This week in Bromley:

Council Approves Children's Home and School Play Area, But Questions Linger on Future Services

Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 met on Thursday 16 July 2026, making decisions that will directly impact local communities. The committee approved four planning applications and one advertisement consent application, including the conversion of a family home into a children's home and the installation of new play equipment at a primary school.

New Children's Home Approved Amidst Resident Concerns

Permission was granted for the change of use of 1A Forde House, Forde Avenue, Bromley, BR1 3EU from a four-bedroom dwelling to a children's home for four children aged between 12 and 16. This decision, subject to a legal agreement, aims to address the borough's need for children's care spaces. While council officers noted that the proposal would not involve significant external alterations and that safeguarding would be managed by Ofsted, local residents had raised concerns about potential increases in traffic, parking issues, and disturbances. The officer's report sought to reassure that the intensity of use would be similar to a single-family household, but the underlying tension between providing essential services and mitigating neighbourhood impact remains. This decision highlights how planning applications can directly affect the lives of vulnerable young people and the immediate communities around them.

School Play Equipment Gets Green Light

The committee also approved the installation of replacement astro turf surfacing and new children's play equipment at Farnborough Primary School, Farnborough Hill, Orpington, BR6 7EQ. This includes rope bridges, nets, monkey bars, and balance beams. The existing equipment had already been removed. Officers stated the proposal would not significantly impact the visual amenities or character of the area, nor residential amenities, and was deemed appropriate development within the Green Belt. This decision will provide improved recreational facilities for the school's pupils.

Solar Panels and New Signage Approved

Further approvals included the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of Walnuts Leisure Centre, Lych Gate Road, Orpington, BR6 0TJ, which officers noted would enhance facilities without significant impact on local residents. Advertisement consent was also granted for new signs and a mural at Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 8AF, which were deemed to be of high quality and relevant to the site's use.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

Key Appointment for Children's Services Under Discussion

The Appointment Panel met on Friday 17 July 2026, with a critical item on its agenda: the appointment of a new Director of Children's Services. This role is pivotal in overseeing services for the borough's children, particularly those who are vulnerable or require additional support.

The meeting was scheduled to discuss Information relating to any individual concerning the appointment, meaning the press and public were likely excluded from this part of the proceedings. This is standard practice for sensitive personnel decisions, but it means details about the candidates and the selection process remain confidential. The outcome of this appointment will have a significant bearing on the future direction and effectiveness of Bromley's children's services, impacting everything from safeguarding to educational support.

Link to the Appointment Panel meeting

This week in Bromley:

Council Grapples with Health Service Performance and Licensing Applications

This week, Bromley Council's Council met on Monday 6 July 2026, where discussions touched upon the financial management of the council and the performance of health and wellbeing services. Meanwhile, the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee convened on Thursday 9 July 2026, delving into the operational realities of the London Ambulance Service, GP access, and hospital services. The Licensing Sub-Committee also met on Thursday 9 July 2026, considering applications that could impact local amenity and public safety.

Health Services Under the Microscope

The Council meeting on Monday 6 July 2026 included a review of the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025/26, which confirmed that the council had no external borrowing and managed investments totalling £215.8m. The Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for the same period was also presented, detailing work on mental health strategies and pharmaceutical needs assessments.

The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday 9 July 2026 provided a more granular look at health service delivery. An update from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) revealed they handled over 2.2 million 999 calls in 2025/26. For Bromley, this translated to 1,800 patients conveyed to the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) A&E and 1,300 managed through Hear and Treat or See and Treat initiatives. The LAS is also focusing on a Frailty Single Point of Access pathway to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust reported ongoing pressure on its Emergency Department but noted improvements in cancer performance and diagnostic capabilities. A significant proposal to reconfigure Haematology Services at the PRUH, moving inpatient cancer care to King's College Hospital while establishing a day unit at PRUH, was discussed. This proposal, estimated to save £400,000 annually, raised concerns among patients about increased travel and costs, though the Trust stated feedback had informed refinements.

GP access was also a key topic, with reports detailing post-pandemic demand factors and workforce pressures. Efforts to improve phone and digital access, alongside balancing same-day appointments with continuity of care, are underway. The South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) presented its work on health equity, focusing on areas like primary care access for veterans and carers. Healthwatch Bromley's patient experience report highlighted that while staff attitudes and treatment quality received positive feedback for both GP and hospital services, appointment availability and telephone access remain areas for improvement.

Link to the Council meeting Link to the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting

Licensing Applications Raise Community Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to consider two applications that generated significant local interest.

For Cray Express Ltd at 61 High Street, St Mary Cray, Orpington, an application to extend alcohol sales hours from 07:00-21:30 to 06:00-22:30 daily faced two objections from local residents concerned about public nuisance and crime. While the applicant agreed to conditions with the Metropolitan Police, including CCTV and staff training, the committee had to weigh these against resident concerns.

A similar situation arose for McDonald's Restaurants at 1-3 Market Square, Bromley. An application to extend late-night refreshment hours on Fridays and Saturdays to allow 24-hour operation, and to reduce the requirement for door supervisors, attracted eight objections from residents and ward councillors. Concerns focused on increased litter, noise, and the potential for the premises to attract late-night crowds. Ten conditions were agreed with the Metropolitan Police, including CCTV, a dispersal policy, and staff training, to mitigate these issues. The committee's decisions on these applications will directly impact the quality of life for residents in these areas.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Standards Committee Meeting Postponed

The Standards Committee meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday 8 July 2026, was postponed. No further information is available at this time.

This week in Bromley:

Council Grapples with Economic Development and Skills Gaps

The Bromley Economic Partnership met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses. A central theme was the imperative to help employers with barrier-free recruitment, ensuring that all individuals have a fair chance at employment. This initiative is crucial for building a more inclusive workforce and addressing skills shortages that can hinder business expansion.

The meeting also featured an update from the Economic Development Service, focusing on the progress of the Bromley Growth Plan. This plan aims to stimulate economic development across the borough. Previous updates highlighted successes such as securing significant grant funding and launching vital services like Opportunity Bromley and Bromley Works, which have already contributed to job creation and new business establishment. The Bromley Works Employment and Skills Service, launched in January 2026, is specifically designed to help residents find employment.

Partner updates from various organisations provided a snapshot of the local economic landscape. Community Links Bromley reported on their efforts to support voluntary sector job vacancies, while London Biggin Hill Airport discussed ongoing business operations amidst global events. Job Centre Plus highlighted their work in establishing a youth hub, and the Penge SE20 BID Company shared challenges and opportunities, including potential uses for community spaces. London South East Colleges are preparing for new student enrolments and vocational qualification changes, and Handelsbanken noted a dampening effect on business due to global uncertainty. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) pointed to new government measures tackling overdue payments, and Mytime Active is progressing with refurbishments while facing new gym competition. Start Up Bromley reported a strong membership base, and the South East London Chamber of Commerce discussed the impact of rising costs on businesses.

These discussions are vital for ensuring that Bromley's economy remains resilient and adaptable, supporting both businesses and residents through challenging economic times.

Link to the Bromley Economic Partnership meeting

Schools Forum Tackles SEND Reform and Budget Pressures

The Schools Forum met on Thursday 2 July 2026, addressing critical issues impacting education in Bromley, particularly concerning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the financial health of the sector.

SEND Reform Plan Faces DfE Decision

A significant focus was the Bromley SEND Reform Programme, which aims to create a more sustainable and effective system for children and young people with SEND. The programme aligns with the Department for Education's (DfE) vision for inclusive education. The report presented to the forum detailed progress on system reform and financial sustainability, recommending the continued implementation of the Experts at Hand model and associated workforce and sufficiency plans. The success of this plan hinges on DfE approval, which is anticipated by mid-September, and will determine the allocation of additional High Needs Block funding. The overarching goal is to shift from a reactive system to one that prioritises early intervention and inclusive mainstream practices, ultimately improving outcomes for children with SEND and ensuring better value for money.

Children, Education and Families Portfolio Faces Overspend

The forum received the provisional outturn report for the Children, Education and Families (CEF) portfolio for the 2025/26 financial year. This report indicated a projected overspend, with particular pressures identified in Education and Children's Social Care. The increasing complexity and number of SEND cases are driving up the demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and associated transport costs. The shortage of local specialist provision means the council is increasingly reliant on more expensive out-of-borough and independent providers. Management actions are in place to mitigate these pressures, including efforts to reduce SEND transport costs and increase capacity within local schools. The projected overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding will be added to existing reserves, but ongoing tribunal challenges continue to impact finances.

School Spending Under Review

The forum also reviewed the spending of primary, secondary, and special maintained schools for the 2025/26 financial year. The report detailed revenue and capital balances held by these schools, showing a slight decrease in average revenue balances for primary schools and a more significant decrease for secondary and special schools. While most schools maintain healthy balances, the report noted that schools with uncommitted balances exceeding 8% were asked to provide plans for reduction. One school reported a deficit balance. This information is crucial for understanding the financial health of individual schools and the sector as a whole.

Link to the Schools Forum meeting

Religious Education Syllabus Reviewed and Community Cohesion Emphasised

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to discuss the future of Religious Education (RE) and its role in fostering community cohesion within Bromley.

Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education

A key focus was the Bromley Locally Agreed RE Syllabus, which sets the entitlement and standards for RE in the borough's schools. The syllabus framework is designed to encourage pupils to explore worldviews, develop enquiry skills, and promote critical thinking through Big Questions related to cosmology, axiology, ontology, and epistemology. The council also discussed the development of support materials for teachers and the planned launch event for the new syllabus. This syllabus is fundamental to ensuring that all students receive a comprehensive and engaging education in RE.

National and Local Updates and Action Plan

The council received updates on national RE matters and local initiatives, including the Interfaith Calendar. The SACRE Action Plan for 2025-2026 outlined planned activities such as teacher network meetings and competitions, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development and engagement. The SACRE's self-evaluation indicated strong performance in most areas, particularly in its management and partnerships, and its contribution to developing the Agreed Syllabus.

Promoting Community Cohesion

The council's role in promoting community cohesion was also a significant discussion point. The self-evaluation highlighted SACRE's strong representation from diverse religious communities and its understanding of how RE and Collective Worship can contribute to a more cohesive society. The council expressed a desire to increase collaboration with other Local Authority departments to further enhance these efforts. This focus on community cohesion is vital for building a more inclusive and understanding borough for all residents.

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting

Other Matters

Council to Discuss Treasury Management and Health and Wellbeing Reports

The Council will meet on Monday 6 July 2026. Key agenda items include the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025/26, which details the council's investment activities and confirms no external borrowing was required. The Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for 2025/26 will also be presented, highlighting the board's work on mental health, learning disabilities, and pharmaceutical needs assessments. The council will also consider motions on rebuilding the UK's relationship with the European Union and on celebrating diversity and advancing inclusion in Bromley. Public and councillor questions will cover a range of topics, including parking studies, complaint handling, SEND reforms, and emissions from contracted services. Statements are also requested from the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing regarding plans for empty homes and energy efficiency improvements to council buildings.

Link to the Council meeting

Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee to Review Ambulance Service, GP Access, and Hospital Services

The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 9 July 2026. The agenda includes an update from the London Ambulance Service on its performance and operations in Bromley. An update on GP access will detail efforts to improve appointment booking and patient experience. The South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) will provide an update on its work, including efforts to improve equity in health and wellbeing. Healthwatch Bromley will present its patient experience report, and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will provide an update on its services, including a significant discussion on the proposed reconfiguration of Haematology Services at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH). A verbal update from the South East London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee is also expected.

Link to the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee to Consider Licence Variations for Convenience Store and Fast Food Outlet

The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 9 July 2026. The committee will consider an application to extend alcohol sales hours for Cray Express Ltd in St Mary Cray, Orpington, which has received objections from residents concerned about public nuisance. The sub-committee will also review an application to extend late-night refreshment hours for McDonald's Restaurants in Bromley town centre, which has also attracted objections regarding public nuisance and crime and disorder. Both applications have seen conditions agreed with the Metropolitan Police to mitigate potential issues.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Bromley:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Audit Disclaimers and Fraud Prevention Efforts

The Audit and Risk Management Committee met on Thursday 25 June 2026, confronting ongoing challenges with external audit reports and reviewing the council's efforts in counter-fraud activities. The committee was presented with plans for the 2025/26 external audits of the Pension Fund and the main Council Accounts, prepared by Ernst & Young LLP (EY).

A significant concern highlighted is the repeated expectation of a disclaimed opinion for the Council's 2025/26 accounts. EY anticipates this due to ongoing assurance issues with opening balances, a situation that has persisted in recent years. It's crucial to understand that a disclaimed opinion does not reflect concerns about the Council's financial position itself, but rather stems from resource limitations preventing full audits before statutory deadlines. This means that while the council's finances are not necessarily unstable, the ability to provide a definitive audit opinion on the accounts is hampered. This can create uncertainty for stakeholders and potentially impact the council's ability to secure future funding or demonstrate robust financial governance.

However, the committee also received positive news regarding counter-fraud activities. The report detailed proactive work in Temporary Accommodation, which identified 18 closed placements and resulted in an in-year saving of £164,172.00. A successful prosecution for sub-letting Temporary Accommodation led to a £13,000 Unlawful Profit Order, demonstrating tangible results in tackling fraud. The council is also implementing measures to comply with the new corporate offence of 'failure to prevent fraud' under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, including mandatory fraud awareness training.

The committee also reviewed the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26, which concluded that governance arrangements are generally effective, with targeted improvements needed in areas such as finance capacity and audit readiness. The Head of Audit and Assurance's Annual Report for 2025/26 indicated a provisional opinion of 'Reasonable' assurance, with 79% of audits receiving this rating. However, areas for improvement were noted in specific statutory service areas where backlogs or resourcing issues impacted timely duties.

Link to the Audit and Risk Management Committee meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Integration and Prevention Strategies

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 25 June 2026, focusing on the crucial integration of health and social care services and strategies for preventative health measures. A key discussion point was the ongoing development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), which are now moving into early implementation across all four neighbourhoods. These teams aim to provide more joined-up care, ensuring residents receive coordinated support closer to home.

The Board also reviewed the Bromley Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-2027. The BCF is a national programme designed to integrate health, social care, and other partners to support more joined-up care, enabling residents to remain independent for longer and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. For 2026-2027, the plan prioritises establishing strong foundations, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and supporting residents to remain independent. This approach is vital for ensuring that vulnerable individuals, particularly older residents and those with long-term conditions, receive the support they need to maintain their quality of life and avoid costly hospital stays. The plan details how BCF funding will be used to achieve goals such as reducing avoidable hospital admissions and delayed discharges.

Updates were also scheduled on the NHS Health Checks programme, which identifies individuals at increased risk of developing serious health conditions, and initiatives to address obesity. The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which identifies the health needs of the local population, was also discussed, with updates on various needs assessments including those for contraception, obesity, and sexual health.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers Licence Review and Extension

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 24 June 2026, addressing two significant licensing matters. The first was a review of the premises licence for Smoque, a restaurant located at 2-4 Ringers Road, Bromley, BR1 1HT. This review was initiated by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement due to concerns about illegal working. The Home Office requested the revocation of the licence, citing multiple visits where individuals were found working without the right to do so. This situation directly impacts the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder, as illegal working is a criminal offence. The Licensing Authority supported the review, highlighting repeated breaches over three years.

The second item was an application to vary the premises licence for C.J.C Two, a post office and convenience store in Orpington, to extend its alcohol sales hours. The application sought to extend sales from 20:00 to 23:00 daily. This proposal attracted 18 valid objections from local residents, who raised concerns about potential increases in noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour, and littering in their residential area. The Metropolitan Police had agreed to additional conditions with the applicant, including CCTV, a 'Challenge 25' scheme, and staff training, to mitigate these concerns. The committee had to weigh the business's desire to extend hours against the residents' right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Executive Approves Major Procurement Plans Amidst Financial Outturn Review

The Executive met on Wednesday 24 June 2026, making decisions on several significant procurement exercises and reviewing the provisional financial outturn for the 2025/2026 financial year. The provisional outturn indicated a notable overspend, primarily due to additional growth and cost pressures, though savings from interest on balances and contingency funds helped mitigate the impact on general fund balances.

Key procurement decisions included authorising the re-tendering of the Council's insurance policies, with an estimated value of £10.7 million over eight years, and approving the procurement of a new eight-year framework for Passenger Transport Services, valued at an estimated £160 million. The Executive also authorised the tendering for a new Supported Living care provider contract, estimated at £9.6 million over eight years, to support adults with learning disabilities. These significant financial commitments underscore the council's ongoing service delivery responsibilities.

The Executive also considered the outcome of a Corporate Peer Challenge, which provided a positive assessment of the council's performance but highlighted challenges in financial sustainability and demand pressures. An extension to the Mental Health Community Services Partnership Agreement with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust was also approved, ensuring continuity of support for residents experiencing mental health challenges.

Link to the Executive meeting

Executive, Resources and Contracts Committee Reviews Treasury Management and BT Contract Performance

The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 22 June 2026. The committee reviewed the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025/26, which showed net interest earnings of £11.9 million against a budget of £8.2 million, indicating a healthy surplus. The council has not required external borrowing for several years. The committee also examined the performance of the BT/ICT contract, noting that BT had provided £6,801.27 in service credits due to KPI breaches, primarily related to IT infrastructure and service desk performance. Despite these issues, successful project deliveries were highlighted. The committee also received an update from the Chief Executive, Ade Adetosoye CBE, on progress in key corporate priority areas and strategic priorities for the next six months.

Link to the Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Local Pension Board Reviews Fund Performance and Risk Register

The Local Pension Board met on Thursday 25 June 2026. The Board reviewed the Performance Monitoring Report for the Bromley Pension Fund for the 2025/26 financial year and the year to date for 2026/27. While long-term returns remain strong, the report noted periods of underperformance against benchmarks in the short term. The Board also reviewed the draft Risk Register for the Bromley Pension Fund, identifying risks related to Investment Performance, Administration, and Regulatory Compliance. Training on the roles and responsibilities of Local Pension Board members was also scheduled.

Link to the Local Pension Board meeting