Bexley

Overview

Bexley is an outer London borough situated in the east of the capital. There is an estimated LGBT population of 13,098 with 476 same-sex households according to the 2001 census. The borough is divided into 21 wards, including Barnehurst, Belvedere, Blackfen & Lamorbey, Blendon & Penhill, Brampton, Christchurch, Colyers, Cray Meadows, Crayford, Danson Park, East Wickham, Erith, Falconwood & Welling, Lesnes Abbey, Longlands, North End, Northumberland Heath, Sidcup, St. Mary’s, St. Michael’s and Thamesmead East. 

Political make-up

Bexley is a Conservative-controlled council, with 52 of its 63 councillors elected from the Conservative party. Val Clark is the Mayor for Bexley for the year 2010-2011, and the leader of the council is Teresa O’Neill.

There are two members of parliament for the borough of Bexley. David Evenett, Conservative, serves the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency; and James Brokenshire, Conservative, serves the Old Bexley and Sidcup constituency. 

Equality and Diversity

Bexley’s Single Equality Scheme covers the period of 2009 – 2012 and has the following key priorities:

• Employment and workforce development
• Community cohesion/hate crime
• Educational attainment
• Intergenerational interaction between older and younger people
• Participation and engagement
• Housing allocations
• Care and support services

It also draws references to the lack of accurate data about LGBT as the national census has never asked people to define their sexual orientation or gender identity.   

Metropolitan Police liaison

The Metropolitan Police Service has LGBT liaison contacts in every borough to assist London’s LGBT communities. In Bexley PS Nicki Ashford can be contacted on 020 8284 9115. 

Health services and information

Bexley NHS Care Trust is the Primary Care Trust for the borough.