The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee of Sutton Council is scheduled to convene on 5 March 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of biannual performance monitoring, a discussion on Sutton's Biodiversity Duty Report, and a proposal regarding Leisure Services' operating model. Additionally, the committee will consider appointing a supplier for The Libraries Consortium's IT systems.

Sutton's Biodiversity Duty Report

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of Sutton's first Biodiversity Duty Report. This report details the actions the Council has taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, in line with the statutory requirements introduced by the Environment Act 2021. The report outlines the Council's existing strategies, such as the Biodiversity Strategy 2020-2025, and highlights various initiatives undertaken to protect and improve local habitats and species. These include extensive volunteer work, the creation of butterfly banks and other habitats, river restoration projects along the River Wandle, and the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies within the planning process. The report also details the benefits of biodiversity for ecosystem services and residents' wellbeing, noting that By conserving and enhancing biodiversity, at a local scale, all residents benefit from maintenance (or, at least, lower levels of degradation) of Ecosystem Services. ¹

Leisure Services - Agency Model

The committee will also consider a proposal to transition the current Leisure Management contract with Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM) to an Agency Agreement. This change is prompted by recent HMRC guidance that allows local authorities to reclaim VAT on leisure services, which was not previously possible. The proposed agency model would see the Council acting as the principal operator, with SLM acting as its agent. This is intended to improve the Council's financial return while maintaining the existing leisure offer for residents. The report suggests that this change could lead to at least £250k annual saving in 2026/27 .²

The Libraries Consortium (TLC) Library Management System, Library App and Library Services Platform Framework

A decision is scheduled regarding the appointment of a supplier for an IT system for The Libraries Consortium (TLC). This system will encompass library management, a library app, and a library services platform. The report indicates that this is a framework agreement, suggesting a process for procuring these essential IT services.

Biannual Performance Monitoring

The committee will review the performance of services under its remit. This biannual performance monitoring report covers services such as Highways, Travel and Transport. The report notes that the Council received an Amber rating from the Department for Transport for its highways performance, based on road condition, spend, and best practice metrics. The Council is reportedly querying these ratings with the DfT. The report also details performance in reactive maintenance, streetworks, and street lighting, highlighting that The Council has performed well having rectified 100% of all category 1 pothole defects within 24 hours. ³