The Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Future Bexley Assurance Framework, receive updates from Cabinet Members, and review the committee's work programme.

Future Bexley Assurance Framework

The committee reviewed the proposed Future Bexley Assurance Framework, designed to safeguard frontline services and build financial resilience by addressing the council's financial gap. The framework aims to ensure robust tracking of savings, clear governance, and effective oversight of risks. The council has confirmed £3.63 million in savings for 2026/27, with an additional £7 million in the pipeline for phase two, projecting a total net benefit of £18.5 million.

During the discussion, Councillor Stefano Borella raised concerns about the complexity of the framework's language, suggesting it could be daunting for staff. Aisha Hakim-Rahman, Deputy Director of Transformation, acknowledged this and stated that the framework's language would be reviewed as it is rolled out. Councillor Sean Brackstone sought assurance regarding member oversight within the three-tier governance model and reiterated the importance of maintaining face-to-face services for residents in crisis. Councillor David Leaf assured members that face-to-face services would be maintained and that the community hub model would offer further support.

The committee also discussed the validation of savings, with Councillor David Li asking for evidence to classify the £3.63 million as validated savings and whether they were recurring or one-off. Ms Hakim-Rahman explained that these savings were based on confirmed outline business cases. Concerns were also raised about ensuring that increased digital services do not reduce support for elderly residents or those less digitally included. Councillor Leaf emphasised a nuanced approach, ensuring appropriate channels of communication for all residents.

The committee was asked to review and comment on the proposed framework and identify any gaps or risks. Feedback gathered during a subsequent workshop session will be reported back to the committee in October.

Cabinet Members Update

Councillor David Leaf, Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation, and Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Education, provided updates on their respective portfolios.

Councillor Leaf highlighted the ongoing work on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and the initiation of the Crisis and Resilience Fund. He also mentioned the ongoing review of Treasury Management Service arrangements and the recent launch of the Economic Growth Strategy. Councillor Leaf also addressed concerns about misinformation regarding BexleyCo, stating that detailed financial data is available in performance reports and the BexleyCo business plan.

Councillor Newton provided an update on the customer experience strategy, noting the launch of the 2026 customer experience survey and encouraging resident participation. She also touched upon the people strategy, highlighting the importance of work experience for young people and the success of the first Bexley Leadership Academy. Councillor Newton also addressed concerns about staffing and capacity, stating that staffing requirements are under regular review in relation to the budget and target operating model.

Councillor Borella raised questions about the potential for changes to the council's staffing structure and when members would be informed. Councillor Leaf assured that any significant changes would be communicated transparently and would be subject to appropriate committee review. Councillor Nicola Taylor expressed gratitude for the consideration of residents who do not use digital means, particularly in relation to services for vulnerable people. She also raised the possibility of establishing call hubs across the borough for vulnerable residents during hot weather.

Councillor Eliot Smith inquired about the focus on staff gaining external industry certifications within the people strategy, particularly in IT and project management. Ross Brown, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, explained that while the people strategy focuses on behaviours and values, professional competencies are the responsibility of directors to ensure through statutory roles. He added that the ICT department is on an improvement journey, working with external partners to assess its readiness and suitability of staffing structures.

Work Programme

The committee discussed potential items for its work programme for the year ahead. Key additions suggested included:

• Future Bexley Transformation Focus: The committee will engage with core elements of the council's transformation work throughout the year, with specific programmes to be discussed at future meetings.
• BexleyCo: Councillor Stefano Borella proposed that the committee examine BexleyCo more closely, suggesting that its business plan should be reviewed and potentially rewritten. He also highlighted concerns about its governance and the need for wider member involvement.
• Communication Strategy: Councillor Nicola Taylor proposed including the council's communication strategy in the work programme.
• Technology Rationalisation: Councillor Eliot Smith suggested a work programme item focusing on the rationalisation of the council's technology estate.
• Reality Checking Visits: The committee agreed that members may undertake reality checking visits, with Councillor Nicola Taylor suggesting a visit to observe the transformation platform in practice.
• Subgroups: The committee agreed to establish subgroups for scrutiny project work, with specific membership arrangements and a limit of one project subgroup at any time. The Chairman was delegated the decision-making authority for subgroups to expedite the process.

The committee also reviewed performance indicators in the Bexley Status Report, Appendix B. Councillor Jeremy Fosten raised concerns about a significant slip in the number of Stage 1 complaints being closed on time. Councillor Borella noted ongoing issues with the percentage of invoices paid within 30 days and a decline in the performance of member inquiries. Ross Brown, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, explained that these issues could be due to various factors, including the complexity of cases, increased member activity, and the need for additional information. He assured that targets are reviewed and that refreshed KPIs would be presented. Councillor David Li also sought clarification on specific improvement actions for complaint response times and member inquiries. Councillor Leaf stated that performance indicators are regularly reviewed, and actions are taken to address any concerns.