The Council meeting on 15 April 2026 saw the approval of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030 and the adoption of a revised Council Constitution. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a motion regretting the impact of the Labour government on Bexley residents, which was carried by a majority vote. The meeting also included the appointment of a new Deputy Director for Legal and Democratic Services, who will also serve as the Monitoring Officer. Finally, the Council recorded its sincere appreciation for the service of 14 councillors who were not seeking re-election.

Bexley Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030 Approved

The Council has approved the Bexley Community Safety Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy outlines the priorities and guiding principles for ensuring community safety across the borough over the next four years. The strategy was developed through collaboration between the Council, the Police, the London Fire Brigade, Probation, and the NHS. Key areas of focus include tackling domestic abuse, hate crime, and reducing overall crime rates. The strategy aims to build on existing successes, such as Bexley's position as one of the safest boroughs in London, by continuing targeted enforcement, partnership working, and early intervention initiatives.

Council Constitution Revised

Following concerns raised about the current format for accepting and debating motions, the Council has agreed to revise its Constitution. The Constitution Review Panel will implement changes to Council Procedure Rules to allow each political group to put forward one contemporary motion per Full Council meeting and to conclude the consideration of certain agenda items by 9:30 pm. This aims to enhance democratic processes and ensure more efficient use of meeting time.

Motion on Labour Government's Impact on Bexley Carried

A motion expressing regret over the impact of the Labour government, elected in July 2024, on Bexley residents was carried by a vote of 28 to 12, with two abstentions. The motion, moved by Councillor Richard Diment and seconded by Councillor Howard Jackson, highlighted concerns about the government's policies and their effect on the borough. The debate saw contributions from both sides of the chamber, with the Labour group arguing that the government is bringing positive change.

New Deputy Director for Legal and Democratic Services Appointed

The Council has appointed a new Deputy Director for Legal and Democratic Services, who will also serve as the statutory Monitoring Officer. The appointment followed a recruitment process supported by Solace in Business. The role is crucial for ensuring the Council acts lawfully, complies with legislation, and upholds high standards of governance and ethical conduct. The successful candidate's name is detailed in an exempt appendix to the report.

Appreciation for Retiring Councillors

The Council formally recorded its sincere appreciation for the valuable service provided by 14 councillors who are not seeking re-election at the upcoming Borough elections on 7 May 2026. Acknowledging their collective decades of experience, the Mayor, Councillor Christine Catterall, and the Leader of the Council, Councillor David Leaf, alongside other members, paid tribute to their dedication and contributions to the community. Many of these councillors had served for multiple terms, with some having dedicated over 20 years to public service in Bexley. The meeting included numerous heartfelt speeches from colleagues across the chamber, reflecting on shared experiences and the impact of their service.

Adult Social Care and Health

The Council continues to focus on improving adult social care and health services. The Live Well, Age Well pilot project in Sidcup offers free activities for residents aged 50 and over to promote health and wellbeing. A new direct payment support service has been launched to make accessing and managing care and support easier for eligible residents. Jointly funded prevention and early intervention grants to voluntary sector organisations have been renewed for three years, demonstrating a commitment to supporting preventative measures. The Council also celebrated Great Mental Health Day and Time to Talk Day, promoting mental wellbeing and connecting residents to resources. The Bexley Wellbeing Ambassadors Programme has expanded, with ambassadors trained to support mental health conversations. The Winter Resilience Plan 2025/26 has been developed in collaboration with partners to reduce A&E attendances and improve patient flow. The Borough has also joined a shared Sexual Health and HIV Strategy with neighbouring boroughs to improve access to services and reduce health inequalities.

Children and Families

The Erith Family Hub has been rebranded as Best Start in Life Family Hub Erith, strengthening its focus on early development and narrowing inequalities. The hub aims to provide a seamless system for families, from early years support to services for young people with SEND. The The Vibe drop-in service for young people in care and care leavers has been successful in supporting their transition to independent living. Bexley has been selected as a Kinship Zone for a new government pilot scheme to strengthen support for kinship carers. The Council also celebrated National Care Leavers Month with a range of activities focused on their experiences and support needs. SHiFT Bexley, a partnership supporting young people at high risk of criminalisation, received a visit from MP Louie French.

Communities and Housing

Bexley remains one of London's safest boroughs, with a crime rate significantly lower than neighbouring boroughs. The Community Safety Partnership continues to be central to this success, utilising shared intelligence and coordinated efforts. Investment in CCTV has enhanced the Council's ability to respond to local concerns. The HALO programme continues to engage young people in positive activities, and the Council has funded knife arches and hosted a youth Knife Crime Conference. Support for victims of domestic abuse is ongoing, with a specialist service commissioned until 2030 and an expanded Domestic Abuse Young People's (DAY) Programme. Libraries are seeing increased footfall and expanded opening hours, with new health and wellbeing hubs established at Sidcup and Thamesmead libraries. Cultural engagement has been exceptional, with events like Alice and the Queen's Beasts attracting significant numbers. The Housing Service continues to face pressure due to a constrained private rented sector, exacerbated by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Despite this, the Council has maintained strong performance in homelessness prevention and relief, with reductions in emergency accommodation usage and rent arrears. Rough sleeping numbers have also fallen.

Education and Corporate Services

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have recognised Bexley's local area partnership for taking effective action to improve SEND services. The Safety Valve Programme has continued to receive DfE funding, supporting interventions for children and young people. Bexley's annual Apprenticeship and Participation Event saw record registrations, connecting young people with employers and training providers. The Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) had its most successful winter programme to date, providing activities and food for children eligible for free school meals. The Council is also a pilot authority for a new government scheme to strengthen support for kinship carers. Improvements to customer service continue, with a redesigned website, enhanced self-service options, and the introduction of AI-driven webchat. Legal Services has provided training on statement writing for Children's Social Care and is monitoring the implications of government leasehold reform proposals.

Neighbourhoods

Bexley's recycling rate has increased to 48%, exceeding both London and national averages, with a reduction in household waste production. The Bexley Community Reuse Shop has diverted 11 tonnes of items from disposal and is now open five days a week. Two repair cafes have opened in Sidcup and Thamesmead, offering free repairs for small electrical items and clothing. New bulky waste collection services and additional street litter bins have been introduced, with smart bins installed in Bexleyheath town centre. Fly-tipping incidents have decreased by 12% year-on-year, supported by robust enforcement and new CCTV systems. Leisure centres have seen increased throughput, with new padel courts being introduced at Erith and Crook Log Leisure Centres. Seasonal events, such as the lantern event at Hall Place and The Goblin of Lesnes play, have attracted significant visitor numbers. Environmental projects in parks, including tree planting and bat box installations, are underway, and the Clearing at Lesnes Abbey has been shortlisted for a RIBA prize. New digital systems are being tested for grounds maintenance and playground inspections. Parking Services is reviewing its Appeals and Processing Policy, and over £7 million has been invested in the road network in 2025/26, with a further £9 million approved for the coming year. Two experimental Controlled Parking Schemes have been installed near Abbey Wood Station.

Place Shaping

Measures to control the change of use of buildings from commercial to residential within Bexley's town centres have come into force. A review of the Borough's green belt has commenced to identify grey belt land. The Council's new Economic Growth Strategy and Cultural Strategy have been adopted, aiming to attract investment and create jobs. Monitoring of the Superloop bus route SL3 continues, with efforts to secure funding for an additional stop at Bexley Village. Southeastern has announced the reinstatement of off-peak services between Sidcup and Abbey Wood from December 2026. Orbital express bus services have been extended, and work is underway with TfL to improve pedestrian access to bus stops and develop the Thamesmead Transit. The Council has secured LIP funding for transport schemes, including regenerating the public realm in Erith. Erith regeneration schemes are progressing, with Walnut Tree Road nearing completion and Erith High Street phase two moving into the design stage. Improvements to the Townley Road Public Realm in Bexleyheath are also planned. Bexley Business & Employment (BBE) has supported 165 residents into paid employment and secured an extension for the Trailblazer programme. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme has been extended, and over 115 businesses have been supported through the Talking Business scheme.

Resources and Transformation

The Crisis and Resilience Fund has been launched, replacing the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payment, although with reduced funding. The Council has adopted £3.630m in savings and efficiencies through the Future Bexley programme for 2026/27. Bexley is recognised as one of the most efficient councils in the country, with back-office costs significantly lower than comparable authorities. The Council's People Strategy aims to attract, develop, and retain a high-quality workforce, with initiatives including a new Leadership Academy and wellbeing support. The HR Team is working with London Councils to refresh the London Pledge for Children's Agency Social Workers. Action plans have been finalised following the Council's staff survey, and a new GREAT framework has been launched to guide everyday decisions. The Council has responded to consultations on the government's Fair Pay Agreement for Adult Social Care and the School Support Staff Negotiating Body. Long Service Awards have recognised staff dedication, and the Bexley Coaching Academy has celebrated staff completing their training.

Motions

A motion regretting the impact of the Labour government elected in July 2024 on Bexley residents was carried. The Council also agreed to revise its format for accepting and debating motions, with changes to be made by the Constitution Review Panel. A motion committing the Council to urgently address violence against women and girls (VAWG) was also noted, with the Council already undertaking extensive work in this area.

Members Not Seeking Re-election

The Council formally recorded its sincere appreciation for the valuable service given by 14 councillors not seeking re-election. Tributes were paid to their dedication and contributions to the community, acknowledging their collective decades of experience.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor, Councillor Christine Catterall, declaring the meeting closed.