The Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026. The meeting covered a range of important topics, including the draft Local Plan, private sector housing enforcement policies, building safety, housing support for vulnerable adults, and major works contracts.

A key decision was the authorisation of the publication of the draft Local Plan for public consultation. This comprehensive document outlines the council's strategy for future development, planning policies, and site allocations across the borough for the next 15-20 years. It proposes an increased annual housing target of 738 new homes, a rise from the previous 469, and maintains the affordable housing target at 35% on private sites. The plan also incorporates policies on climate change, flood risk management, and biodiversity net gain, reflecting national and regional priorities. The public consultation period for the draft Local Plan was scheduled to run from 18 June to 31 July 2026, with a national deadline for submission to the Secretary of State by 31 December 2026.

The committee also considered new Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalty Policies. These policies are designed to align with the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which introduces significant reforms to the private rented sector. The Act aims to enhance tenant security by abolishing no-fault evictions, limiting rent increases, and banning rental bidding. The new council policies will provide a transparent and consistent framework for enforcing housing standards, including the imposition of civil penalties of up to £40,000 for serious breaches.

In terms of housing services, the committee was asked to consider the award of a new contract for Housing Support for Vulnerable Adults to Bidder B. This service will provide crucial support to single homeless adults aged 18 and over, addressing needs such as mental health issues, substance misuse, and histories of offending. The contract is proposed to run for an initial three years with an option to extend for a further two years.

Regarding building safety, the committee received a six-monthly update on the Sutton Housing Partnership's Building Safety Assurance Plan. The report indicated that the council and SHP maintained a C1 rating, the highest possible, from the Regulator of Social Housing. Tenant satisfaction with home safety had increased, and significant progress had been made in addressing fire safety issues, particularly in higher-risk buildings like Chaucer House. The report detailed the transition to a simultaneous evacuation policy for Chaucer House due to identified cavity barrier defects, alongside extensive resident engagement.

Finally, the committee was asked to consider entering into a contract with Smith & Byford for up to £1,099,900 to install a replacement boiler house for the Collingwood Estate. This essential project will ensure a reliable heating and hot water supply to 169 homes, replacing the existing outdated and uneconomical system. Leaseholders will contribute to the cost, with extended repayment options available. The new boiler specification includes functionality to switch to greener energy sources in the future.