The Liberal Democrats stand for a free, fair and open society where everyone is included, with social justice at its centre.

Our manifesto sets out how we will achieve this in Bexley.

Cost of Living and Fair Finances

Keep Council Tax and Business Rates low and transparent

Consulting and informing on any changes to Council Tax, whilst ensuring the flawed business rates system does not limit entrepreneurs and local businesses.

Target help to those who need it most

Through a review of the council’s targeted support mechanisms, and bringing together community resources to support residents in financial difficulty.

Make every pound count

By mandating reviews of major contracts at least every two years and ensuring surpluses are reinvested transparently and responsibly in frontline services.

Homes and Housing

Build genuinely affordable homes

With a ‘fast-track’ planning process for developments that consult meaningfully with communities, deliver at least 35% affordable housing, and include accessible homes for disabled residents.

Crack down on rogue landlords and stand up for tenants’ rights

By working across boroughs to close regulatory gaps and properly enforcing landlord licensing schemes where needed.

Bring empty homes back into use to cut homelessness and waste

By using sanctions decisively where properties are abandoned and supporting schemes that return them to occupation.

Children and Young People

Protect school and early years funding

By fighting for fair funding and shielding education budgets from cuts wherever the council has influence.

Improve mental health and SEND support

By working with schools and health partners to expand local provision so children can access help close to home.

Rebuild youth services and safe spaces

By investing in youth workers, outreach programmes and welcoming places for young people to meet and thrive.

Health and Social Care

Pay care workers the Living Wage

By guaranteeing fair pay and decent conditions for all council-commissioned care staff, in turn improving the care workforce crisis.

Help people live independently at home

By improving home care, respite for carers and access to suitable, accessible housing.

Strengthen local mental health services

By expanding community-based support and clear crisis signposting, especially for young people and marginalised groups.

Climate, Environment and Clean Air

Put the borough on a path to net zero

By introducing a carbon budget alongside the financial budget, with clear annual emissions-reduction targets.

Cut energy use and boost renewables

By upgrading council buildings with insulation, efficient lighting and on-site solar power where possible.

Protect green spaces and tackle air pollution

By planting more trees, improving biodiversity and targeting action at pollution hotspots, especially near schools.

Transport and Streets

Create safer walking and cycling networks

By delivering joined-up routes, safer crossings and segregated cycle lanes where appropriate.

Expand school streets and step-free access

By working with transport partners to make travel safer, cleaner and more accessible for everyone.

Support low-carbon travel choices

By rolling out EV charging points, secure cycle parking and supporting car clubs and cargo-bike schemes.

Safer Communities

Campaign for visible neighbourhood policing

By working with police and partners to secure properly resourced local teams.

Design safer streets for women and vulnerable groups

By improving lighting, reporting routes and safer public-space design.

Tackle anti-social behaviour quickly

By targeting hotspots, enforcing against repeat offenders and supporting community clean-ups.

Local Economy & High Streets

Revive local high streets

By supporting shop-local campaigns, markets and events that bring footfall back.

Support independent businesses and start-ups

By promoting affordable workspace and hubs for creative and green industries.

Protect community spaces

By safeguarding libraries, leisure centres, parks and play areas at the heart of local life.

Equality & Inclusion

Put equality at the heart of council decisions

By properly resourcing equality action plans and publishing progress reports, including training for all council staff on community-building, misogyny, antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, homophobia, ableism and other forms of hate and discrimination.

Make services accessible to everyone

By improving digital access, inclusive communication and accessible public buildings.

Support community organisations tackling discrimination

By backing groups promoting anti-racism, disability rights, LGBT+ inclusion and women’s safety.

Open & Democratic Council

Make council decisions open and transparent

By live-streaming meetings, publishing data clearly and welcoming public participation.

Give neighbourhoods real power

By creating local forums with budgets for community-led improvements.

Fix council services so they work for residents

By setting clear service standards and acting quickly when contractors fail.

Working With You

Report back regularly on progress

By publishing biannual updates on manifesto delivery.

Listen to residents year-round

Through community meetings, street surgeries and open channels of contact.

Stand up for the borough

By challenging central government when decisions harm local communities.