The Council meeting on 15 July 2026 addressed a range of local issues, including concerns about housing development, parking, transport services, and council finances. Key decisions included a commitment to review the local government funding formula, a call for changes to national taxation and regulation policies, and a pledge to support the council's infrastructure investment plans.

Burr Farm Development Concerns

Mr Dimitri Shvorob, a local resident, questioned the council's plans to build on Burr Farm. Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council, stated that the matter was subject to a live planning application and therefore could not be commented on in detail. Mr Shvorob raised concerns about a perceived contradiction between Conservative councillors' campaign promises to protect green spaces and the council's current stance. Councillor Leaf responded by explaining that Burr Farm is an allocated site in the local plan (policy BXH06) for residential family homes, including green spaces, and has been unused for nearly two decades. He reiterated that commenting further would be inappropriate due to the live planning application.

Parking and Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Elshare Gardens

Ms Chris Shirley raised concerns about insufficient parking bays and yellow line issues in Elshare Gardens, requesting a reduction in Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) hours to align with neighbouring roads. Councillor Cameron Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, explained that Elshare Gardens is part of an experimental CPZ introduced to mitigate parking pressures from Elizabeth line commuters. He noted that the current six-hour restriction (10 am to 4 pm) was implemented due to changing working patterns, with a fear that a two-hour limit might not be sufficient to prevent commuters from occupying spaces. Councillor Smith assured residents that feedback would be carefully considered during the 18-month experimental period before a final decision is made. Ms Shirley requested a second survey and suggested considering resident permit holder-only status with the removal of single yellow lines and bays if the CPZ hours were not reviewed.

Online Councillor Attendance Recording

Mr Dimitri Shvorob asked if the council would commit to introducing online councillor attendance recording this year. Councillor Leaf stated that attendance at council meetings is already recorded in the minutes and published.

Housing Development and Supply

Councillor Chris Ball questioned Councillor Cameron Smith about plans to increase housing supply to meet demand. Councillor Smith highlighted the council's five-year housing land supply, which provides for 4,125 homes against a requirement of 4,110, plus a 20% buffer. He acknowledged challenges in the housing market, including costs and regulatory hurdles, and stressed that while the council approves homes, developers ultimately decide when to start and complete them.

Greenbelt Protection

Councillor Steven Hall asked about the council's actions regarding government and the Mayor of London's plans to weaken greenbelt protections. Councillor Smith detailed the council's commitment to protecting the greenbelt, referencing their greybelt strategy assessment and efforts to push back against proposals that could allow development on greenbelt sites near train stations. He stated the council would fight any attempt to impose undeliverable housing targets on treasured green spaces.

Playground Investments

Councillor Eliot Smith inquired about planned investments in playgrounds. Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, outlined an ongoing investment of approximately £2 million over the next few years, with around £1 million to be invested this year. He detailed completed projects at Halbury Lane and Danson Park, and upcoming replacements at Royal Park Playground due to arson damage. Councillor Smith also confirmed that £180,000 is being invested in the playground at Westheath Recreation Ground, with resident consultation planned.

Transport Infrastructure Priorities

Councillor Graham D'Amiral asked about the council's transport infrastructure priorities. Councillor Cameron Smith mentioned long-standing priorities including the expansion of the DLR to Belvedere and the Elizabeth line towards Ebbsfleet, as well as supporting new Thames crossings. He also addressed concerns about service cuts to Thameslink and the 96 bus route, explaining the council's efforts to make representations and highlighting the importance of these services for residents. Councillor D'Amiral questioned whether a public apology was due from Transport for London and Kent County Council for the distress caused by the threat to bus services. Councillor Smith agreed that communication had been poor and that Bexley residents were caught between different political interests.

Library Investments

Councillor Terry Barcock asked for details on planned library investments. Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, outlined a £2 million capital investment over four years for refurbishments, new public PCs, increased Wi-Fi capacity, and new technology like a cloud-based printing solution and a Hublet lending device. He also highlighted community programmes, increased opening hours, and specific improvements at Crayford Library, with Crayford and Welling libraries being the first to receive investment.

West Street Site Development

Councillor Nicola Taylor questioned Councillor David Leaf about the justification for the development at the West Street site, citing loss of green space, failure to deliver affordable homes, and lack of profit for the council. Councillor Leaf stated the council has a robust business plan for Bexico to develop high-quality homes and deliver a return, acknowledging development challenges and the impact of national policies. He also addressed Councillor Cafer Munur's supplementary question regarding the GLA's refusal to support a bid for affordable housing on the site, stating the GLA was happy to fund such opportunities elsewhere in London but not in Bexley.

Youth Services Funding

Councillor Jeremy Fosten asked Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, if he agreed with Councillor Barry Saunders that some of our youths are not nice youths. Councillor Taylor defended Councillor Saunders' record and stated that the Conservative administration invests £500,000 annually in targeted youth services, including programmes for vulnerable young people. She questioned Councillor Fosten's vote against this funding, asking if it indicated a belief that some youths should not receive investment.

Motion on Local Government Funding and Taxation

Councillor Oscar Harrison moved a motion calling on the new Prime Minister to review the local government funding formula, change the government's approach to taxation and regulation, and support the council's infrastructure investment plans. Councillor Stefano Borella proposed an amendment, highlighting the Labour government's contributions to Bexley, including increased highway spending and Pride in Place funding for Slade Green. After a roll call vote, the amendment was not carried. The substantive motion was then debated and carried.

Report of the Leader of the Council

Councillor David Leaf presented his report, highlighting the council's strong mandate following the recent election and outlining priorities for delivering services, supporting businesses, and improving the borough. He thanked residents, officers, and councillors for their contributions. The report detailed progress across various service areas, including adults and health, children and families, communities and housing, economic growth and infrastructure, environment, culture and leisure, and finance, corporate services, and education.

Key points from the report included:

• Adults & Health: Progress on the Transfer of Care Hub, positive outcomes from the Better Care Fund, and an Autism Awareness Event.
• Children & Families: Success of the Family Hub programme, with plans for expansion, and the launch of the Kinship Zones pilot.
• Communities & Housing: Strong performance in library usage, planned £2 million investment in library buildings, and efforts to address housing pressures and homelessness.
• Economic Growth & Infrastructure: Updates on town centre regeneration projects, green belt protection measures, and ongoing work to improve transport infrastructure and bus services.
• Environment, Culture & Leisure: Success of the Community Reuse Shop, introduction of repair cafes, improved waste and recycling services, and investments in leisure centres and playgrounds.
• Finance, Corporate Services & Education: Progress on the Customer Experience Strategy, the People Strategy, and the SEND Local Reform Plan.

Reports of Committees

The reports of the Licensing Committee, Pensions Committee, Planning Committee, Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Finance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee were received and adopted.