Places Committee

The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, to address critical issues including community safety, recycling initiatives, and the council's cultural strategy. A significant decision was the establishment of a subgroup to review current community safety and anti-social behaviour arrangements, acknowledging the widespread impact these issues have on residents.

Councillor Frazer Brooks strongly advocated for the community safety subgroup, highlighting its prevalence in his ward and across the borough. Councillor Cafer Munur supported this, noting that resources are already in place to tackle the problem. Councillor Chris Ball suggested incorporating concerns about domestic abuse rates into the review, recognising the link between community safety and broader societal issues. While a subgroup on youth unemployment was also proposed, the committee decided to address this as a future agenda item, requesting a report back due to potential funding limitations for a dedicated subgroup.

The committee also agreed to a reality check-in visit to the Thames Road recycling facility, offering members a firsthand look at waste management operations. Discussions on the Simpler Recycling Project revealed that Bexley aims to reach a 65% recycling rate by 2030. While Bexley has been an early adopter of food waste collections, efforts are ongoing to extend this to all flats. A soft plastics collection service is planned for March 2027, with options for collection and processing being investigated. The potential cost of providing bags for soft plastics was noted, and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which aims to cover packaging costs, was discussed. Councillor Zainab Asunramu raised concerns about inconsistencies in food waste caddy and garden waste collections in Thamesmead East, requesting a review to ensure equitable provision across the borough.

The council's Culture Strategy, aimed at raising the borough's profile and enhancing opportunities through arts and heritage, was also reviewed. Councillor Cafer Munur emphasised the need for measurable outcomes, while Councillor Frazer Brooks advocated for a more equitable distribution of cultural events across the borough's smaller towns. Councillor Chris Ball questioned the metrics for cultural engagement and the diversity of partners involved, suggesting a need to look beyond the usual suspects.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Pensions Committee Reviews Fund Performance and Future Plans

The Pensions Committee met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The committee received presentations from London CIV and Barnett Waddingham, reviewed the quarterly administration and financial performance reports for the Bexley Pension Fund up to 31 March 2026, and discussed the proposed Business Plan and Investment Work Plan for 2026-27. The total market value of the fund's investments at 31 March 2026 was £1.06bn, showing a decrease attributed to global economic uncertainty. The committee also reviewed the CMA Investment Objectives for 2026-27, setting targets for investment consultants.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers Hayat Restaurant Licence Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for Hayat Restaurant at 25 The Oval, Sidcup. The review was initiated by the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Licensing Compliance Team due to concerns about illegal working. The report detailed previous enforcement visits where individuals were found working without the right to do so, leading to a significant Civil Penalty Notice. The Home Office requested the revocation of the premises licence, citing the undermining of licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. No representations were received from Other Persons or other Responsible Authorities, and the Licence Holder had not responded to the application at the time of the report.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Schools Face Budget Shortfalls as SEND Reform Takes Centre Stage

Bexley's education system is grappling with significant financial challenges, as the Bexley Schools Forum met on Monday, 15 June 2026, to discuss the outturn of the schools budget for the 2025/26 financial year. The forum heard that centrally-managed budgets incurred an in-year deficit of £10.099 million, largely due to increased expenditure on high needs, particularly placements in the independent sector. This has resulted in a carried-forward Dedicated Schools Grant deficit of £22.495 million, a figure that will impact future funding allocations for schools.

The forum also considered the approach to funding adjustments for pupils who have been permanently excluded or are undergoing managed moves. While regulations typically prorate funding from the sixth school day after an exclusion, an academy has requested a local agreement for adjustments to be calculated on an academic year basis, differing from the financial year basis for maintained schools. The Local Authority holds the decision-making power on this matter, which could affect how schools are financially supported during pupil transitions.

A major focus of the meeting was the update on the local Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan. This plan, developed in response to requirements from the Department for Education and NHS England, aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The plan is built on seven key pillars, including co-production with parents, effective leadership, data utilisation, high-quality service delivery, cross-sector partnerships, a skilled workforce, and sustainable resource use. The cessation of the Safety Valve Programme and the introduction of a new High Needs Stability Grant, contingent on the approval of the SEND Reform Plan, were also noted. This reform is critical for ensuring that children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive, and any delays or funding issues could have a profound impact on their educational journey and future prospects.

The forum also reviewed and adopted an updated constitution to ensure continued compliance with national guidance and effective governance. A draft schedule of meetings for the 2026/27 academic year was also presented.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Better Care Fund and Public Health

The Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board convened on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, to address crucial aspects of health and social care provision across the borough. A key discussion point was the Better Care Fund (BCF) Assurance Return for 2026-27, detailing the allocation of £97.056 million to support integrated and preventative care. The plan aligns with the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and focuses on neighbourhood-based care and maintaining the stability of core community services. The Board was asked to authorise amendments to the return following national and regional assurance processes, highlighting the collaborative effort required to manage these significant funds effectively.

The Board also reviewed the Better Care Fund End of Year Return for 2025-26, confirming compliance with national conditions. While emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over were below planned levels, and discharge delays were generally short, the report indicated that admissions to care homes were also below target, reflecting a focus on supporting independence.

A significant update was provided on the Local Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan. This plan aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND through an inclusive mainstream system, with specialist support where needed. The report detailed the principles of SEND reform and the foundations of effective local partnerships. The plan is a live document intended to unlock associated funding from autumn 2026. The cessation of the Safety Valve Programme and the introduction of a new High Needs Stability Grant, contingent on the approval of the SEND Reform Plan, were also noted. This reform is vital for ensuring that children with SEND and their families receive the necessary support.

The Annual Public Health Report for 2025-26 painted a long-term picture of Bexley's health up to 2050, identifying obesity, mental health, neighbourhood inequalities, environmental conditions, and digital exclusion as significant long-term risks. The report emphasised the need for a unified, cross-council approach and sought endorsement for cross-council prevention priorities, neighbourhood-based delivery models, and investment in healthy place shaping.

Positive news emerged regarding the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating for Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which has been upgraded to an overall rating of Good. This improvement was attributed to sustained progress in care quality, leadership, and patient experience, including the addition of over 100 new beds and a new Same Day Emergency Care unit. The Board was asked to note this achievement and support continued quality improvement.

Updates on the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership highlighted progress in strategic investment, digital transformation, and primary care initiatives, indicating a positive shift towards prevention and community-based support.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Pub Licence Review Sparks Concerns Over Crime and Disorder

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for Tap, located at 3 Wellington Parade, Blackfen Road, Sidcup. The review, initiated by the Licensing Authority, cited concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The grounds for the review stemmed from an incident on 20 March 2026, involving a fight with a glassing, leading to grievous bodily harm. Police attending the scene reported intoxicated customers and ineffective management. Crucially, the premises' CCTV system was not operational at the time, a breach of licence conditions. Further complaints on 10 April 2026 alleged all-night poker games and drinking until the early hours. Investigations, including CCTV review, reportedly revealed evidence of organised gambling, drug use, and the sale of alcohol outside permitted hours.

The Police, as a Responsible Authority, submitted representations supporting the review, highlighting concerns about the promotion of licensing objectives. The Licence Holder, Tap Drinking Limited, had not responded to the review application at the time the report pack was compiled. The potential outcomes of this review could range from modifications to licence conditions to the revocation of the licence, directly impacting the safety and order of the local community.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Schools Forum Discusses Budget Outturn and SEND Reform

The Bexley Schools Forum met on Monday, 15 June 2026. Discussions included the outturn of the schools budget for 2025/26, which revealed a significant deficit in centrally-managed budgets, and the proposed funding for the 2026/27 academic year. A key focus was the update on the local SEND Reform Plan, aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The forum also reviewed its constitution and discussed the draft schedule of meetings for the upcoming year.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Health and Wellbeing Board Reviews Better Care Fund and Public Health

The Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. Key agenda items included the Better Care Fund Assurance Return for 2026-27 and the End of Year Return for 2025-26, detailing how pooled funds will support integrated care. An update on the Local SEND Reform Plan was presented, alongside the Annual Public Health Report for 2025-26, which identified long-term health risks for Bexley residents. The Board also noted the improvement in Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Care Quality Commission rating to Good and received an update on the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Old Manor Way Development Refused Over Safety Fears

Bexley Council's Planning Committee made a firm decision on Thursday, 11 June 2026, to refuse planning permission for a development of 12 flats on Old Manor Way, Bexleyheath. The refusal was primarily due to unresolved highway safety concerns, highlighting the council's commitment to prioritising resident safety, especially for children.

The proposed development, which would have seen the erection of two buildings comprising 12 self-contained flats on the Former Tennis Courts site, was met with strong opposition from local residents and their representatives. Concerns centred on the narrowness of Old Manor Way, its proximity to a railway bridge, and the potential for accidents, particularly near a children's playground.

Despite assurances from planning officers regarding visibility splays and proposed traffic calming measures, the committee ultimately sided with the objectors. Councillor Thomas Clapperton, who moved the refusal, stated that the concerns about highway safety were paramount. This decision demonstrates that even with a need for housing, safety considerations, especially for vulnerable road users, will take precedence.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Danson Park Ropes Course Approved Despite Environmental and Heritage Objections

In a decision that has divided opinion, the Planning Committee approved the installation of a ropes course in Danson Park on Thursday, 11 June 2026. While supporters highlighted potential benefits for youth development and job creation, objectors raised significant concerns about the impact on ancient woodland, mature trees, and the park's heritage value.

The proposal, put forward by Go Ape, included the installation of a ropes course and associated infrastructure within the tree canopy. Objectors argued that this would cause irreversible harm to the ancient woodland, a protected habitat, and could lead to the over-commercialisation of a cherished public space. Concerns were also raised about the visual impact on the park's heritage setting and potential security risks.

Councillor Larry Ferguson, while acknowledging some of the concerns, ultimately supported the officers' recommendation for approval, citing that the potential harm was less than substantial and that the structures were reversible. This decision highlights the complex balancing act the council faces when considering new leisure facilities in protected green spaces, weighing potential economic and recreational benefits against environmental and heritage preservation.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Residential Developments Given Green Light

The Planning Committee also approved several other residential development applications, including:

• A vertical extension at Earlswood Court, 14A Albert Road, Belvedere, to create one additional residential unit.
• The erection of seven dwelling houses on land to the rear of 41 Church Road, Bexleyheath, following the demolition of existing commercial units. This application was a revised proposal addressing previous refusal reasons.
• The demolition of a bungalow at 51 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, and the erection of a three-storey building to provide six residential units.
• A two-storey dwelling at 129 Raeburn Road, Sidcup, with accommodation at roof level. This was a slight alteration to a previously approved scheme.
• A two-storey detached dwelling at 2 Parkhurst Road, Bexley, following the demolition of an existing garage. This decision was made despite previous refusals and concerns about its impact on the Parkhurst Conservation Area, with the committee noting updated policy context and design improvements.
• A pair of five-bedroom semi-detached dwellings on land at the garages rear of 145-175 Woodside Lane, Bexley. This application was brought to committee due to the planning agent being a council employee.

These decisions reflect the council's ongoing efforts to increase housing supply across the borough, while also considering local context and design quality.

View the full agenda and reports here.