This week in Bexley:

Community Safety Under the Microscope: Sub-Group Explores Review of ASB and Crime

The Community Safety Scrutiny Project Sub Group met on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to begin developing a project plan for a future review of community safety and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Bexley. The meeting provided an overview of the borough's community safety services and outlined the ambitious scope of the proposed review.

The discussion highlighted the multifaceted nature of community safety, emphasizing partnership working between various agencies. The Community Safety team acts as a coordinating hub, relying on the powers, intelligence, and reach of partners like the Metropolitan Police, housing providers, and voluntary sector organisations. Their work focuses on preventing crime and disorder, reducing reoffending, supporting victims, and building community confidence.

The meeting also delved into the definition and categorisation of anti-social behaviour, distinguishing between personal ASB (e.g., intimidation, harassment), nuisance ASB (e.g., substance misuse, noise), and environmental ASB (e.g., vandalism, littering). The importance of distinguishing ASB from criminal offences was stressed, with a focus on addressing vulnerability, recurring harm, and community impact.

The proposed terms of reference for the scrutiny review are extensive. They aim to assess:

• The impact of reduced external funding on community safety services.
• The council's ability to meet its statutory community safety responsibilities.
• The effectiveness of current partnership arrangements with key agencies.
• The council's preparedness for new duties under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
• How prevention, early intervention, and enforcement are prioritised amidst resource constraints.
• The effectiveness of joint working across services and partner organisations.
• Opportunities to improve the resilience, efficiency, and effectiveness of community safety delivery.

The intended outcomes of this review are to provide a clear assessment of current arrangements, identify implications of funding reductions and new legislation, and develop evidence-based recommendations for future service direction and prioritisation. This review has the potential to significantly shape how Bexley tackles crime and ASB, directly impacting residents' quality of life and sense of security.

View the full agenda and reports here.

General Purposes and Audit Committee Tackles Electoral Review, Staff Appraisals, and Audit Progress

The General Purposes and Audit Committee met on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to address a range of critical governance and operational matters. Key discussions included the upcoming review of electoral arrangements, proposed changes to staff appraisal schemes, and updates on local government audits and risk management.

Electoral Boundaries Under Review

The committee was briefed on the Local Government Boundary Commission for England's (LGBCE) review of electoral and boundary arrangements for Bexley. This statutory process, which occurs periodically, aims to ensure electoral equality and effective representation. The review will consider the number of councillors and the boundaries of wards, with the council's final submission due in January 2027. This process is fundamental to how residents are represented and how local democracy functions, ensuring that wards are of roughly equal size and reflect community identities.

Modernising Staff Performance Management

Proposed revisions to the Performance, Wellbeing and Development (PWD) appraisal scheme were discussed, aiming to align with the council's Delivery Framework and foster a culture of transformation. The proposed changes include a simplified appraisal record, a revised structure for discussions, and a move to a five-rating system. These updates are intended to support staff development and accountability, ultimately impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of council services. The finalisation of the scheme is subject to agreement with trade unions.

Audit Landscape: Progress and Challenges

An update on local government audits highlighted the ongoing efforts to clear historic backlogs. While timeliness has improved, the report noted that widespread disclaimed opinions indicate that assurance remains incomplete. Bexley Council's progress was considered to be in line with expected timescales, placing it in the top quartile of councils in terms of preparation. This ongoing audit work is crucial for public accountability and ensuring that council finances are managed responsibly.

Risk Management and Debt Recovery

The committee also received updates on Risk Management and Debt and Debt Recovery. The importance of effective risk management was underscored, with potential impacts on the council's ability to deliver statutory duties and exposure to cyber-attacks. The debt recovery report detailed the council's processes for managing outstanding debts, highlighting significant amounts owed by various bodies. Robust debt recovery is essential for maintaining the council's financial health and ensuring that services are funded appropriately.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Community Safety and ASB Review Initiated

The Community Safety Scrutiny Project Sub Group met on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to begin developing a project plan for a future review of community safety and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Bexley. The meeting provided an overview of the borough's community safety services and outlined the ambitious scope of the proposed review. View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Adult Gaming Centre Application Sparks Sidcup High Street Debate

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to consider a controversial application for an adult gaming centre, Merkur Slots, to open on Sidcup High Street. The proposal has ignited strong feelings among residents and local representatives, who have raised significant concerns about its potential impact on the community.

The application for Merkur Slots, to be located at Unit B, Ground Floor, 83 Sidcup High Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6DN, was met with 20 representations from interested parties, though no objections were formally raised by responsible authorities. The applicant, Merkur Slots UK Limited, outlined the types of gaming machines permitted under an adult gaming centre licence, including those with higher stakes and prizes.

However, local residents and Councillor Andy Curtois voiced significant worries. Concerns included potential increases in crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour, noise disturbance, and the impact on vulnerable residents and children. The proximity of the proposed 24-hour operation to residential properties and a bus stop was a particular point of anxiety. Residents also questioned the suitability of the location within Sidcup's developing cultural hub.

The applicant's report detailed measures to manage risks, such as the Challenge 25 policy and staff training on safeguarding. They also highlighted potential benefits like occupying a vacant unit, investment, and job creation. Despite these assurances, the depth of resident concern suggests a significant challenge for the council in balancing economic development with community well-being. The committee was tasked with deciding whether to grant the licence, reject it, or attach conditions, a decision that will undoubtedly be closely watched by the Sidcup community.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Pension Fund Navigates Market Volatility and Investment Strategy

The Pensions Committee convened on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to review the financial health and investment performance of the Bexley Pension Fund. The discussions highlighted the complexities of managing a large pension fund in the face of market volatility and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Investment Performance Trails Benchmarks

A key takeaway from the meeting was the fund's investment performance for the quarter ending 30 June 2026. While the fund's valuation saw a marginal increase, driven by positive equity market performance, its overall return of 4.8% lagged behind its benchmark return of 5.6%. This underperformance extended over longer periods, with the fund also lagging its benchmark from one to five years. The total market value of the fund's investments stood at £1.10 billion as of 30 June 2026.

The committee also reviewed the draft annual report for 2025/26, which showed a fund value of £1.08 billion as at 31 March 2026. Despite a net increase of £43.9 million over the year, the fund's return of 6.0% for the year placed it in the bottom decile of comparable funds. This was largely attributed to weaker equity returns and a lower allocation to equities.

Strategic Investment and Responsible Investment Focus

Despite the performance figures, the committee discussed the fund's investment strategy, including its approach to responsible investment. The revised Investment Strategy Statement (ISS) was presented, outlining objectives, risk appetite, and the fund's commitment to responsible investment principles. Discussions also touched upon the fund's belief setting for responsible investment, including climate ambition and stewardship approaches, aiming to inform a more formal approach to RI.

The committee also received updates on the administration of the fund, financial performance, and cashflow analysis, all crucial for ensuring the long-term security of pensions for current and future retirees. The ongoing implementation of the McCloud remedy and the Pensions Dashboards programme were also noted as key administrative priorities.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Council Standards Committee Addresses Code of Conduct Complaints

The Members' Code of Conduct Committee met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to review the handling of complaints under the Members' Code of Conduct and to plan for the recruitment of Independent Persons. The meeting provided insight into how the council upholds ethical standards among its elected officials.

Low Number of Formal Investigations

The committee was informed that between 31 March 2026 and 8 September 2026, four complaints were received under the Members' Code of Conduct. Of these, one was resolved with an apology, another concluded with apologies and recommended training, and a third was not upheld. A fourth complaint did not proceed as the member was no longer a councillor. Crucially, no full investigations were required, and no consultation with Independent Persons was necessary. This suggests a relatively low level of serious breaches requiring formal investigation during this period.

Gifts and Hospitality Registration

The committee also noted two notifications regarding gifts and hospitality exceeding £100.00. One offer was refused, while the other related to attendance at the London Real Estate Forum. Councillors were reminded of their obligation to register any gift or hospitality with an estimated value of at least £100 within 28 days of receipt, or any significant offer refused. This transparency is vital for maintaining public trust.

Upcoming Changes to Standards Framework

The committee was updated on government proposals to strengthen the standards and conduct framework for local authorities. While legislation has not yet been enacted, the government has indicated intentions to introduce a mandatory code of conduct, formal standards committees, suspension powers, and a national appeals mechanism. This suggests potential future changes to how conduct issues are managed at the local level.

Recruitment of Independent Persons

The committee also discussed the upcoming recruitment of two Independent Persons, whose terms of office will end in May 2027. These individuals play a crucial role in the standards process, providing an independent perspective on complaints. The recruitment process will ensure that the council continues to meet its statutory requirement to appoint at least one Independent Person.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Top Management Review Panel Discusses Officer Performance

The Top Management Review Panel met on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, to review the performance of senior council officers. The panel discussed probation objectives for the Director of Place and mid-year reviews for other directors and the Chief Executive. The meeting also addressed the process for excluding the press and public from discussions involving personal information, as is standard practice when dealing with individual performance matters.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Crucial Public Health Issues

The Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, to address a range of critical public health and social care matters that directly impact the lives of Bexley residents, particularly the most vulnerable. Discussions centred on the Better Care Fund, the safeguarding of children and young people, and the strategic prioritisation of health needs assessments. Updates were also provided on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on the vital areas of ageing well and tackling obesity.

Better Care Fund: Ensuring Support for Vulnerable Residents

The Board was set to receive an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2026-27. This fund is crucial for ensuring that older and vulnerable people receive the integrated health and social care support they need to live independently. The report was expected to confirm that Bexley's BCF Plan had been approved nationally, allowing for the planned expenditure. This means that funding intended to support services like home care, reablement, and hospital discharge will continue, helping to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting people to remain in their own homes for longer. Minor amendments to the plan were made to provide further clarity on specific areas, but these were not expected to alter the overall strategic direction or the amount of pooled funding available. The revised monitoring arrangements will place greater emphasis on local oversight, ensuring that the fund is used effectively to meet local needs.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Safeguarding Children: Protecting Bexley's Youngest

A significant item on the agenda was the Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. Annual Report for 2025-26. Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. is the partnership responsible for safeguarding children and young people in the borough. This report details the vital work undertaken to protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect. The partnership's priorities for the past year included ensuring that basic child safeguarding practices were robust, with a specific focus on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), and improving the collective response to vulnerable adolescents, particularly concerning Equity, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EEDI) and children who go missing. The report also outlined plans for the coming year, focusing on areas such as elective home education and support for very young children and care-experienced young people. The effectiveness of these safeguarding measures is paramount for the safety and well-being of Bexley's children.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Addressing Health Inequalities: Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

The Board was to consider a report on the prioritisation of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). The JSNA is a crucial tool that helps the council and its partners understand the current and future health and care needs of the Bexley population. By prioritising the JSNA work programme, the council can ensure that resources are directed towards the most pressing health challenges, helping to reduce health inequalities across the borough. A new, transparent process has been developed, involving key stakeholders from the council, NHS, and voluntary sector, to agree on an annual workplan. This approach aims to ensure that the JSNA effectively informs service planning and commissioning, leading to better health outcomes for all residents.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Ageing Well and Tackling Obesity: Key Strategy Priorities

The Board received updates on two key priorities within the Bexley Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023–2028: Ageing Well and Obesity. The Ageing Well update highlighted progress in making Bexley an Age Friendly Community, focusing on dementia, falls prevention, and overall wellbeing. This work is essential for supporting older residents to live healthier, more independent lives and to reduce social isolation. The report on Obesity was expected to detail the current picture in Bexley, where approximately one in five reception-aged children are overweight or obese, a figure that rises significantly by Year 6. The report was to outline progress made in tackling this issue through the Healthy Weight Strategic Partnership, focusing on individual support, embedding healthy lifestyles, and addressing food and physical activity. Addressing obesity is critical for preventing long-term health conditions and improving the overall health of the population.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing Partnership Updates

The Board was also to receive updates on the Neighbourhood Health Framework and the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership. These initiatives aim to deliver health and care support closer to where people live, strengthening prevention and early intervention. The focus is on creating Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and community hubs to provide coordinated health, care, and wellbeing support. This approach aligns with national efforts to shift services from hospitals to the community and from treating sickness to promoting prevention.

View the full agenda and reports here.

This week in Bexley:

Housing Applications Dominate Planning Committee Discussions

Bexley Council's Planning Committee met on Thursday, 3 September 2026, to consider a range of town planning applications. The majority of the applications focused on residential developments, including changes of use to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), conversions of existing properties, and extensions to create new dwellings. These decisions have a direct impact on the availability of housing, the character of our neighbourhoods, and the quality of life for residents.

51 Cleave Road, Sidcup: Family Home vs. HMO Debate

A significant point of discussion was the proposal to change the use of 51 Cleave Road, Sidcup, from a dwellinghouse to a five-occupant HMO, including a single-storey side and rear extension. Objectors, including former Ward Councillor Diment, argued passionately that the proposal would result in the loss of an affordable family home, set a precedent for HMOs on a road currently without them, and exacerbate parking and waste issues. Mr. Bradbury, speaking on behalf of objectors, stated the proposal directly contravenes both the London Plan and the Bexley Local Plan and destroys an affordable family home when Bexley needs the most.

Councillors debated the tension between the need for family housing and the demand for HMOs. While some expressed sympathy for residents' concerns about the loss of family homes, others acknowledged the need for affordable accommodation for single occupants and workers. Officers noted that there was no over-concentration of HMOs in the immediate area and that planning reasons for refusal were not evident. Ultimately, the application was approved. This decision highlights the difficult balancing act the council faces in meeting diverse housing needs while addressing resident concerns about neighbourhood character and infrastructure.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Elmwood Lodge, Sidcup: Supported Living Expansion Approved Amidst Conservation Concerns

Permission was granted for significant extensions and a roof conversion at Elmwood Lodge, 11 Victoria Road, Sidcup, to increase the number of bedrooms from 10 to 17, including an additional bedroom for carers. This property provides supported living accommodation for older persons with mental health issues. Located within the Christ Church Conservation Area, the proposal faced concerns from residents regarding parking congestion, the design's impact on the conservation area, and potential noise and disturbance.

Officers noted that while the design was larger than some neighbouring properties, it was considered complementary to the conservation area's character, and the demolition of an existing unsympathetic extension would be an improvement. The proposal was approved with a vote of 9-2. This decision demonstrates the council's commitment to providing essential supported living facilities, while also navigating the complexities of preserving the character of conservation areas. The impact on parking and the potential for increased activity in a sensitive area were key considerations.

View the full agenda and reports here.

57 Highland Road, Bexleyheath: Conversion to Two Units Approved

The conversion of 57 Highland Road, Bexleyheath, from a single-family dwelling into two self-contained residential units was approved. The proposal included a part one/part two-storey rear extension, a front porch extension, and a rear dormer extension. Residents raised concerns about overdevelopment, the scale and design being out of character, increased parking pressure, and potential loss of light and privacy.

The committee discussed the quality of accommodation, noting that while ceiling heights did not fully meet London Plan standards, they met national standards. Achieving higher standards would have required disproportionate works and negatively impacted the street scene. The proposal was approved with a vote of 7-2. This decision reflects the council's approach to maximising housing stock, even when it involves compromises on certain design standards, balancing the need for more homes against the impact on existing neighbourhoods.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Other Matters

20 Gordon Road, Belvedere: HMO Approved

The committee approved the change of use of a three-bedroom dwelling at 20 Gordon Road, Belvedere, to a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to four occupants. Concerns were raised about increased parking pressure and the narrowness of a proposed cycle route. Officers noted that while parking is challenging, the impact of additional cars was considered minimal. The application was approved.

View the full agenda and reports here.

5 Cavendish Avenue, Welling: Outbuilding Approved

Permission was granted for the erection of a detached single-storey outbuilding in the rear garden of 5 Cavendish Avenue, Welling, and alterations to a boundary wall. The outbuilding, intended as a gym, was slightly larger than a previously approved structure. Objectors raised concerns about its size and potential use. The committee noted the existence of a previous approval and that the current proposal's modest increase in depth was unlikely to cause significant harm. The application was approved.

View the full agenda and reports here.

Land Adjacent to 1-18 Evans Court, Crayford: Conversion Approved

The committee approved the conversion of an existing duplex unit at Land Adjacent to 1-18 Evans Court, Sherman Close, Crayford, into two self-contained residential units. This involved a side dormer extension, rooflights, internal reconfiguration, and associated rear amenity space. Concerns were raised by a bordering resident about the proposed rear amenity space and balcony, fearing encroachment onto their land. The applicant's agent assured the committee that the development was on the applicant's land. The application was approved.

View the full agenda and reports here.