The Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to receive information briefings on a range of topics. These include an update on the Open Space Strategy, a review of the draft budget for 2026/27, and progress on the Carbon Net Zero Action Plan. Additionally, the committee will be updated on the Fly-Tipping Action Plan.

Open Space Strategy 2021-2031: Year 4 Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the fourth year of the Open Space Strategy 2021-2031 Open Space Strategy 2021 - 2023 Year 4 Update FINAL.pdf. This strategy, adopted in November 2021, aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and natural assets of Bromley's open spaces, while also supporting local economies and ensuring financial viability. The report details progress made against the strategy's five strategic objectives (SOs): Quality and Accessibility, Natural, Cultural, and Historical Assets, Health, Wellbeing, and Community, Local Economy, and Financially Viable Open Space Portfolio.

Significant progress has been noted in various areas, including infrastructure audits, park audits, and playground refurbishments. The strategy has also seen advancements in natural and cultural asset management, with the publication of an Enhanced Biodiversity Report and ongoing work on nature-friendly verges and woodland establishment projects. Health and wellbeing initiatives have been enhanced through improved opportunities for physical activity and mental health support. The local economy has been supported through events and sporting facility developments. Financially, the strategy has relied on securing external funding, with notable contributions from the Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund and the Veolia Environmental Trust. The report also outlines key deliverables planned for 2026.

Draft Budget 2026/27 for Environment and Community Services

A draft budget for the Environment and Community Services portfolio for 2026/27 ECS Draft Budget 202627.pdf is to be considered. This report outlines the financial forecast for 2026/27 to 2028/29, incorporating anticipated cost pressures, mitigation measures, and savings from transformation initiatives. The council faces significant financial challenges due to reduced government funding and rising inflation, with a projected budget gap of £53.1m per annum by 2028/29. The report details changes impacting the draft budget, including the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27, which indicates substantial funding reductions for Bromley. Inflationary pressures and the ongoing Transformation Bromley programme, aimed at modernising operations and reducing costs, are also discussed. The draft budget includes proposed transformation savings across various service areas, such as parking fees, street lighting improvements, and staffing reorganisations. The report highlights the need for careful consideration of discretionary services and potential unintended consequences of service reductions.

Carbon Net Zero Action Plan Update 2024/25

An update on the London Borough of Bromley's Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) for 2024/25 Carbon Net Zero Action Plan--Information Briefing.pdf will be presented. The council has a target to achieve net zero direct organisational emissions by 2027. The report details the council's direct emissions for 2024/25, showing a reduction of 13.5% from the previous year and a 55% reduction from the 2018/19 baseline. Key initiatives contributing to this reduction include LED street lighting upgrades, energy efficiency improvements in council buildings, procurement of 100% renewable electricity, and the transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet. The report breaks down emissions by source, with building electricity, gas, and street lighting being the largest contributors. The potential impact of purchasing a 'deep green electricity tariff' is also discussed, which could significantly reduce reported net emissions.

Fly-Tipping Action Plan Update

An update on the Fly-Tipping Action Plan FLY TIPPING ACTION PLAN REPORT.pdf will be provided, detailing actions undertaken by Neighbourhood Management since the last annual update. The report notes an increase in 'dumped rubbish' reports via the Fix My Street system, which is partly attributed to improved integration with the ECHO logistics system. The report outlines enforcement outcomes between October 2024 and September 2025, including investigations, warning letters, community protection warnings, formal notices, fixed penalty notices, vehicle seizures, civil injunctions, and successful prosecutions. A comparison with the previous year's enforcement actions is provided. The report also seeks delegated authority to agree updated fixed penalty charge amounts for littering, householder duty of care, and business duty of care offences. Financial implications are covered by an earmarked reserve for fly-tipping and enviro-crime initiatives.