Bexley Council's Public Cabinet has formally recommended the adoption of the new Corporate Plan 2026-2030, titled Delivering for Bexley.
The Public Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, saw councillors endorse the strategic direction outlined in the new Corporate Plan, which is structured around four key themes: Prevention, People, Place, and Prosperity. This plan sets out the council's ambitions for the next four years, aiming to ensure Bexley remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Leader of the Council, Councillor David Leaf, introduced the plan, highlighting its alignment with the administration's manifesto and its commitment to delivering for residents. He emphasised the plan's focus on early intervention, investment in frontline services, and partnership working.
Several cabinet members spoke in favour of the plan. Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children & Families, praised the emphasis on prevention and early intervention, citing initiatives like the Family First programme and investment in youth services. Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults & Health, welcomed the focus on public health and adult social care support, detailing practical benefits for residents. Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Leisure, commended the plan's practical examples of delivery, referencing achievements in green spaces and waste management.
Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services & Education, highlighted the plan's ambition, particularly regarding skills, education, and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She noted the recent approval of the SEND reform plan and the lifting of an improvement notice on local area SEND services.
However, Councillor Stefano Borella, representing the Labour group, expressed differing priorities and raised concerns about the lack of mention of previous Labour council achievements, such as leading on food waste recycling. He also questioned comments on central government funding cuts, suggesting more targeted funding had been provided by the Labour government, and pointed out that 36% of the £30 million investment in roads was coming from the Labour government.
Councillor Cameron Smith, Deputy Leader of the Council, responded to these points, clarifying that the achievements listed were a brief selection and that many successful initiatives continued. He defended the council's stance on central government funding cuts, stating that Bexley had been squeezed
by both previous and current Labour governments. He also highlighted that Councillor Borella's group had voted against the £30 million investment in roads.
Ultimately, Public Cabinet recommended that Full Council approve the new Corporate Plan 2026-2030.