Councillor Andy Dourmoush

Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Bexley Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss local and national updates on religious education (RE), including concerns about community tensions and the removal of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) bursary for RE teachers. The council agreed to publish Ramadan guidance for teachers by February 2026, and members expressed interest in reviewing the Locally Agreed Syllabus (LAS) in January 2026. Members also voiced concerns about rising community tensions and the need for specific support and resources to address hate and promote inclusion in schools.

Bexley Agreed Syllabus Conference - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Bexley Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) convened to formally establish the conference and discuss the review of the Bexley Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE). Councillor Bola Carew was appointed as chairman for the meeting. Members agreed to hold off on making any major changes to the RE curriculum until there is more clarity on the proposal to add RE to the national curriculum.

Council - Wednesday, 5th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Council meeting on 5 November 2025 saw the formal handover of leadership, with Councillor David Leaf appointed as the new Leader of the Council. The meeting also included a comprehensive review of the Council's achievements over the past term, with particular emphasis on the Bexley Plan 2022-2026 and its three key priorities: Aspiration for residents, Ambition for the Borough, and an Efficient and Effective Council.

Licensing Committee - Tuesday, 21st October, 2025 7.30 pm

The Licensing Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including a proposed change to the temporary events licence fee for the Bexleyheath Broadway Business Improvement District (BID), aimed at boosting the town centre's economy, and to review the annual performance of the Licensing Partnership. The committee approved the 6-month event licence for the Bexleyheath BID, and they also reviewed licensing activities determined under delegated powers, and received updates on licensing enforcement and the Licensing Partnership's annual performance.

Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 14th October, 2025 7.30 pm

The Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss strengthening the voice of children in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services, the Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. annual report, the youth justice strategic plan, and a six-month update on recommendations for a safety valve programme[^1]. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the coming year.