The Information Briefings of Bromley Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to review updates on the Digital Infrastructure Work Plan, the performance of the library service contract, and progress on the Armed Forces Covenant. The meeting was scheduled to provide information and updates, with any debate requiring a prior request from a committee member.

Digital Infrastructure Work Plan Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Digital Infrastructure Work Plan (DIWP), which was adopted by the Council in February 2021. This report was intended to provide information on the progress of digital connectivity within the borough, with updates presented bi-annually. The report outlined national targets for gigabit connectivity through the Project Gigabit programme, aiming for 99% nationwide coverage by 2032. It also detailed progress on 4G and 5G mobile connectivity, with national targets for 95% 4G coverage by the end of 2025 and standalone 5G in all populated areas by 2030.

The report highlighted the significant improvements in full-fibre broadband coverage in Bromley, which had reached 74%, closing the gap with the London average of 80%. This was attributed to the increased pace of Openreach's commercial rollout programme. Bromley was noted as ranking fourth out of 33 London boroughs for annual performance in full-fibre connectivity. The report also mentioned ongoing work with ITS to promote a local dark-fibre/full-fibre network, with an additional investment of £450,000 from Boldyn/ITS.

Regarding 4G/5G mobile networks, the report noted that an agreement with Freshwave had generated over £38,900 in income from deployed small cells. It also discussed BT Street Hubs, which aim to replace some existing telephone kiosks with modern digital hubs offering free Wi-Fi, phone calls, and charging points. The report indicated that 5G mobile geographical coverage by all mobile network operators (MNOs) in Bromley had increased to over 74%. A meeting with Cornerstone was scheduled to discuss addressing gaps in local 4G/5G mobile connectivity, particularly following the 3G network shutdown.

Provision of Library Service: Contract Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the performance of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) in relation to the library service contract. The contract, valued at £43,327,274 over ten years, requires GLL to deliver frontline operational and virtual library services, strategic management, community support centres, Bromley Historic Collections, and facilities management. The report was to detail how the contract had performed against its original specifications and include an analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) since the last report in November 2025.

The report indicated that GLL's contract commenced on 1st November 2017, with an option for a five-year extension. Performance was measured using 30 bespoke KPIs, with financial penalties for breaches. Between July and December 2025, six KPI failures were noted, including ICT-related issues due to a leaky ceiling at Central Library and Unit 27, Walnuts, causing PCs and lighting to be affected. There were also two incidents of late opening at West Wickham and Beckenham Libraries due to faulty locks, and two at Southborough Library due to unexpected staff absence. In all these instances, GLL's mitigating actions were accepted, and no penalties were applied.

The report highlighted a notable increase in the overall monthly issues of library items, with a 7.8% rise compared to the previous year, and a 30% increase compared to pre-COVID levels. Visits to libraries also saw a significant increase of 22% compared to the same period in 2024. Bromley Libraries were ranked second among London authorities for physical book issues. Digital issues, including eBooks and eAudiobooks, continued to grow in popularity, representing 25.6% of all issues. The Bromley Historic Collections (BHC) had been working closely with the Council on the library repair programme, with opportunities to display more items from the museum collection in refurbished libraries. Plans were also in place for the relocation of Bromley Central Library and the development of a new historic collection store.

The report also detailed ongoing improvements in performance, including efforts to reduce loneliness and isolation through various library activities and partnerships. The co-location of Community Support Centres with libraries was noted as a success, leading to increased footfall and support interactions. Digital inclusion initiatives, such as providing public PCs and free Wi-Fi, were ongoing. The library repair programme had seen works completed at several libraries, with further refurbishments planned. The relocation of Bromley Central Library to a former Topshop unit was progressing, with a temporary library offer planned during the closure period.

Armed Forces Covenant Progress Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of work related to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), which was renewed in 2023. The AFC aims to ensure that the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, and their families, are not disadvantaged when accessing services. The report detailed the Council's commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community in areas such as employment, housing, education, and health and wellbeing.

Bromley Council had re-affirmed its commitment to the AFC in June 2023. An action plan was refreshed in 2024, outlining seven key commitments, including demonstrating an Armed Forces-friendly organisation, strengthening links with the Armed Forces Community, supporting the employment of veterans and service leavers, and supporting families and reservists. A working group had been established to support these commitments.

Data from the 2021 Census indicated that Bromley had the highest percentage of UK veterans in London, with 2.5% of the population aged 16 and over having previously served in the armed forces. The report highlighted several initiatives, including a monthly drop-in session for veterans at Bromley FC Community Trust, which focused on networking and reducing loneliness. Mytime Active, Penge SE20 BID, and Biggin Hill Airport had also signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The 'Connect to Work' employment service, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to support residents with employment barriers, including former members of HM Armed Forces.

Bromley Council had achieved the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award in February 2024 and the Silver Award in July 2025. The report outlined efforts towards achieving the Gold Award, including a marketing campaign to encourage businesses to sign the AFC and increased promotion of the Council's Armed Forces webpages. HR policies were updated in 2026 to reflect enhanced support for reservists and veterans. The report also detailed next steps, including continuing to work towards the Gold Award, raising awareness of the AFC, and securing funding for veteran-specific activities.