The General Purposes and Audit Committee of Bexley Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters. Key topics included the annual reports on redundancy, severance, and pension benefits, treasury management outturn, and the findings of an LGA Finance Peer Challenge progress review. The committee also reviewed internal audit and counter fraud progress reports.

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 indicated that one employee left the council due to redundancy with entitlement to LGPS benefits. Additionally, two employees retired due to ill health, and 14 individuals requested flexible retirement, with LGPS benefits released for these cases. The report was also intended to comment on 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 required to facilitate the implementation of planning permission 24/02748/FUL, which was approved for the redevelopment of an existing traveller site. The proposed stopping up would allow for the provision of an additional plot within the site. The report concluded that the proposed stopping up would not adversely impact public movement. The committee was asked to authorise the Deputy Director of Legal and Democratic Services to prepare and advertise a draft Order, and subsequently to make the Order if no material objections were received.

Safety and Resilience Sub-Committee

The committee was asked to approve the establishment of a Safety and Resilience Sub-Committee, along with its Terms of Reference and membership. The purpose of this sub-committee 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 proposed membership comprised six councillors: Councillors Terry Barcock, Graham D'Amiral, Cafer Munur, and Eliot Smith (Conservative Group); Councillor Stefano Borella (Labour Group); and Councillor Sean Brackstone (Reform UK Group).

Annual Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

This report was scheduled to provide a summary of the council's treasury management activities for the 2025/26 financial year, in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Treasury Management Code. It was intended to cover the treasury position as at 31 March 2026, the outcome of the borrowing and investment strategies for the year, and information on compliance with treasury limits and Prudential Indicators. The report noted that the Bank Rate had decreased during the financial year, and UK CPI inflation had proved stubborn. The council's investments totalled £10.149 million as at 31 March 2026, with a weighted average rate of 4.11%. Long-term borrowing stood at £224.6 million, comprising fixed-term loans from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB).

LGA Finance Peer Challenge - Progress Review Update

A progress review of the Local Government Association (LGA) Finance Peer Challenge, undertaken in January 2025, was scheduled for discussion. The review assessed the progress made against the recommendations from the original challenge and the council's subsequent action plan. The Progress Review found evidence of progress across various themes, including financial leadership, governance, organisational culture, financial planning, and transformation delivery. The Peer Team recognised a notable cultural shift and concluded that the council was better positioned to address its financial challenges through strengthened governance, transformation activity and longer-term strategic planning. The report was intended to provide members with a summary of the findings and the progress evidenced against the council's agreed Action Plan.

Annual Head of Internal Audit Report 2025/26

This report was intended to provide the committee with the Head of Internal Audit's annual opinion for 2025/26. Over the year, 26 general assurance reviews, 5 advisory reviews, and 7 school audits were completed. The overall opinion awarded was reasonable, though noted as being borderline with the limited opinion. This indicated that while adequate and effective systems of internal control were considered to be in place, there were some areas for improvement documented in individual audit reports. The report also detailed the spread of audit opinions and the priority levels of recommendations made.

Internal Audit & Counter Fraud Progress Reports Q1 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on internal audit activity for the period 17 March to 19 June 2026, covering the completion of the 2025/26 internal audit plan and the commencement of the 2026/27 plan. Nine reports had been issued in final since the previous committee meeting, with various assurance ratings. Additionally, an update on counter fraud activity for the period 18 March to 6 July 2026 was to be provided. This included details of new cases logged and cases closed, with a focus on Blue Badge fraud and housing fraud. The report also outlined proposed changes to the internal audit plan for 2025/26 and 2026/27, including additional reviews and deferrals, and sought approval for these changes. A follow-up on management actions from previous internal audit reports was also to be presented.