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Sutton: Cremation Fee Hike, Youth Justice Data Doubts Raised

This week in Sutton:

Cremation Fee Hike Sparks Affordability Concerns

The North East Surrey Crematorium Board (NESCB) has approved a £30 increase to the standard cremation fee, bringing the total cost to £730 from January 1, 2026. While the board argues this 4.3% rise is necessary to cover service costs and remain competitive with neighboring crematoria, the decision raises concerns about affordability for bereaved families, especially those on low incomes.

  • Treasurer's Justification: The board noted that current cremation charges are among the lowest in the country, and the increase is needed to maintain income levels.
  • Competitive Pricing: Despite the increase, fees are expected to remain competitive compared to other crematoria in the region.
  • Memorial Fee Increase: Lease/dedication and maintenance fees for multiyear memorial products will also increase by £1 per year (3.1%), while single-year renewals will rise by £2 per annum (3.8%) to cover administrative costs.

The decision highlights the difficult balance between maintaining essential services and ensuring they remain accessible to all residents, particularly during times of grief. North East Surrey Crematorium Board

Youth Justice Data Doubts Raised Over Accuracy

The People Committee approved the Sutton Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028, but not without concerns raised about the accuracy of the data used to inform the plan. Councillor Tom Drummond, Leader of the Opposition, questioned the reliability of the data, particularly after discovering discrepancies in mental health reporting.

  • Data Reliability: Councillor Drummond stated, I don't know what I can trust and what I can't because there's clearly a problem with data because it's manual input and things like that.
  • KPI Challenges: It was acknowledged that there were challenges across the board in reporting on the new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) introduced by the Youth Justice Board1 a year prior.
  • Data Improvement: A data analyst is working on improving system accuracy and staff data skills.

Despite the data concerns, the committee emphasized the importance of incorporating youth voices in service development and praised the work of the youth justice service. People Committee

Planning Committee Considers Key Developments

The Planning Committee convened to discuss several planning and development proposals, including significant applications concerning the Elm Grove Estate and a change of use application for 6 Woodcote Road, Wallington.

  • Elm Grove Estate: The committee considered applications to vary conditions of a previously granted outline planning permission and approve reserved matters relating to the Elm Grove Estate.
  • 15 Surrey Grove: An application for a change of use from a Class C3 dwelling (residential) to a Class C4 small HMO2 was discussed.
  • 6 Woodcote Road: The committee considered an application for a change of use from Sui Generis (drinking establishment) to a flexible Class E use (commercial and business) or Sui Generis use (drinking establishment).

These decisions will shape the future of Sutton's built environment and have a direct impact on residents' lives. Planning Committee

Families First Programme Aims for Better Support

The People Committee noted a report on the Families First Partnership Programme, a government-led initiative aimed at unifying early help and child protection services. The program focuses on family-led decision-making and strengthening kinship offers.

  • Key Deliverables: The program aims to unify targeted early help with child in need services, develop multi-agency child protection teams, and strengthen family-led decision-making.
  • Data Privacy Concerns: Some councillors raised concerns about data privacy and potential implications for families with the introduction of a unique child identifying number.
  • System Update Contingency: Councillor Drummond raised concerns about the volume and clarity of guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and asked what the contingency plans were if the Mosaic case management system update did not deliver as expected.

The program aims to provide more seamless and effective support for families in need, but its success will depend on addressing data privacy concerns and ensuring the smooth implementation of the new case management system. People Committee

Safeguarding Concerns Highlighted in Annual Reports

The People Committee reviewed the Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) and Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Annual Reports for 2024-2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable residents.

  • Financial Constraints: Councillor Cairn raised concerns about the impact of financial constraints and restructuring within the Integrated Care Board (ICB) on safeguarding.
  • Self-Neglect: Councillor Butt enquired about how the council helps people experiencing self-neglect, with the council stating that they are working in collaboration with partners through a multi-agency risk board for vulnerable people.
  • Child Sexual Abuse: Councillor Drummond raised concerns about the child sexual abuse section of the LSCP report, specifically regarding improving strategy meetings and the quality of achieving best evidence.

The reports underscore the importance of multi-agency collaboration and vigilance in safeguarding adults and children at risk. People Committee

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The Youth Justice Board (YJB) is a non-departmental public body created to advise the government on the operation of the youth justice system in England and Wales. ↩

  2. A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (for example a family) but share facilities like the kitchen and bathroom. ↩

Sutton Council: Waste Budget Debate, HMO Licensing Approved

This week in Sutton:

Waste Budget Increase Sparks Debate Over Value for Money

The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee met to discuss a proposed management budget increase of nearly £16,000 per borough for 2026/27, sparking debate about value for money and contract performance. The proposed budget of £707,435 would mean each borough contributes £177,859.

  • Budget Breakdown: The increase is attributed to a new legal budget, inflation on staffing costs, and higher data storage costs.
  • Strategic Goals: The South London Waste Partnership (SLWP) Work Programme 2025-30 aims for a carbon-neutral waste management system with high-quality, cost-effective services.
  • Contamination Concerns: Despite recycling efforts, fully comingled dry mixed recycling (DMR) collected in Croydon, Merton and Sutton was rejected due to excessive contamination.

The committee also reviewed a Contracts Performance Report, which highlighted a failure in the calibration of the Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS) system at the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), leading to breaches in permitted daily emissions limits for Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx).

This raises questions about the effectiveness of current waste management practices and the need for greater transparency and accountability. South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee Meeting

HMO Licensing Scheme Approved Amid Enforcement Concerns

The Housing, Economy and Business Committee approved a new discretionary licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)1, despite concerns about enforcement and the potential impact on landlords and tenants. The scheme aims to regulate smaller HMOs, addressing issues like poor property conditions and inadequate management standards.

  • Enforcement Doubts: Councillor Wendy Clark expressed concerns about enforcement, stating, If we don't have the resources to enforce every single one that is non-compliant, there really isn't any point in going forward.
  • Retrospective Application: The licensing will apply retrospectively to HMOs that may not have required planning permission previously.
  • Minimum Room Size: The council's standard for minimum room size in HMOs is 10 square metres, exceeding the statutory minimum of 6.5 square metres.

The decision follows a consultation and aims to raise housing standards and hold landlords accountable, but its success hinges on effective enforcement and adequate resources. Housing, Economy and Business Committee Meeting

Social Housing Services Praised, But Improvements Needed

The Housing, Economy and Business Committee received the outcome of a recent inspection of the council's social housing services by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), with Sutton Council achieving a C1 rating, the highest possible for compliance with consumer standards.

  • Positive Feedback: The RSH commended the council's strong governance around health and safety, stock conditions data, and proactive work on damp and mould.
  • Areas for Improvement: The council acknowledged the need to strengthen responses to antisocial behaviour and improve customer satisfaction with complaints and repairs handling.
  • Continuous Improvement: Councillor Ruth Dombey emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and sharing good practice with other councils.

While the C1 rating is a significant achievement, the council recognizes the need to address ongoing challenges and ensure high-quality services for all residents. Housing, Economy and Business Committee Meeting

Beech Tree Place Tenure Change Approved to Address Housing Crisis

The Housing, Economy and Business Committee approved a change of tenure for Block D at Beech Tree Place from shared ownership to affordable rent, aiming to increase the availability of homes for those in temporary accommodation.

  • Temporary Accommodation Crisis: The decision responds to the shocking crisis of rising numbers in temporary accommodation.
  • Financial Benefits: The change is expected to provide financial benefits to the council's general fund and improve the long-term position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).
  • Allocation Concerns: Councillor David Hicks raised concerns about ensuring fair allocation of the properties, given their higher standard compared to other council homes.

The decision reflects the council's efforts to address the housing crisis, but careful consideration will be needed to ensure equitable allocation and manage potential impacts on the housing waiting list. Housing, Economy and Business Committee Meeting

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. HMOs are properties rented out by at least three people who are not from one 'household' (for example, a family) but share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. ↩

Sutton Council: Cemetery Costs Questioned, Community Projects Funded

This week in Sutton:

Cemetery Landscaping Costs Questioned Amid Budget Scrutiny

The Bandon Hill Cemetery Joint Committee met to discuss financial forecasts, treasury strategies, and potential improvements to The Lodge, located within the cemetery grounds. A key point of contention was a proposal to spend £54,014 on landscaping works at The Lodge, raising questions about the appropriate use of funds.

  • Lodge Improvements: The committee considered a request for £70,000 to improve The Lodge, including removing ivy, repairing brickwork, and installing a new boundary fence.
  • Landscaping Debate: While essential repairs were deemed necessary, the proposed landscaping, designed to separate The Lodge from the cemetery for potential future lease, faced scrutiny due to its high cost.
  • Financial Prudence: The finance comment in the report suggested that a £15,000 budget would cover essential works, prompting the committee to weigh the benefits of the landscaping against its cost.

This discussion highlights the challenges of balancing necessary maintenance with strategic investments, particularly when resources are limited. Bandon Hill Cemetery Joint Committee Meeting

Community Projects Vie for Funding in North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park

The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee discussed various funding opportunities available to local groups and projects. The Neighbourhood Fund, Sutton Community Fund, and Local Committee Funding are all potential sources of support for initiatives ranging from playground upgrades to community events.

  • Neighbourhood Fund: A public consultation is open until 16 November to decide which projects should receive funding, including improvements to Cuddington Rec, Worcester Park Library's community garden, and British history-themed comic workshops at Whitehall Historic House.
  • Sutton Community Fund: Charity, Faith and Community groups with an income of less than £100,000 can apply for up to £5,000.
  • Local Committee Funding: Groups can apply for up to £1,400 for community events and projects.

The committee's discussions underscore the importance of local funding in supporting community initiatives and improving the quality of life for residents. North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee Meeting

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Sutton Council debates HMOs, diversity, and carbon emissions

This week in Sutton:

HMO Concerns Dominate Council Meeting: Residents Demand Action

Sutton Council grappled with the contentious issue of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) at its recent meeting, with a motion proposed by Councillor Tony Shields and an amendment from Councillor Jake Short sparking a heated debate. The motion highlighted residents' growing concerns about the increase in HMOs and their impact on parking, refuse management, noise, and local amenity.

  • Notification requests: Councillor Shields' motion called for written notification to all properties within a 100-metre radius of any HMO planning or license application.
  • Licensing policy: The motion also sought to update the council's HMO Licensing Policy to ensure applicants obtain planning consent before applying for a license.
  • Amendment: Councillor Short's amendment acknowledged resident concerns but also emphasized the role of ward councillors in informing residents and the limitations imposed by Conservative austerity.

The debate underscores the challenges of balancing the need for affordable housing with the desire to protect the character and amenity of local neighbourhoods. Council Meeting

Council Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity Amid Rising Intolerance

Sutton Council unanimously passed a motion reaffirming its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all communities. The motion, proposed by Councillor Barry Lewis and seconded by Councillor Sam Martin, acknowledged the borough's history of welcoming people fleeing persecution and celebrated the contributions of people from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

  • Rising extremism: The motion noted the increase in extreme narratives and support for those narratives, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.
  • Reassurance: The council sought to offer reassurance to all communities in Sutton and reiterate its support for a respectful and inclusive society.
  • Community cohesion: The council resolved to continue working alongside the police and the charity, community, and faith sector to build community cohesion.

The motion reflects the council's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents, regardless of their background or beliefs. Council Meeting

Council Faces Questions on Carbon Emissions, Incinerator Breaches, and Green Initiatives

The Council meeting saw a barrage of questions from councillors on a range of environmental issues, including carbon emissions, incinerator breaches, and green initiatives. Councillor Nick Mattey questioned Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, about planning decisions that have either helped to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions or made emissions substantially worse.

  • Incinerator scrutiny: Councillors Dave Tchil, Tony Shields, and Jillian Green all raised concerns about the Viridor incinerator and its environmental compliance record.
  • Carbon offsetting: Councillor Tim Foster questioned the effectiveness of the council's Carbon Offset Fund.
  • Tree planting: Councillor James McDermott-Hill asked about the council's capacity to properly maintain the trees it plants.

The questions highlight the ongoing scrutiny of the council's environmental policies and the challenges of balancing economic development with sustainability goals. Council Meeting

Other Matters

  • Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report: The Council noted the annual report of the Audit and Governance Committee for 2024/25, which provides an overview of the committee's work in reviewing and scrutinizing the council's control and governance arrangements. Council Meeting
  • Sutton Local Committee Discusses Town Centre Regeneration and Housing: The Sutton Local Committee met to discuss the Sutton Town Centre Public Realm Regeneration plans, receive an update from the Sutton Housing Partnership, and hear a presentation on actions taken towards net zero. No video was provided. Sutton Local Committee Meeting
  • Council Approves Minutes: The Council approved the minutes of the previous meetings held on 14th of July, 2025, and the extraordinary meeting held on the 29th of September, 2025. Council Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

Sutton Pension Breach, Pharmacy Potential, & Hospital Delays

This week in Sutton:

Pension Fund's £979m Portfolio Faces Scrutiny Amid McCloud Remedy Breach

The Sutton Council Pension Board met to review the £979 million pension fund, discuss administration performance, and address governance risks. A key concern was the failure to meet the statutory deadline for implementing the McCloud Remedy, a breach reported to the Pensions Regulator. This delay could impact over 2,000 pension members, leaving them with non-compliant benefit statements and potential uncertainty about their entitlements.

  • McCloud Remedy Delay: The fund missed the August 31, 2025 deadline due to software issues, affecting 2,124 members.
  • Triennial Valuation: Initial results show an improved funding position, but a formal consultation on the draft Funding Strategy Statement is needed.
  • Administration Risks: A red-rated risk highlights the failure of software provider Civica to provide compliant software.

The board's discussions underscore the challenges of managing a large pension fund while ensuring compliance and protecting members' interests. Pension Board Meeting

Community Pharmacies: Neighbourhood Health Centres or Underutilised Resource?

The Health and Wellbeing Board approved the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) 2025-28, confirming that Sutton has good access to pharmacy services. However, a presentation by Rina Burai, owner of SGBRI Pharmacy, highlighted the potential for community pharmacies to play a much larger role in the local health system. Burai described pharmacies as neighbourhood health centres offering a range of services, from blood pressure checks to weight management.

  • PNA Findings: Sutton has 39 community pharmacies, slightly above the national average, with good access across the borough.
  • Untapped Potential: Burai argued that pharmacies could do more to support discharge from hospitals, manage long-term conditions, and provide preventative care.
  • Integration Needed: Board members discussed how to better integrate pharmacies into the wider health and care system.

Councillor Jane Pascoe, Vice Chair of Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee, shared her experience of patients waiting in hospital for discharge prescriptions, and suggested that there should be better communication with patients to ensure they understand what is happening.

The discussion raises questions about how to better utilize community pharmacies to improve access to care and reduce pressure on other parts of the health system. Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

Better Care Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Hospital Discharge Delays

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Better Care Fund (BCF) plan and the Sutton Alliance Hospital to Home Programme, which aims to help people remain independent at home and to get them back home quickly and safely if hospital treatment is needed. While the BCF plan is delivering on some metrics, concerns were raised about delays in discharging patients from hospital. This can lead to increased costs, bed blocking, and negative impacts on patients' well-being.

  • BCF Performance: Sutton is performing well on admissions to residential and nursing care, but performance on emergency admissions and discharge ready dates needs improvement.
  • Hospital to Home Programme: The programme aims to improve coordination between hospital and community services to speed up discharge.
  • Communication Gaps: Councillor Pascoe shared her experience of sitting with someone in A&E and at the point of discharge from hospital, and said that at no time did anybody explain to her the options and the process.

The board's discussion highlights the challenges of integrating health and social care services to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital pressures. Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

Other Matters

  • Sutton Health and Care Plan Update: The Health and Wellbeing Board received an update on the Sutton Health and Care Plan, which describes how partners are coming together and collaborating to improve health and care services for local people. The board noted that the final draft of the Sutton Health and Care Plan 25-28, including the Outcomes Framework and Delivery Plan, will be submitted for approval to the 19th of January 2026 Health and Wellbeing Board. Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting
  • Audit and Governance Committee Discusses Risk and Savings: The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss governance, audit matters, and future planning. Items on the agenda included the annual insurance review, the outcome of a code of conduct hearing panel, the annual complaints report, a review of the risk register and associated mitigation strategies, and a review of savings delivery for 2025. No video was provided. Audit and Governance Committee Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

Scrutiny Committee

Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 7.30 pm

The Scrutiny Committee of Sutton Council met to discuss flood risk management and to receive an update from the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust (ESTH). The committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes from their previous meeting on 24 September 2025.

December 10, 2025
Pension Committee

Pension Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Sutton Council Pension Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss pension administration, governance, investments and budget monitoring. The committee was also expected to review its work programme for the coming year, and to consider its annual stewardship report.

December 09, 2025
Strategy and Resources Committee

Strategy and Resources Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Strategy and Resources Committee met on 8 December 2025, and among other things, decided not to proceed with the Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL) bid for the Sutton Civic and Town Centre Regeneration, but will continue to develop proposals for housing on the current Civic Centre site and review options for relocating services within the town centre. The committee also approved a contract with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for cloud data centre services and noted the Resilience Standards for London Self Assessment 2025.

December 08, 2025
People Committee

People Committee - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The People Committee met to discuss the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of adult social care, the Youth Justice Plan, the Families First Partnership Programme, and safeguarding. The committee noted the good rating received in the CQC assessment, approved the Youth Justice Plan, and discussed the implications of the Families First Partnership Programme and the annual reports on safeguarding for both adults and children.

December 04, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 7.00 pm

At a meeting of the Sutton Council Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor Jayne McCoy, on 3 December 2025, councillors voted on planning applications for the Elm Grove Estate, a house in Surrey Grove, and Sutton Business Park, and also discussed the change of use of a former pub in Woodcote Road. Councillors approved a variation to the conditions of a previous planning permission and also approved a reserved matters application, both relating to the Elm Grove Estate development. Councillors voted to refuse a planning application for a change of use to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Surrey Grove, and voted to approve a planning application for the erection of mixed-use industrial units at Sutton Business Park. Councillors also approved a change of use application for a property on Woodcote Road.

December 03, 2025
North East Surrey Crematorium Board

North East Surrey Crematorium Board - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 10.30 am

The North East Surrey Crematorium Board (NESCB) met to discuss the surveyor and treasurer's reports, proposed fees and charges, and set the dates for the 2026 quarterly meetings. The board was also scheduled to consider the distribution of surplus balances to constituent authorities and approve the audited Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the year ended 31 March 2025.

December 02, 2025
South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee

South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee met to discuss communications and engagement, contract performance, and budget updates, and to approve the proposed management budget for 2026/27. The committee approved the 2026/27 management budget and heard updates on the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility (ERF).

November 26, 2025
Housing, Economy and Business Committee

Housing, Economy and Business Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council met on 25 November 2025, and approved a new licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and a change of tenure for a block of flats at Beech Tree Place to affordable rent. The committee also noted a bi-annual performance report and the outcome of a Regulator of Social Housing inspection.

November 25, 2025
Licensing Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Committee - Monday, 24th November, 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

November 24, 2025
North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee

North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The North Cheam, Stonecot and Worcester Park Local Committee met to discuss local funding opportunities, winter preparedness, and to hear presentations from community organisations. The meeting was also scheduled to include a public question time.

November 11, 2025

No upcoming meetings scheduled.