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Weekly updates

Bromley approves housing, leisure boost; Schools face £7.3m overspend

This week in Bromley:

Council Approves Housing Development and Leisure Centre Funding Boost

At a meeting of the Bromley Council on Monday, councillors made key decisions impacting housing and leisure facilities across the borough. 1

  • Poverest Housing Development: Councillors approved an addition of £23.7 million to the Capital Programme for housing development on the Poverest Adult Education Centre site and surrounding land. This includes at least £4.5 million from the GLA, with efforts ongoing to secure more funding. This decision could significantly increase the availability of affordable housing in the area.
  • New Children's Home: An additional £1.76 million was allocated for a new children's home in Wharton Road, Bromley. This investment aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable children in the borough.
  • Leisure Centre Investment: The council approved an additional £2.3 million for Leisure Centres, bringing the total allocation to £37.823 million. This funding, sourced from external grants, Section 106 agreements, and internal capital funds, will be used to improve leisure facilities across Bromley.

These decisions reflect the council's commitment to addressing housing needs, supporting vulnerable children, and enhancing community amenities.

Link to the Council Meeting

Schools Forum Examines Budget Overspend and Constitution Changes

The Bromley Council Schools Forum met on Thursday to address financial challenges and consider changes to its own structure. 2

  • CEF Provisional Outturn Report: The forum noted a projected overspend of £7.338 million in the Children, Education and Families (CEF) portfolio for 2024/25. The Director of Children's Services highlighted that special educational needs (SEN) and SEN transport were significant risk areas due to increasing complexity of needs, shortage of local specialist provision, and rising transport costs.
    • The report stated that the impact of additional legal duties from the SEND Reforms, has led to unsustainable financial pressures on High Needs costs within the DSG[^3], and that the increase in government funding is not sufficient to meet the increased costs. [^3]: DSG stands for Dedicated Schools Grant. It is the primary source of funding for schools and local authorities to support education-related services.
  • Schools Forum Constitution: The forum discussed proposed changes to its constitution, aiming to address recruitment difficulties and ensure a full complement of members. The proposed changes include merging Head and Governor/Trustee positions and limiting membership from a single school or academy trust.
  • Schools Finance Regulations: The Schools Forum was asked to note a report providing an update to the Financial Regulations to Schools. The Financial Regulations for Schools were last updated in 2020 and are therefore due a review.

These discussions highlight the financial pressures facing the education sector and the council's efforts to adapt and improve its governance structures.

Link to the Schools' Forum Meeting

Council Debates Agricultural Property Relief and Disability Equality

During the Council meeting, councillors debated motions on agricultural property relief and the appointment of a Disability Equality Champion for London.

  • Agricultural Property Relief: Councillor Will Rowlands proposed a motion expressing concern about proposed changes to inheritance tax that would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR). The motion noted that Bromley has the largest area of farmland in Greater London and that the changes could disproportionately impact Bromley residents and farmers. The motion called for the council to write to the government and the borough's MPs to express concerns and ask them to reconsider the proposals.
  • Disability Equality Champion for London: Councillor Chloe-Jane Ross proposed a motion supporting the appointment of a Disability Equality Champion for London. The motion noted that the London Assembly had unanimously passed a motion calling for the appointment of a dedicated Disability Equality Champion for London, but the Mayor had declined to act. The motion called for the Mayor to appoint a senior Disability Equality Champion with lived experience of disability, adequately resourced and accountable to the Assembly, and tasked with co-producing a London Disability Action Plan.

These debates demonstrate the council's engagement with national policy issues and its commitment to representing the interests of its residents.

Link to the Council Meeting

Other Matters

  • Local Planning Protocol: The council approved an updated Local Planning Protocol, with a provision prohibiting councillors who have called in an application from moving or seconding a motion on that application.
  • Financial Regulations: The council approved updated Financial Regulations and Financial Regulations for Schools, including a reference prohibiting the use of cryptocurrency.
  • Contract Procedure Rules: The council approved updated Contract Procedure Rules, revised to reflect recent changes to the UK Public Procurement Regulations.
  • Scheme of Delegation to Officers: The council approved an updated Scheme of Delegation to Officers, clarifying departmental responsibilities and property delegations.
  • Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report: The council received and noted the Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report for 2024/25, covering a range of issues including mental health services and suicide prevention.
  • Local Pension Board Annual Report: The council received and noted the 2024/25 Annual Report of the Local Pension Board, providing information on the board's activities and role.
  • Petition - The Spitfire Centre: The council considered a petition concerning the Spitfire Centre at Church Road, Biggin Hill. The decision on the petition was deferred.
  • Questions from Members of the Public and Councillors: A number of questions were submitted by members of the public and councillors, covering a range of topics. Written replies are available in the supporting documents.
  • Closure of Bishop Challoner School: Councillors requested a statement from the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Families on the closure of Bishop Challoner School in Shortlands and Park Langley ward.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The Council is the main decision-making body of Bromley Council, responsible for setting policy and approving budgets. ↩

  2. The Schools Forum is a body that advises the council on financial matters relating to schools. ↩

Bromley Council: Councillor Conduct, Gigabit Broadband & More

This week in Bromley:

Ethical Conduct and Councillor Perks Under Scrutiny

The Standards Committee met on Tuesday to discuss ethical standards within Bromley Council and review the Monitoring Officer's General Report. 1

  • Ethical Standards Discussion: The committee engaged in a discussion with the Chief Executive regarding ethical standards at Bromley Council.
  • Gifts and Hospitality: The Monitoring Officer's report included a list of gifts and hospitality received by councillors, raising questions about transparency and potential influence.
    • Examples included lunches, tickets to events (such as the Soul Town Festival and Kent County Cricket Club matches at Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham Town), and gifts of wine and chocolate.
  • Complaints Summary: The report also included an anonymized summary of complaints against councillors, including allegations of poor conduct, misuse of position, and inappropriate involvement in planning matters.
  • National Standards: The committee noted the government's consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities, including the potential for mandatory codes of conduct and powers of suspension.

The meeting highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in local government, particularly in light of potential conflicts of interest and public concerns about councillor conduct.

Link to the Standards Committee Meeting

Gigabit Broadband Expansion and Economic Development Initiatives

The Bromley Economic Partnership convened on Tuesday to discuss the rollout of gigabit broadband, the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and updates from the Economic Development Service. 2

  • Openreach Gigabit Rollout: The partnership received an update on the Openreach Bromley gigabit rollout, aiming to improve internet connectivity for residents and businesses.
  • UKSPF Evaluation: The meeting included a discussion of the evaluation findings of the UKSPF, focusing on how it has supported local businesses.
    • A 12-month extension of UKSPF funding has been secured for three priority Growth Plan Areas, with new funding planned for the Inward Investment Service rollout and public realm improvements to Elmfield Road.
  • Economic Development Service Update: The partnership received an update on the Economic Development Service, including initiatives related to business engagement, inward investment, business support, and employment and skills.
    • The council is working on the brand for the new Inward Investment Service, developing business support programmes for entrepreneurs and SMEs, and establishing an Employment and Skills Board.
  • Partner Updates: Partner organizations, including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Your Bromley BID, provided updates on their activities.

The discussions underscore the council's commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses through infrastructure improvements, funding opportunities, and targeted support programs.

Link to the Bromley Economic Partnership Meeting

Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee Meeting

The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Thursday. No video of the meeting was provided.

Link to the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The Standards Committee is responsible for promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among councillors. ↩

  2. The Bromley Economic Partnership brings together representatives from local businesses, community organizations, and the council to promote economic growth and development in the borough. ↩

Pierluigi's Licence Under Review, Croydon Rd Demolition & More

This week in Bromley:

Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca Faces Licence Scrutiny Amidst Noise Complaints

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review a new premises licence application for Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, a restaurant located at 86 - 90 High Street, Beckenham. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Monday 23 June 2025.

  • Extensive History of Issues: The restaurant has a history of licensing issues, including breaches of Covid restrictions, noise complaints, and operating in breach of its existing premises licence.
  • Objections: The Metropolitan Police, the Planning Authority, the Statutory Nuisance & Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Licensing as a Responsible Authority, two ward councillors, three local residents and a local residents association all objected to the application.
  • Police Concerns: The Metropolitan Police cited concerns about public nuisance and previous breaches of Covid restrictions. They also reported that the management's attitude was dismissive about a male's intoxication levels following an allegation that he had been assaulted at the venue, and that the premises did not have a refusals log in place, which was a breach of their licensing conditions.
  • Resident Concerns: Residents raised concerns about public nuisance, late-night disturbances, unsuitability of the venue, unsafe parking, and the impact on community well-being.
  • Support: Thirteen representations were received supporting the application, with supporters noting that Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca brought life to Beckenham High Street, attracted new clientele, boosted the local economy, and provided a high-quality dining experience.

The Licensing Sub-Committee had the option to grant the licence with or without additional conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting

LA Sports Club Seeks Licence Variation Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met on Monday 23 June 2025 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for LA Sports Club, St Dunstan's Lane, Beckenham.

  • Proposed Changes: The applicant, Langley Annexe Limited, sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and opening hours.
  • Objections: The council received 40 valid objections, including one from the Park Langley Residents' Association. Concerns raised included potential public nuisance, increased traffic and parking issues, and the impact on vulnerable adults and children.
  • No Objections from Councillors or Authorities: Ward councillors were notified of the application, but no objections were received from them. Responsible authorities were also notified, and no valid objections were received from them.
  • Removal of Conditions: Langley Annexe Limited also requested the removal of several conditions from the current licence, arguing that they duplicated existing conditions or were unnecessary, vague, or contradictory.

The Licensing Sub-Committee had the option to grant the variation, grant it with additional conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the application.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting

Executive to Review Emergency Demolition of Dangerous Structure in Croydon Road

The Executive was scheduled to review the emergency demolition of buildings at 164, 166 and 168 Croydon Road, SE20 7YZ, including the former Mitre public house. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

  • Dangerous Structure: The buildings were declared a dangerous structure under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984, following a structural engineer's survey on 6 June 2025.
  • Emergency Demolition: Due to the risk of imminent collapse, emergency demolition was implemented, leading to a temporary road closure and displacement of local residents and businesses.
  • Financial Implications: The Executive was asked to note the potential spend authorised by Chief Officers due to the emergency nature of the works, and to approve the revenue costs to be drawn down from the 2025/26 central contingency sum until costs are recovered.

Link to the Executive Meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board to Discuss Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, and Suicide Prevention Strategies

The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to discuss several key strategies aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Bromley residents.

  • Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-30: The strategy aims to address unequal access to services, barriers to access, the need for early intervention, and improved outcomes for young people transitioning into adult services.
  • Learning Disabilities Strategy 2025 – 2030: The strategy focuses on being positively prepared for adulthood, community inclusion, healthy living, suitable housing, and learning, work, and independence.
  • South East London Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030: The strategy outlines four themes: healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships, improving reproductive health, reducing the rates of sexually transmitted infections, and preventing and living well with HIV.
  • Bromley Suicide Prevention Plan 2025-30: The plan sets out Bromley's local approach to reducing suicide and self-harm, supporting those affected, and building a more compassionate community.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

Plans Sub-Committee to Review Former Civic Centre Conversion and Chelsfield Station Parcel Locker

The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 was scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to discuss planning applications, including the proposed conversion of two buildings at the former Bromley Civic Centre and a retrospective application for an InPost parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park.

  • Former Bromley Civic Centre: The committee was scheduled to consider two applications relating to the former Bromley Civic Centre, seeking prior approval for the change of use from office to residential. The officer's report recommends that prior approval is refused for both applications.
  • Chelsfield Station Car Park: The committee was scheduled to discuss a retrospective application for the siting of an InPost parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park. The planning officer is recommending that it be refused.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 Meeting

Other Matters

  • Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee: The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the treasury management annual performance, forward work programme, and upcoming key decisions. Link to the Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee Meeting
  • Information Briefings: The Health and Wellbeing Board was expected to be informed of the statutory 60-day consultation for the next iteration of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), and to note the performance against Better Care Fund (BCF) metrics and the finance update for the period January to March 2025. Link to the Information Briefings
  • Chief Executive Annual Review Panel: The Chief Executive Annual Review Panel was scheduled to meet to appoint a chair and then to review the performance of the Chief Executive. Link to the Chief Executive Annual Review Panel Meeting
  • Executive: The Executive was asked to approve a draft of the Bromley Local Plan Review Direction of Travel consultation document, subject to any further minor amendments and formatting changes, and to consider the adoption of five Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents. Link to the Executive Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

Bromley: Mental Health Strategy Approved, Budget Overspend Reported

This week in Bromley:

Mental Health and Learning Disability Strategies Approved

The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee approved the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-30 and the Bromley Integrated Learning Disability Strategy at their meeting on June 19th. 1

  • Mental Health Strategy: The strategy focuses on early intervention, supporting young people, improving transitions between services, and enhancing outcomes for those with long-term challenges and older adults with dementia.
  • Learning Disability Strategy: This strategy aims to empower individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives through community support, health initiatives, suitable housing, and opportunities for learning and employment.

The committee also reviewed a budget overspend of £5.485 million in the Adult Care and Health Portfolio for 2024/25, mainly due to high costs of care packages and mental health services.

The committee supported contract variations for BromleyWell, reducing the value of dementia respite at home, and for the Community Substance Misuse Service, increasing capacity for criminal justice treatment and aftercare.

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

Financial Rule Changes Proposed Amidst Budget Concerns

The General Purposes and Licensing Committee reviewed and recommended updated financial regulations and contract procedure rules to the full council for approval. 2

  • Financial Regulations: Key changes include increased approval levels for budget transfers (virements) and revised procedures for capital projects.
  • Contract Procedure Rules: The updated rules aim for greater clarity in procurement processes and alignment with current regulations.

These changes come as the Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee reported a £5.485 million overspend, highlighting the need for careful financial management.

Link to the General Purposes and Licensing Committee Meeting

Religious Education Review and Funding Uncertainties

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) agreed to revise the current Bromley Agreed Syllabus at their meeting on June 18th. 3

  • Agreed Syllabus Conference: The council voted to revise the current Agreed Syllabus, with the aim of ensuring RE is based around meaningful questions and inter-faith dialogue.
  • National Updates: The SACRE RE Adviser highlighted concerns that RE is not currently part of the national curriculum, and that fewer than 1/5 schools were compliant at secondary level in providing core RE for every pupil as well as the option of taking RE GCSE, and for those that were, it was usually sub-standard.

Funding for SACRE is uncertain beyond the current academic year due to reduced central government funding to the Local Authority. A member noted that the SACRE was a statutory body that the Local Authority was required to have and should therefore be funded.

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education Meeting

Other Matters

  1. The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee is responsible for scrutinising and developing policies related to adult care and health services in Bromley. ↩

  2. The General Purposes and Licensing Committee is responsible for overseeing a range of council functions, including financial regulations, contract procedures, and licensing matters. ↩

  3. The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) advises the council on matters related to religious education in schools. ↩

  4. Assistive Technology includes items like wheelchairs, hearing aids, and computer software that help people with disabilities perform tasks and participate in daily life. ↩

Bromley Council: Pension Board Postponed, Health & Wellbeing Update

This week, the Bromley Council had a relatively quiet schedule with two meetings, one of which was postponed, and the other without an available transcript.

Local Pension Board Meeting: Postponed

The Local Pension Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, was postponed. You can find more details about the meeting here.

Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 27 June 2024. Unfortunately, no video or transcript of this meeting has been provided. For more information, you can visit the meeting page here.

Understanding Bromley Council Meetings

For those who are new to following Bromley Council's activities, here's a brief overview of the two types of meetings mentioned:

Local Pension Board

The Local Pension Board is responsible for assisting the council in ensuring the administration of the pension scheme is efficient and compliant with regulations. This board typically reviews the performance of the pension fund, addresses issues related to pension administration, and ensures transparency and good governance.

Health and Wellbeing Board

The Health and Wellbeing Board aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Bromley residents. It brings together leaders from the local health and care system to work collaboratively on strategies and initiatives that address public health challenges, reduce health inequalities, and promote integrated care services.

How Local Government Works

Local councils in the UK, such as Bromley Council, are responsible for providing a range of services to their communities. These include education, transport, planning, fire and public safety, social care, libraries, waste management, and trading standards. Councils are composed of elected councillors who make decisions on behalf of the local community.

Committees and Boards

Councils operate through various committees and boards, each focusing on specific areas of local governance. For example:

  • Planning Committees oversee local development and ensure it aligns with planning policies.
  • Finance Committees manage the council's budget and financial policies.
  • Health and Wellbeing Boards focus on public health and social care.

Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to get involved by attending council meetings, participating in consultations, or contacting their local councillors with concerns and suggestions. Engaging with local governance helps ensure that the community's needs and priorities are addressed.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bromley Council's activities and decisions in future emails.

Recent meetings
Schools' Forum

Schools Forum - Thursday 10 July 2025 4.30 pm

The Bromley Council Schools Forum met virtually to discuss the 2024/25 provisional outturn report, the constitution of the Schools Forum, and the 2025 schools finance regulations. Also on the agenda was a report on spending by primary, secondary and special maintained schools in 2024-25.

July 10, 2025
Council

Council - Monday 7 July 2025 7.00 pm

At a meeting of Bromley Council, Councillor Jonathan Andrews was formally appointed as the new Mayor of Bromley, and Councillor Gemma Turrell was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. Councillors also discussed and approved changes to the council's capital programme, treasury management, financial regulations, contract procedure rules, local planning protocol and scheme of delegation to officers. Finally, they considered the Health and Wellbeing Board annual report and the Local Pension Board annual report.

July 07, 2025
Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee

Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 3 July 2025 5.00 pm

The Bromley Council Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss updates from King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bromley Healthcare, and the South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB). Members also reviewed Healthwatch Bromley's patient experience report and the committee's work programme.

July 03, 2025
Standards Committee

Standards Committee - Tuesday 1 July 2025 7.00 pm

The Standards Committee met on Tuesday to appoint a chair and vice-chair, to discuss ethical standards with the Chief Executive, and to review the Monitoring Officer's general report. Councillor Nicholas Bennett J.P. was appointed Chairman and Councillor Melanie Stevens was appointed Vice-Chairman for the 2025/26 municipal year. The committee also requested a report on publicity in the pre-election period, also known as Purdah, to be provided at the next meeting.

July 01, 2025
Bromley Economic Partnership

Bromley Economic Partnership - Tuesday 1 July 2025 4.00 pm

The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 1 July 2025, to discuss topics including the Openreach Bromley Gigabit rollout, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and an update from the Economic Development Service. The meeting was also set to include updates from various partners and a discussion of any other business.

July 01, 2025
Information Briefings

HWB Information Briefing, Information Briefings - Thursday 26 June 2025 1.30 pm

The Bromley Council Health and Wellbeing Board Information Briefing scheduled for 26 June 2025 included updates on the Better Care Fund and a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment consultation. These briefings were to be debated only if a member of the committee requested a discussion at least 24 hours in advance.

June 26, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 26 June 2025 1.30 pm

The Bromley Council Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on 26 June 2025 to discuss a number of strategies and plans relating to health and wellbeing in the borough. These included the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Learning Disabilities Strategy, the Suicide Prevention Plan, and the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy. Also on the agenda was neighbourhood health service development in Bromley, and a review of the board's work programme.

June 26, 2025
Plans Sub-Committee No. 1

Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 - Thursday 26 June 2025 7.00 pm

The Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 met on 26 June 2025, and refused planning permission for the retrospective installation of a parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park, and for change of use applications at the former Bromley Civic Centre. Permission was granted for extensions to a property at 9 Hathaway Close, and for alterations to windows at Manorfields.

June 26, 2025
Chief Executive Annual Review Panel

Chief Executive Annual Review Panel - Wednesday 25 June 2025 5.00 pm

The Chief Executive Annual Review Panel of Bromley Council met on 25 June 2025. Councillors were scheduled to discuss the chief executive's annual review, and to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting during this discussion.

June 25, 2025
Executive

Executive - Wednesday 25 June 2025 7.00 pm

The Bromley Council Executive was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including highway maintenance, mental health services, and property-related matters. A key focus was on strategic planning and financial approvals for various council services and projects.

June 25, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Plans Sub-Committee No. 2

Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 - Thursday 24 July 2025 7.00 pm

July 24, 2025
Local Pension Board

Local Pension Board - Tuesday 29 July 2025 1.30 pm

July 29, 2025
Development Control Committee CANCELLED

Development Control Committee - Thursday 31 July 2025 7.30 pm

July 31, 2025