The Public Protection and Enforcement Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee met to review performance, discuss policy updates, and consider operational matters. Key discussions were scheduled to include the annual police update, planning enforcement actions, budget monitoring, and the council's risk register.

Portfolio Holder Update

Councillor Angela Page, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection & Enforcement, was scheduled to provide an update on the activities and performance of her portfolio. This update was intended to offer a written overview of recent developments, supplementing any verbal information provided on the day.

Public Protection Performance Overview 2025/26

The committee was set to review the Public Protection Performance Overview for the 2025/26 period. This report was expected to detail the performance against key indicators for the Public Protection and Enforcement Portfolio Plan, highlighting areas of strong performance, emerging challenges, and any necessary corrective actions. The plan itself is structured around five key priorities: protecting residents from harm, keeping Bromley safe and resilient, maintaining a safe and clean environment, supporting responsible businesses, and delivering efficient, intelligence-led services.

Public Space Protection Order (Dogs) - Extension

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dog controls. This order, established under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, aims to manage issues such as dog fouling, dogs on leads, and exclusion areas. The report indicated that a public consultation had been undertaken, with the majority of respondents supporting the renewal of the order. The proposed order details specific articles covering dog fouling, dogs on leads by direction, dog exclusion areas, dogs on lead areas, maximum number of dogs per handler, and dogs to be kept under proper control. Exemptions for assistance dogs and dogs used for official purposes were also outlined.

Annual Police Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an annual update from the police, presented by Superintendent Priya Shome of Bromley Neighbourhoods. This update was expected to cover borough and ward priorities, key performance indicators against these priorities, achievements in the 2025/2026 period, and identified challenges. The presentation would likely detail the Metropolitan Police Service's control strategy, focusing on areas such as vulnerability, violence, economic crime, neighbourhoods, public order, public safety, and extremism.

Planning Enforcement Update

An update on planning enforcement actions was scheduled to be presented. This report was to detail the progress of current enforcement cases where action had been authorised. It was expected to provide information on the number and types of enforcement notices served between April 2025 and March 2026, details of prosecutions undertaken during the same period, and a summary of direct-action cases carried out by the council.

Budget Monitoring Q1

The committee was to review the first quarter budget monitoring report for the 2026/27 financial year for the Public Protection and Enforcement Services Portfolio. This report would provide an overview of the projected revenue budget position based on expenditure and activity levels for the initial quarter of the financial year, with an overall projected breakeven position anticipated.

Risk Register

The revised Public Protection and Enforcement Risk Register was presented for scrutiny. This register details departmental risks, their causes and effects, and the existing controls in place to mitigate them. The report highlighted that the Public Protection and Enforcement Portfolio currently has five identified risks. A key risk noted was the Increased Costs for Coroners Service, which had a current risk rating of 20 (red), primarily due to the need for a new Coroner's Court and potential relocation costs. Other risks included emergency response, central depot access, business continuity arrangements, and staff resourcing and capability.

Matters Arising and Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review matters arising from previous meetings and discuss the forward work programme. This included reviewing progress on actions from past meetings and considering the proposed schedule of topics for scrutiny in the year ahead. The work programme outlines planned reports and activities for upcoming committee meetings, covering a range of public protection and enforcement issues.