The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, focused on policing in Bexley, community safety initiatives, and updates on the new CCTV system and planning reforms. Key decisions included a commitment to continue supporting employment services and a detailed discussion on the implications of proposed national planning reforms.

Policing in Bexley

Chief Inspector Hendrick provided an overview of current policing priorities in Bexley, highlighting reductions in shoplifting, theft from motor vehicles, and knife crime. Shoplifting offences are down 20% year-on-year, attributed to increased reporting and the new Aura system for major retailers. Theft from motor vehicles has seen a 33% reduction, and theft of motor vehicles is down 26%, with targeted operations against organised criminal groups credited for these improvements. Violence with injury has remained steady, with a 2.5% reduction, while knife crime has seen a significant 19% decrease. Stop and search figures show a 34% positive outcome rate, with 846 positive outcomes from approximately 2,500 searches.

Several operations were highlighted, including Operation BABLIC at transport hubs, using behavioural detection officers and search dogs to intercept individuals carrying weapons and drugs. Operation Alverston is a plainclothes robbery operation, and Operation Martello focuses on the night-time economy in Bexleyheath.

Councillor Sally Hinkley inquired about the use of facial recognition technology, which Chief Inspector Hendrick confirmed had been used successfully in Bexley, citing an instance where an escaped prisoner was apprehended. Councillor John Davey raised concerns about the disbandment of Safer Transport Teams and the redistribution of officers, fearing a reduction in coverage for specific wards. Chief Inspector Hendrick clarified that while traditional school officers have been integrated into neighbourhood teams, the Safer Transport Team's focus on the TfL network is separate from road traffic policing. He assured members that resources are being realigned to enhance coverage, not diminish it, and that dedicated officers will now focus on crime on buses. Regarding successful prosecutions, Chief Inspector Hendrick acknowledged that data is not always readily available but offered to provide specific crime type figures if requested.

Councillor Geraldene Lucia-Hennis asked for statistics on the Met Engage scheme, with Chief Inspector Hendrick reporting 3,154 sign-ups for Bexley, placing it 14th in the Met for numbers and fourth in the Met for sign-ups in the previous month. Councillor Mabel Ogundayo sought further information on shoplifting reductions, which Chief Inspector Hendrick attributed to targeting prolific offenders and securing criminal behaviour orders. He also requested clarification on the types of items found during stop and search, promising to provide a breakdown.

Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE congratulated the Chief Inspector on the reinstatement of Coffee with a Copper and Meet Your Police Team initiatives, as well as the Met Engage scheme and the visible presence of facial recognition technology on the Broadway. She inquired about changes to the night-time economy shift patterns for Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) and requested specific shoplifting figures for the Broadway. Chief Inspector Hendrick confirmed that a later finish for SNTs, until 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays, has been implemented across the borough.

Councillor Philip Read requested more detailed figures for crime drops across various categories, rather than just percentages, to better assess the success of operations. Chief Inspector Hendrick agreed to provide this information. The Chairman also inquired about police abstractions, with Chief Inspector Hendrick stating that Bexley has the least number of abstractions across its teams within the BCU.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP)

The committee received an overview of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership's (BCSP) draft strategy for 2026-2030. The strategy prioritises serious violence, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, and community reassurance. The partnership operates through a tiered governance structure, including the BCSP Board, an Executive Group, and themed working groups. Case management panels, such as the ASB Prevention Panel, Channel Panel, Community Risk MARAC, Domestic Abuse MARAC, Integrated Offender Management Panel, Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Panel, and Violence Intervention Panel, coordinate responses to individuals and situations presenting safeguarding risks.

Regarding domestic abuse, early findings from the Joint Strategic Assessment indicate an increase in police-reported incidents, but Bexley's relative position within London has improved, now ranking 9th. The Domestic Abuse MARAC supports approximately 600 cases annually. Councillor Philip Read questioned whether Bexley's improved ranking indicated a worsening situation, but it was clarified that the ranking is measured differently, with lower-ranked areas having lower rates of domestic abuse.

Update on the Development and Installation of the New CCTV System

The committee was updated on the implementation of Bexley's new hybrid CCTV system, comprising fixed and mobile deployable cameras. The system aims to enhance public safety and community reassurance, aligning with crime data and community safety priorities. 72 fixed digital cameras have been installed, with a review underway to ensure optimal coverage. Four mobile cameras are available for emerging issues. A new Video Surveillance Systems Operations Policy has been developed to ensure consistent governance and compliance with national standards. The system is expected to deliver significant revenue savings.

Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE inquired about the frequency of mobile camera deployment and requested regular reports. It was confirmed that mobile cameras are deployed as needed based on intelligence. She also asked about dark fibre connectivity, which was explained as a secure, unlit cable network. Councillor Mabel Ogundayo questioned how nomadic cameras work with the police and whether their deployment prioritised police requirements or issues like fly-tipping. It was clarified that mobile cameras are primarily for anti-social behaviour, while the overall system addresses robbery, sexual assault, and violence.

Councillor Cheryl Bacon expressed satisfaction with the dark fibre explanation and noted that the new CCTV system is a starting point with flexibility for future expansion. Councillor John Davey raised concerns about the awareness and accessibility of council cameras for SNT teams and requested updated information on their locations. It was confirmed that a manual is being updated to facilitate access.

Concerns were raised about measuring the success of the new system, with a request for additional metrics beyond just requests for footage. The importance of cameras being in the right place for a specific purpose was highlighted, in line with the code of practice. Councillor Davey also suggested exploring charging insurance companies for CCTV footage, similar to Greenwich Council, which was noted as a potential future revenue stream.

Update on Planning Reforms

The committee discussed proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which aim to streamline the planning system and accelerate development. Key proposals include a permanent presumption in favour of development within settlements, stronger emphasis on strategic planning, and increased densities around transport hubs. Councillor Mrs June Slaughter MBE expressed alarm at proposals to override local plans, introduce standardised designs, and potentially reduce the weight given to local planning committees. She voiced concerns about the impact on Bexley's green belt and the potential for increased suburban densification.

Councillor John Davey echoed these concerns, highlighting Bexley's different context compared to central London, with a less developed public transport system and the importance of its green environment. He described the reforms as a total loss of local democracy. Councillor Rags Sandhu agreed with the concerns raised, particularly regarding the dilution of planning committee powers and the implications of increased densification and infill development.

Councillor Mabel Ogundayo, while generally supportive of development, expressed empathy for the challenges faced by developers and the need to encourage house building. She noted the proposed reduction in affordable housing targets from 35% to 20% and stressed the importance of ensuring this target is met. She also supported densification near stations but raised concerns about the potential for a mismatch between housing types built and the needs of existing residents, particularly regarding family-sized homes.

Councillor Davey also raised concerns about the definition of valued landscapes and the potential for reduced protection for areas without formal designation. The report indicated that the protection of landscapes would increasingly depend on their formal designation. The committee also discussed the grey belt designation and its implications for development.

The committee also discussed the potential for increased densification and the impact on infrastructure, particularly in areas like Bexley village. Concerns were raised about the capacity of the road network to cope with increased development and the effectiveness of car-free development policies. The issue of housing mix was also discussed, with a concern that new developments might prioritise smaller units for young professionals, potentially at the expense of family-sized homes needed by existing residents.

6 Month Update on the Recommendations of the 'How Clean is Our Borough?' Scrutiny Sub-Group

A six-month update was provided on the recommendations from the How Clean is Our Borough? scrutiny sub-group. Progress has been made on several fronts, including improved street cleansing standards, with independent surveys showing positive trends in litter, fly-posting, and graffiti. The council is trialling new street cleansing machinery and equipment, including a mechanical sweeper and a new street sweeping barrow. Efforts are underway to improve the functionality of the FixMyStreet app and to align weed removal and grounds maintenance methods. The council is also advocating to central government for stricter requirements on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) regarding waste and fly-tipping. School assemblies on street cleansing and environmental issues are ongoing, reaching approximately 350 children in 2025.

Employment Support

Bexley Business and Employment (BBE) has introduced new programmes to support economically inactive residents into sustained employment. The Restart 2.0 programme has achieved Level 1 status, making Bexley an exemplar within its prime provider contract. The new Trailblazer scheme offers innovative approaches to employment support, including projects for men over 50 and parents facing childcare barriers. The Connect to Work programme, a five-year initiative valued at £4.2 million, will support 1,062 residents with health conditions or from disadvantaged groups, focusing on a supported employment model and integration with primary care services. BBE has also forged closer links with Job Centre Plus, establishing a satellite hub within its service, which has reportedly increased participant attendance.

Councillor John Davey inquired about the success of the Restart and Trailblazer schemes, specifically asking for clarity on the number of people supported versus those achieving sustained employment. It was explained that the figures represent targets and that ongoing support is provided to individuals who do not immediately find sustained employment. Concerns were raised about the availability of good quality jobs in the borough and the potential for increased demand for assistance that BBE may not be able to satisfy. The definition of sustained employment was also clarified as varying by programme.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming months. Discussions included the ongoing work of the sustainable transport subgroup, which is expected to present its findings next month. The committee also noted forthcoming executive decisions, including the adoption of the Economic Growth Strategy and Action Plan, the Transport and Road Safety Programme of Investment, and the assessment of grey belt land within Bexley's green belt. The possibility of a reality checking visit to meet the employment support team was also discussed.