This week in Bromley:

Council Grapples with £9.3 Million Overspend in Adult Care Amidst Rising Provider Costs

Bromley Council's Adult Care and Health portfolio is facing a significant financial challenge, with a projected overspend of £9.3 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 31 March 2026 to review the Q3 revenue budget monitoring report, revealing that the bulk of this overspend stems from escalating fees charged by care providers.

This substantial deficit, primarily within Assessment & Care Management, could mean that vital support services for vulnerable residents are stretched even thinner. The report highlights that despite ongoing transformation projects aimed at improving efficiency and resident independence, the council is struggling to contain costs. The Director of Adult Social Care noted that there is no immediate prospect of social care reform, indicating that these financial pressures are likely to persist. For individuals relying on these services, this could translate into longer waiting times for assessments, reduced care packages, or a struggle to find available care placements.

The committee also reviewed changes to the capital programme, including the addition of a new scheme for the Astley Day Centre with an approved budget of £531,000. Additionally, an update on the Joint Care Home Programme showcased positive achievements, with 90% of care settings rated 'Good' or better by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). However, the overall financial picture for adult social care remains a significant concern for the council and its residents.

Link to the Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Local London Partnership Delivers £5.8 Million in Funding for Bromley

Bromley Council's membership in the sub-regional partnership, Local London, has yielded significant financial benefits, securing £5.8 million in funding since December 2022. The Renewal, Recreation and Housing Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee received an update on this partnership, which comprises nine boroughs in north east and south east London, representing approximately 2.6 million residents.

This funding has been instrumental in supporting various projects across the borough, including:

• Strategic Infrastructure Fund (SIF): £1.4 million secured for a dark fibre network to improve connectivity for 4,000 Bromley businesses.
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF): £733,000 for an employability programme and £169,000 for a skills investment.
• Connect to Work (C2W): A £2.8 million programme to help over 800 Bromley residents facing employment barriers.
• DWP Trailblazer 1: £330,000 for a pilot programme testing new approaches to employment support.

The report indicated that Bromley's membership in Local London aligns with the partnership's Vision for Growth 2030, aiming to attract investment and support businesses. This collaboration is crucial for promoting strategic assets like Biggin Hill Airport and enhancing the borough's commercial core, such as Elmfield Road / Bromley South. The annual membership fee for Local London is £50,000. The information briefing was for noting, with no new decisions requiring legal obligations for the Council.

Link to the Information Briefings meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers New Premises Licence for Orpington Eatery

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday 23 March 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Cleaves Express, an establishment in Orpington, BR6 7HB. The meeting documents revealed that objections to this application have been lodged, indicating local concerns about the proposed licence.

The committee reviewed the Cleaves Express Final LSC Report , which detailed the application and any objections received. The outcome of this decision will impact the local business landscape and potentially the amenity of the surrounding area.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Council Reviews Member/Officer Protocol and Scrutiny Reports

The Council met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss several key governance matters. A revised Member/Officer Protocol was considered, aiming to foster clearer working relationships between elected members and council officers. The Council also received and noted the Annual Scrutiny Report for 2025/26, which summarised the work of the Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) Committees throughout the year. The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) annual report for 2024/25 was also presented.

The Council was asked to formally appoint two Employer Representatives to the Local Pension Board. Additionally, several motions were put forward, including one calling for immediate interim emergency accommodation for homeless children, another highlighting the achievements of the administration, and a third proposing tighter regulations around House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing.

Link to the Council meeting

Chief Executive's Annual Review Panel Meets

The Chief Executive Annual Review Panel convened on Thursday 26 March 2026 to discuss the Chief Executive's annual review. Due to the confidential nature of this item, the press and public were excluded from this part of the meeting.

Link to the Chief Executive Annual Review Panel meeting

This week in Bromley:

Council Faces Significant Budget Overspends as Services Feel the Strain

Bromley Council is grappling with substantial financial challenges, with projected overspends across key service areas threatening to impact the delivery of vital support. The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026, and the Executive met on Wednesday 18 March 2026, to review budget monitoring reports for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Executive meeting revealed a projected net overspend on services of £16,156,000. This figure is expected to lead to a reduction in the General Fund balance by £12,018,000. Significant cost pressures are evident across multiple portfolios, including Adult Care & Health, Children, Education & Families, and Renewal, Recreation & Housing. These overspends could translate into longer waiting times for essential services, reduced support for vulnerable individuals, and potential cuts to community programmes. The report highlights worsening financial situations from 2026/27 onwards, driven by reduced government funding, inflation, and rising service demands, necessitating significant savings and transformation initiatives.

The Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee, meeting on Tuesday 17 March 2026, also identified a projected overspend of £1,077,000 for its portfolio by year-end. Notably, Arboriculture Management faces a £250,000 overspend due to increased works and backlog mitigation, while Parking Services is projected to overspend by £727,000, primarily due to a shortfall in enforcement income. Highways also anticipate an overspend of £100,000 from underachieving income. These figures suggest potential impacts on the maintenance of our green spaces and the efficiency of parking services, which can affect residents' daily lives and the borough's environment.

The Children, Education and Families Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee, meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026, reported a projected overspend of £2,183,000 on its controllable budget. Significant variances are expected within the Education division, particularly concerning SEN Transport, Education Psychologists, and SEN and Inclusion staffing. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) faces a projected in-year overspend of £16,995,000, which will be added to existing reserves. This situation could impact the support available for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), potentially affecting their educational outcomes and access to necessary services.

These budget challenges underscore the difficult decisions facing the council in balancing its finances while continuing to provide essential services, particularly for those most in need.

• Link to the Executive meeting
• Link to the Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Link to the Children, Education and Families Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Council to Acquire Social Housing in Orpington Amidst Housing Shortage Concerns

Bromley Council is moving forward with plans to acquire new social housing units in Orpington, a move aimed at addressing the borough's pressing housing needs. The Executive meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026 was scheduled to discuss the freehold acquisition of The Crofton at 208-212 High Street, Orpington BR6 0JN. This development comprises 40 new residential units intended for social housing.

The acquisition is contingent on securing grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA). This initiative aligns with the council's objective to increase the supply of affordable housing, a critical need for many residents struggling with rising rents and limited availability. The report recommended that the Executive agree to the acquisition and that Full Council approve its addition to the capital programme. This proactive step demonstrates a commitment to providing secure and affordable homes, a cornerstone of the council's Making Bromley Even Better priority.

• Link to the Executive meeting

Highway Maintenance and Transport Contracts Under Review

The council is set to award new contracts for highway maintenance and transport services, aiming to ensure the continued upkeep of the borough's infrastructure and the efficient provision of transport for residents. The Executive meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026 was scheduled to consider the outcome of tendering processes for these crucial services.

For highway maintenance, contracts for Lot 1 (Major Works) and Lot 2 (Minor Works) are proposed for an initial six-year term, commencing 1 July 2026, with options to extend. The evaluation criteria comprised 40% quality and 60% price, ensuring a balance between service excellence and value for money. The council's highway network, valued at £1.1 billion, is vital for the borough's appearance, prosperity, safety, and accessibility.

Additionally, the Executive was to review a commissioning strategy for passenger transport services. The current framework contract, valued at an estimated £89 million, is due to end in August 2025, with an approved extension option until August 2027. The review aims to ensure best value, considering challenges such as increased client needs and rising costs. These contracts are essential for maintaining the borough's infrastructure and ensuring residents can access services and travel safely.

• Link to the Executive meeting

Other Matters

Planning Applications Considered

The Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to consider several planning applications. These included proposals for developments at Woodland House in Orpington, the Blenheim Children and Family Centre, Southmore Court in Bromley, and properties at 84 Copers Cope Road and 195 Eden Park Avenue in Beckenham. These decisions will shape the local landscape and community facilities.

• Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 meeting

This week in Bromley:

Council Tax Set to Rise as Budget Pressures Bite

Bromley Council is preparing to approve a significant increase in Council Tax for the upcoming financial year. The Council met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to discuss the Revenue Budget for 2026/27, which includes recommendations for the Bromley element of Council Tax and the Adult Social Care Precept.

The proposed increase for the Bromley element of Council Tax is 2.99%, with an additional 2% for the Adult Social Care Precept. This means a Band D property could see an annual increase of £97.58, bringing the total to £2,140.04. This decision comes as the council faces a challenging medium-term financial position, with the report outlining measures to ensure a balanced budget. For many households, particularly those on fixed incomes or already struggling with the cost of living, this increase will add further financial strain. The council states these measures are necessary to address funding shortfalls and maintain essential services.

Link to the Council meeting

Capital Investment Plans and Treasury Management Strategies Under Review

The Council also considered its Capital Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30, detailing planned investments in the borough's infrastructure and assets. This strategy outlines new schemes proposed for addition to the Capital Programme, including asset disposals to generate capital receipts. A notable proposed addition is a scheme for the Chipperfield Road site in St Paul's Cray, with an indicative allocation of £27.6m from the Local Authority Housing Fund 4 grant programme. These capital investments are crucial for the long-term development of Bromley, but their funding is intrinsically linked to the council's overall financial health.

Alongside this, the council reviewed its Treasury Management activity for the third quarter of 2025/26 and considered the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27. This involves managing the council's borrowing and investments to ensure financial stability. The report indicated that investments totalled £257.2m as at 31 December 2025, with no external borrowing reported. The approval of Prudential Indicators and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement were also on the agenda.

Link to the Council meeting

Staff Pay Award and Members' Allowances Under Consideration

The council also discussed the proposed staff pay award for 2026/27, recommending a flat 4.45% increase on all salary points and rates for council staff, excluding teachers. An increase of 3.2% is proposed for Merited Awards. This decision impacts the council's workforce and its ability to retain skilled staff. The proposed Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 also includes an increase of 4.45% for all allowances, aligning with the staff pay award, and includes proposed increases to the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral allowances. The council is required to publish and approve its Pay Policy Statement annually, which was also presented for approval.

Link to the Council meeting

Audit Committee Notes Weaknesses in Financial Reporting

The Audit and Risk Management Committee met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 and reviewed the external auditor's reports for the 2024-25 financial year. The Audit Results Report for the main council accounts indicated a disclaimed opinion was anticipated due to time constraints in meeting statutory deadlines. This was attributed to issues with the quality and completeness of supporting evidence and capacity within the finance team. The report also highlighted a weakness in governance arrangements, although arrangements for financial sustainability were deemed adequate. For the Bromley Pension Fund, the audit results report indicated an unqualified opinion was expected, but some misstatements and disclosure issues were noted.

The committee was asked to approve the council's statutory accounts for 2024-25, which reflect the outturn position for both capital and revenue. The report noted that final adjustments had not yet been agreed, and the audit opinion was still awaited. The committee also reviewed progress on internal audits and counter-fraud activities, noting that 84% of finalised audits had received 'Reasonable' or 'Substantial' assurance opinions. The draft Internal Audit Plan for April to October 2026 was also presented for approval.

Link to the Audit and Risk Management Committee meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Reviews Premises Licence Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to consider an application by the Metropolitan Police to review the premises licence of Pierluigi's, a restaurant in Beckenham. The review was based on concerns about the premises' promotion of the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly regarding the provision of CCTV footage. The report detailed a history of complaints and previous licensing reviews concerning the premises. The Sub-Committee was asked to determine the application, with potential decisions including modifying licence conditions, suspending, or revoking the licence. Representations were received from responsible authorities and local residents.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education met on Wednesday 25 February 2026. The meeting included attendees such as Councillor Alan Cook (Reform UK Group Leader), Councillor Robert Evans (Vice-Chairman, Audit & Risk Management Committee), Councillor Kate Lymer (Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Families), and Councillor Will Rowlands (Portfolio Holder for Environment).

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting

The Pensions Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 24 February 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Bromley:

Plans for New Homes and Community Facilities Spark Debate

The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 met on Thursday 19 February 2026 to consider a range of planning applications, including proposals for new housing, a change of use for a children's home, and significant redevelopment at a council depot.

Demolition and New Dwellings at 6 Ladywood Avenue

A contentious application to demolish the former Friends Meeting House at 6 Ladywood Avenue, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1QJ and build two four-bedroom detached homes was on the agenda. This proposal has faced previous refusals and an appeal dismissal. The report recommended refusal, citing insufficient justification for losing a community facility, which goes against Policy 20 of the Bromley Local Plan and Policy S1 of the London Plan. The loss of community spaces can disproportionately affect those who rely on them for social connection and support, particularly older residents or those with limited mobility.

Children's Home at 65 Bassetts Way

The committee considered a change of use application for 65 Bassetts Way, Orpington, BR6 7AG to establish a children's home for up to three children. This proposal aims to address a local need for children's care spaces. The recommendation was to grant permission, with no significant external alterations planned. Providing safe and nurturing environments for children in care is a critical council responsibility, and such facilities are vital for their well-being and development.

Priory Depot Redevelopment

A substantial project to demolish the existing museum and art store at Priory Depot, Church Hill, Orpington, Bromley, BR6 0GE and construct a new archive, museum, and art storage building was also discussed. This development is intended to meet statutory duties and maintain accreditation. While acknowledging some harm to the area's character and Urban Open Space designation, the report concluded that the public benefits, including improved access to heritage resources, outweighed these impacts. Such facilities are important for preserving local history and providing educational opportunities for all ages.

Nursery Building at The Pavilion, Recreation Ground

The committee reviewed plans for a new nursery building at The Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Havelock Road, Bromley, BR2 9NY to increase nursery capacity. The development would be located within the existing car park area, avoiding the loss of open space. Permission was recommended, subject to conditions on operating hours and the number of children. Expanding access to affordable childcare is crucial for working families and supports early childhood development.

Display of Advertisements

Seven applications for advertising boards on council-owned land were also on the agenda. As these are on council sites, they fall outside the council's usual delegated authority. The recommendation was to grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director to determine these applications, unless a call-in request was received. Objections were lodged for six of these applications, indicating local concerns about the visual impact of advertising.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 meeting

Other Matters

Landscape Improvements at Manorfields Court

The committee considered landscape improvement works at Manorfields Court, 139 Avalon Road, Orpington, BR6 9BE. The proposal involves enhancing soft and hard landscaping within the existing open space, including new footpaths, seating, and lighting. Permission was recommended. These improvements can enhance community well-being and provide more accessible public spaces.

Mobile Home at 7 Jail Lane

An application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a mobile home at 7 Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16 3SA was on the agenda. This item had been deferred for review of appeal decisions. The report indicated the structure complies with relevant legislation and would not constitute a material change of use. The recommendation was to grant the certificate.

Householder Extensions at 67 Malmains Way

A proposal for a front porch extension, loft conversion with a rear dormer and front roof light, and elevational alterations at 67 Malmains Way, Beckenham, BR3 6SB was also reviewed. The report suggested the design would not harm the character of the property or street scene, and the impact on neighbours would be acceptable. Permission was recommended.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 meeting