Social Value Ideas for Bexley London Borough Council

HMO approved at Gordon Road

A change of use from a dwelling house to a four-person HMO at 20 Gordon Road was approved. Officers said the scheme did not materially increase parking demand, had acceptable accommodation quality and…

“The application relates to 20 Gordon Road, Belvedere and the proposal is for a change of use from a dwelling house to a house with multiple occupation…”

HMO conversion approved at 51 Cleve Road

The committee approved a change of use from a dwelling house to a small HMO for up to five occupants, with a side and rear extension, parking, refuse and cycle storage. Members discussed loss of famil…

“The application relates to 51 Cleve Road in Sipcup. Members will note a late objection has been received. All the material issues raised have been con…”

More flats approved at Highland Road

The committee approved the conversion and extension of 57 Highland Road to create an additional residential unit, retaining a two-bedroom home and adding a one-bedroom flat. Debate centred on minimum …

“This application relates to number 57 Highland Road and seeks permission for the erection of a part one and part two -storey rear extension, a front p…”

Evans Court adds a new unit

Planning permission was approved for a minor amendment at Evans Court to split an existing duplex into two self-contained apartments, increasing the site from eight to nine units. The discussion focus…

“The application relates to land adjacent to Evans Court, Sherman Close, Crayford, and the proposal is for the conversion of an existing duplex unit to…”

MTFS gap rising to 2030-31

The updated medium-term financial strategy projects the cumulative budget gap rising to £21.9m by 2030-31, driven by social care, SEN transport, inflation, pay pressures and policy change. Officers st…

“So this report presents the Council's medium -term financial strategy, updated to include the additional year of 2030 -31, over and above the three ye…”

Year-end budget outturn overspend

Cabinet noted the 2025-26 period 12 outturn showing a small overspend, with the main pressures in adult social care and SEN transport offset by underspends elsewhere. This is a financial monitoring it…

“The budget monitoring for P12, the out -term for the 25 -26 year, reported a 208 ,000 pound overspend, which was an improvement of 1 .153 million agai…”

General Fund Budget 2026-27

General Fund budget approved at £271.9 million, representing a 5.1% increase from previous year. This includes £21 million allocated to cover inflation and rising demand in frontline services, with £5…

“The 2026 -27 General Fund is just over 271 .9 million pounds, up 5 .1 percent from last year. After levies and costs, 242 million goes straight to the…”

2026-27 Budget - Balanced Budget with Council Tax Increase

Council setting balanced budget for 2026-27 based on council tax increase of 4.99% (2% adult social care precept + 2.99% general). Band D council tax increasing from £1,767.65 to £1,855.85. Budget inc…

“For 2026-27 the report presents a balanced budget on the assumption that council tax inclusive of the increase in social care precepts increases by a …”

Unfair Local Government Funding Formula

Council's share of grants funded by central government falling under new fair funding allocation formula. Share falls from 0.00309 in 2025-26 to 0.00288 in 2028-29. In cash terms, fall from £97.6m to …

“The final local government finance settlement confirm the continued dependency for Bexley in relation to capital tax and shows by the end of the 1928 …”

Period 9 Budget Overspend - Improved Performance

Council reported £1.762m overspend at end of period 9 (end of December 2025), representing a positive improvement of £176,000 since period 8. Main improvement driven by Place Directorate, specifically…

“We're reporting a £1.762 million overspend, which is a positive improvement of £176,000 since period 8... The main reason for the movement in the righ…”