The Council meeting on Monday 2 March 2026 saw the approval of the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Financial Plan and the 2026-27 Budget, which includes a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. The meeting also included a vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Louise Phelan, and to retiring councillors.

Vote of Thanks to the Mayor

The Council formally thanked Mayor Councillor Louise Phelan for her service over the past year. Councillor Phelan was praised for her warmth, sincerity, and unifying presence across the borough. Councillor Phelan herself expressed her enjoyment of her time as Mayor and thanked her deputy, Councillor Kumasa Hathban, her consort and son Harry, the Mayor's office staff, her driver and mace-bearer Demi, Christine Lindsay for her work with the Mayor's Charities, and her chosen charities, Sutton Women's Centre and Parkinson's UK.

Vote of Thanks to Retiring Councillors

A vote of thanks was extended to councillors who were standing down. Councillor Ruth Dombey, who was first elected in 2002 and served as Leader of the Council from 2012, and Councillor James, first elected in 2014 and Chair of the People Committee since 2018, were highlighted for their significant contributions. Councillors Bobby Dean and Luke Taylor, elected in 2022, were also thanked for their hard work. Councillor Tim Crowley was recognised for his 20 years of service as a councillor and over six years as leader of the Conservative group.

2026-2029 Medium-Term Financial Plan and 2026-27 Budget

The Council debated and ultimately approved the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Financial Plan and the 2026-27 Budget. The approved budget includes a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, which will see the total Band D Council Tax, including the Greater London Authority precept, exceed £500.

Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, presented the budget, highlighting the challenging financial landscape due to rising demand for public services and reduced central government funding. She emphasised that the budget aims to fund unavoidable costs, deliver over £13 million in savings through transformation and digital change, and maintain financial resilience. The budget also includes investments in new council homes, the London Cancer Hub, and support for local businesses.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Mike Dwyer, calling for a root-and-branch review of the Council's organisational and service delivery structures and a zero-based budgeting exercise, was defeated. Councillor Dwyer argued that incremental adjustments were insufficient and that a fundamental reset was needed to address systemic pressures, particularly in adult social care.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the financial management of council projects, including the Life Centre, the St Nicholas Centre purchase, and the Esten project. Councillor Tim Crowley, in his final council speech after 20 years of service, reflected on the changing tone of council politics and highlighted several past projects where significant sums were spent with questionable outcomes.

Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, addressed questions regarding the council's approach to environmental issues, including the Viridor incinerator's emissions and the carbon intensity of the SDEN heat network. He also responded to concerns about potholes and the condition of roads, outlining the council's winter maintenance plan and efforts to improve road safety.

Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, responded to questions about the London Cancer Hub development, the progress of new council homes at Beech Tree Place, and the future of Sutton College. He also addressed concerns about Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the support available to local businesses facing increased business rates.

The Council also discussed the importance of community partnerships, with Councillor Ed Parsley highlighting the council's investment in the charity, community, and faith sector.

Finally, the meeting concluded with a vote on the budget, which was passed. A recorded vote on the amendment moved by Councillor Dwyer showed it was lost, with 28 votes against and 24 in favour. The main budget motion was then voted on, with the result being 29 votes in favour, 4 against, and 1 abstention.

Code of Conduct Hearing Panel Outcome

The Council noted the outcome of a Code of Conduct Hearing Panel held on 19 February 2026. The panel found that Councillor Sheldon Vestey had breached the Code of Conduct by failing to comply with the outcome and requirements of a previous hearing, specifically by not issuing a required apology and not undertaking mandatory training. The panel decided to report its findings to the Council for information. Councillor Vestey has since issued the apology and has been given three weeks to complete the required training.