The Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the draft Local Plan, private sector housing enforcement, and building safety. The committee received an update on the Sutton Housing Partnership's building safety assurance plan, which confirmed the council's C1 rating, the highest possible regulatory level. The committee also discussed the award of contracts for housing support services for vulnerable adults and for major works to renew the Collingwood Boiler House.

Housing, Economy and Business Committee Policy and Strategy Overview

The committee received an overview of the policy and strategy for which it is responsible. This included details on housing services, economic development, revenues and benefits, and safety and regulatory functions. Spencer Palmer, Strategic Director for Environment, Housing and Neighbourhoods, presented the report, highlighting the council's housing stock of nearly 6,000 rented properties and approximately 8,275 businesses in the borough. The committee was informed about key partners such as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Greater London Authority, and the South London Partnership. The report also detailed the committee's significant revenue budget responsibilities, including £14.1 million for homelessness services and £47.5 million for the Housing Revenue Account.

The Draft Local Plan

Dean James, Planning Policy Manager, presented the draft Local Plan, which sets out the borough's development strategy for the next 15-20 years. The plan proposes an increased housing target of 738 new homes per year and a 35% affordable housing target on private sites. It also identifies limited 'grey belt' sites for development and new policies to address the climate emergency. The draft plan will be published for a seven-week public consultation from 18 June to 31 July 2026, before being submitted to the government for examination.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

Fiona Meads, Corporate Head of Service for Regulatory Services, presented the new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and associated Civil Penalty Policy. These policies aim to comply with the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which extends the council's duties to enforcing tenants' rights regarding evictions, rental bidding, rent increases, and discrimination. The policies outline the council's approach to enforcement, which generally involves providing advice and support but also taking proportionate action against those who do not comply. Civil penalties can be issued as an alternative to criminal prosecution, with maximum penalties increased to £40,000. The council reported a 100% collection rate for civil penalty debts to date, having only issued one such penalty previously.

Sutton Housing Partnership - Building Safety Assurance Plan

Vincent Roche, Director Asset Investment and Sustainability for Sutton Housing Partnership, presented the six-monthly report on building safety and compliance for the council's social housing stock. The report confirmed the council's C1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, the highest possible. Tenant satisfaction with home safety has increased to 81%, although the report highlighted that nearly 20% of tenants are not satisfied. The report detailed progress on compliance programmes for gas, fire, and water, noting significant strides made over the past year. Specific attention was given to Chaucer House, where a move to a simultaneous evacuation policy was implemented following surveyor advice regarding cavity barrier defects. The report also clarified the distinction between Chaucer House and Balaam House regarding cladding and remedial works, with Chaucer House requiring remediation due to ACM Category 2 cladding, while Balaam House's steel cladding was deemed safe.

Award of Contract - Housing Support Service for Vulnerable Adults

Lamora Blair, Director of Housing, presented the report seeking approval for the award of the Housing Support Service for Vulnerable Adults contract. The service provides specialist support to single vulnerable adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including those with mental health needs, substance abuse issues, a history of offending, or domestic abuse. The contract, valued at £972,200 annually, will be awarded to Bidder B for three years with an option to extend for a further two years. The service will operate across 119 supported accommodation units and provide floating support for approximately 40 individuals per year.

Collingwood Boiler House Renewal - Major Works Contract Approval

Vincent Roche, Director Asset Investment and Sustainability for Sutton Housing Partnership, presented the report seeking approval to award a £1.099 million contract to Smith & Byford for the replacement of the Collingwood Boiler House. The original boiler house was beyond economic repair, and a temporary facility has been in use. While greener options were considered, a like-for-like gas boiler replacement was chosen due to timescales and financial implications. Leaseholder costs are estimated at an average of £5,200 per leaseholder. The contract is funded through the 2026-27 HRA business plan. The report also detailed the leaseholder charging policy, which includes interest-free periods and payment breaks.

Housing, Economy and Business Committee Meeting Summary

The Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council convened on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, addressing a comprehensive agenda that spanned housing strategy, economic development, and regulatory matters. The meeting, chaired by Councillor James Shaw, saw the draft Local Plan presented for public consultation, a crucial step in shaping the borough's future development.

A significant focus was placed on housing, with the committee receiving an overview of the council's housing stock and economic development initiatives. The draft Local Plan, presented by Dean James, Planning Policy Manager, proposes an ambitious housing target of 738 new homes per year and aims to increase affordable housing delivery. The plan also addresses the need for new industrial floorspace and supports the regeneration of Sutton Town Centre.

The committee also discussed new policies for Private Sector Housing Enforcement, aimed at improving standards in the private rented sector and ensuring compliance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Fiona Meads, Corporate Head of Service for Regulatory Services, highlighted the importance of these policies in providing transparency and consistency in enforcement.

Building safety was a key topic, with Vincent Roche, Director Asset Investment and Sustainability for Sutton Housing Partnership, providing an update on the Building Safety Assurance Plan. The report confirmed the council's C1 rating, the highest possible, and detailed progress on compliance programmes for gas, fire, and water. Specific attention was given to Chaucer House, where a move to a simultaneous evacuation policy was implemented following fire safety advice.

The committee also discussed contract awards. Lamora Blair, Director of Housing, presented the award of the Housing Support Service for Vulnerable Adults contract to Bidder B, ensuring continued support for single homeless adults. Additionally, Vincent Roche presented the approval of a contract for the renewal of the Collingwood Boiler House, a significant investment in maintaining the council's housing stock.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing housing needs, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The discussions held will inform future development and living conditions within the borough.