The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 17 March 2026 focused on Bexley's adopted economic growth strategy, the council's highways report, and the budget's impact on cabinet portfolios. Key discussions included the implementation of the economic growth strategy, the condition and maintenance of the borough's roads, and the financial allocations for various services within the Place Directorate. A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to the final report of the sustainable transport task and finish group, which presented differing views on the best approach to promoting sustainable travel.

Bexley's Adopted Economic Growth Strategy

The committee reviewed Bexley's adopted Economic Growth Strategy, which was developed following public consultation and aims to deliver inclusive and economically resilient growth. Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council, presented the strategy, highlighting its vision of being Ready for tomorrow, growing for a better future. The strategy is structured around five key themes: A Great Place to Be, Raising the Profile and Attracting Investment, Health, Wellbeing and Fairness, Green Innovator and Leader, and Future Skills and Employment Opportunities. These themes are guided by principles such as directing council investment to support good growth, fostering a thriving inward investment climate, working transparently with communities, strengthening partnerships, promoting prevention and early intervention, and ensuring connectivity for access and equity. The strategy outlines ten strategic outcomes, including increasing inward investment, meeting housing targets, building a resilient local economy, improving transport, enhancing digital connectivity, safeguarding community infrastructure, improving health and wellbeing, boosting education and employment, increasing civic participation, and leading in the green economy. An action plan is being developed to detail priority projects, timelines, costs, and funding arrangements, with examples such as the Greater Erith Regeneration Programme and the Cultural Strategy already outlined.

Highways Report

The committee received a comprehensive report on the borough's highways, detailing the extent of the road network, funding levels, and the condition of the roads. Andrew Bashford, Head of Highways, Traffic and Infrastructure, explained the council's approach to highway maintenance, differentiating between reactive repairs for issues like potholes and planned works such as resurfacing. He clarified that Bexley's resurfacing process involves replacing a deeper layer of the road surface (80-100mm) compared to the Department for Transport's definition of resurfacing (top 50mm), which led to Bexley being incorrectly reported as having no resurfacing work done in a previous year. The report highlighted Bexley's strong performance in the DfT's road condition rankings, placing it joint 7th nationally. Discussions also covered the street works permitting system, inspections, and the potential adoption of a lane rental scheme, which Bexley is currently not pursuing but is compatible with future adoption. The committee was informed about the 2026/27 resurfacing and large patching programme, with detailed lists of planned works provided in appendices.

Budget Impact on Cabinet Portfolios

Cabinet Members presented an overview of the budget's implications for their respective portfolios within the Place Directorate. Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, indicated that the budget largely represented business as usual with increased provision for economic development and planning enforcement. Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, highlighted investments in community centres, libraries, and domestic abuse services, noting the efficient use of taxpayers' money within the housing service. Councillor Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, detailed expenditure on environmental services, including waste collection and recycling, and the ongoing investment in highways maintenance and parks. The Leader of the Council, Councillor David Leaf, summarised the budget, acknowledging the challenging central government settlement but emphasizing the council's prudent financial management, which has allowed for significant investment in services, roads, community centres, libraries, and parks. The committee discussed the projected underspend in the Place Directorate for 2025/26 and the proposed changes for 2026/27, including contract inflation and savings. The capital programme for the Place Directorate totals £38.342m over four years, with significant allocations for Erith Regeneration, affordable housing, waste vehicle fleet replacement, and highways maintenance.

Final Report of the Sustainable Transport Task and Finish Group

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the final report of the Sustainable Transport Task and Finish Group. This group had produced two reports: a majority report and a minority report, reflecting differing views on certain aspects. Councillor Mabel Ogundayo, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, presented the majority report, highlighting the collaborative effort despite initial disagreements. She expressed disappointment that a revised version of the report emerged shortly before the meeting, suggesting a lack of democratic process. The majority report advocates for a balanced approach, rejecting punitive measures against motorists and focusing on improving public transport, cycling, and walking infrastructure. It supports lobbying for DLR and Elizabeth Line extensions, improving bus links, and promoting cycle training. The minority report, presented by Councillor John Davey, also supported many of the core aims but differed on the emphasis regarding ULEZ and the Mayor of London's initiatives. Councillor Davey expressed opposition to ULEZ, viewing it as an economic and environmental disaster, and highlighted the council's tree-planting efforts as more effective for improving air quality. Councillor Foster raised concerns about the data used in the majority report and the omission of certain points, such as the impact of the Elizabeth Line and the rationale behind TfL's decision on a Bexley Village bus stop. Councillor Sandhu argued that the majority report provided more detail and context, particularly regarding the impact of various transport policies. Ultimately, the committee voted to endorse the majority report's recommendations.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year, noting key executive decisions that may require consultation. These included the adoption of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership Strategy, the Transport and Road Safety Programme, and decisions related to land acquisition for redevelopment and revisions to building control charging schedules. The committee was also invited to consider performance data from the Bexley Status Report for Quarter 3 2025 and identify any areas requiring further scrutiny or reality-checking visits. The final report of the Sustainable Transport Task and Finish Group was also presented as part of the work programme.