The General Purposes and Audit Committee meeting scheduled for 29 July 2026 was set to cover a range of financial and operational matters for Bexley Council. Key discussions were expected to include the annual reports on redundancy, treasury management, and internal audit, alongside an update on the LGA Finance Peer Challenge progress. The committee was also scheduled to consider a proposal to stop up highway land in Sidcup and the establishment of a new Safety and Resilience Sub-Committee.

Annual Report on Redundancy, Severance and Early Release of Pension Benefits 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive an annual report detailing the arrangements for the early release of pension benefits under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for the 2025/26 financial year. The report was expected to outline the number of employees who left the Council due to redundancy, ill health retirement, or flexible retirement, and the associated pension benefits released. It was also intended to assess the effectiveness of the Council's existing early retirement policies.

Stopping Up of Highway Land - Powerscroft Road, Sidcup

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding a request to stop up highway rights over the turning head at the eastern end of Powerscroft Road, Sidcup. This action was necessary to enable the implementation of planning permission 24/02748/FUL, which was approved for the redevelopment of an existing traveller site. The report indicated that the proposed stopping up would allow for an additional plot within the site and was not expected to adversely impact public movement. The committee was asked to authorise the preparation and advertisement of a draft Order to stop up the highway land.

Safety and Resilience Sub-Committee

The committee was asked to approve the establishment of a new Safety and Resilience Sub-Committee. The proposed Sub-Committee's remit would be to provide assurance to the General Purposes and Audit Committee on the effectiveness of the Council's arrangements for health and safety management, emergency planning, and business continuity. The report included proposed Terms of Reference and membership for the new Sub-Committee.

Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

This report was scheduled to provide a summary of the Council's treasury management activities and performance for the 2025/26 financial year, in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Treasury Management Code. It was expected to cover the treasury position as at 31 March 2026, the outcome of the borrowing and investment strategies, and compliance with treasury limits and Prudential Indicators. The report was also to include an economic update and details of the Council's borrowing and investment positions.

LGA Finance Peer Challenge - Progress Review Update

A progress review update on the LGA Finance Peer Challenge was scheduled for discussion. The original Finance Peer Challenge, which took place in January 2025, aimed to strengthen the Council's financial sustainability and resilience. The progress review, conducted in November 2025, assessed the advancements made against the recommendations from the initial challenge and the Council's subsequent action plan. The report indicated positive findings regarding financial leadership, governance, organisational culture, financial planning, and transformation delivery, noting a cultural shift and improved positioning to address financial challenges.

Annual Head of Internal Audit Report 2025/26

The committee was to receive the Head of Internal Audit's annual opinion for the 2025/26 financial year. This report provides an assessment of the effectiveness of the Council's risk management, control, and governance processes. The opinion was expected to be based on the internal audit work undertaken during the year, which included general assurance reviews, advisory reviews, and school audits. The report was to highlight key themes and insights from the audit work and provide an overview of the internal audit activity.

Internal Audit & Counter Fraud Progress Reports Q1 2026/27

This report was scheduled to provide an update on internal audit activity for the period of March to June 2026, covering the completion of the 2025/26 internal audit plan and the commencement of the 2026/27 plan. It was also to present an update on counter fraud activity for the period of March to July 2026. The report was expected to detail the number of reports issued, assurance ratings, and the progress of counter fraud investigations, including any savings identified. The committee was asked to note the report and approve any changes to the internal audit plan.