The Executive of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 26 November 2025, approving budget monitoring reports, capital programme amendments, and the Council Tax Support Scheme for the upcoming year. Key decisions also included the extension of the library service contract with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and the appropriation of land for housing development at Castlecombe Youth Centre.

Budget Monitoring 2025/26

The Executive noted the latest financial position for 2025/26, which indicated a projected net overspend on services of £16,672,000 based on information as at September 2025. This projected reduction to the General Fund balance is £14,373,000, with full-year cost pressures identified at £19.128 million. The Executive agreed to release £587,000 from the central contingency to cover additional legal expenditure and also agreed to the release of further funding from the 2025/26 central contingency. It was agreed that any issues identified should be referred to individual Portfolio Holders for further action.

Capital Programme Monitoring - Quarter 2 2025/26

The Executive noted the contents of the report on the capital programme monitoring for the second quarter of 2025/26. A total rephasing of £14.9 million from 2025/26 and 2027/28 into future years was noted, and a revised Capital Programme was agreed. Amendments to the Capital Programme were approved, including an increase of £70,000 to an existing scheme related to the Property Management System, and the addition of £105,000 to a new scheme for the Shaftsbury Park Playground refurbishment.

Council Tax Support/Reduction Scheme

The Executive agreed to maintain the existing Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, with a minimum contribution of 50% for working-age households. This decision will be recommended to the full Council for adoption. The scheme currently impacts 7,304 working-age households, including 1,881 disabled working-age claimants and 2,460 working-age households with children.

Options Appraisal - Future of the Library Service

The Executive agreed to seek mutual agreement with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to extend the existing libraries service contract for five years until 31st October 2032. The guideline five-year contract price is estimated at £27.26 million, subject to negotiation and market forces. Authority was delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing to agree the final contract terms. This decision follows an appraisal of options, with retaining the current operator deemed the lowest risk and most beneficial approach.

Housing Delivery Update

The Executive authorised the appropriation for planning purposes of land surplus to operational need at Castlecombe Youth Centre Car Park for housing development, pursuant to section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016. Authority was also delegated to the Director of Corporate Services and Governance to execute all legal documentation related to this appropriation. This decision allows for the development of ten new affordable homes on the site, which is expected to reduce the Council's expenditure on temporary accommodation.

Procurement Strategy for Education Capital Works

The Executive agreed a Procurement Strategy for the delivery of construction contracts for the Council's Education Programme for the period 2025-31, reflecting the impact of the Procurement Act 2023. This strategy includes the continued use of the Open Procedure and the introduction of the Competitive Flexible Procedure for education capital projects. The use of frameworks will be considered on occasion where economically advantageous, and a Regulated Below Threshold Closed Tender procedure will be used for smaller contracts. The Council may also pass funds to schools to deliver capital projects if it is the most efficient means of delivery. The strategy also noted that works will primarily be undertaken through JCT and NEC contracts with London Borough of Bromley amendments.

Consideration of any other issues referred from the Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee

While the Chair of the Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee sent apologies and no additional items were referred, a visiting Member reported that the Committee had requested further information regarding a property issue. The Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing provided a brief update on this matter.

The meeting concluded at 7:14 pm.