The Council meeting on Monday 13 July 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on several key motions, including a call for electoral reform, a commitment to supporting fair trade, and a discussion on delivering for local neighbourhoods. Significant financial outturns for the 2025/26 period were also noted.

Fair Votes for All

The council debated a motion calling for electoral reform, advocating for a move away from the First Past the Post (FPTP) system towards proportional representation (PR). Councillor Lisa Webster, who proposed the motion, argued that FPTP leads to disproportional outcomes and a postcode lottery for votes, citing the 2024 General Election and the 2026 Sutton Local Elections as examples where a significant majority of seats were won with a minority of the vote. Councillor Ian Simpson seconded the motion, highlighting his work with the Electoral Reform Society and the potential for a pro-PR Prime Minister to enact change. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil, was debated. Councillor Mattey argued that PR is not a cure-all and raised concerns about misleading campaign tactics used by the Liberal Democrats, suggesting that fear was exploited to achieve their electoral success. Councillor Tchil also spoke, echoing concerns about the effectiveness of local committees and the financial remuneration for their chairs. Councillor Webster, in closing the debate, rejected the amendment, stating it devolved into personal grievances and diluted the core issue of electoral reform. The amendment was lost, and the original motion was carried.

Delivering for Sutton's Neighbourhoods

A motion to ensure the principle of devolved decision-making is embedded in the council's new Corporate Plan and that local councillors continue to champion their areas under the new 'strong executive model' was debated. Councillor Jake Short, proposing the motion, emphasised the importance of local champions and delivering for communities, regardless of political affiliation. Councillor Jayne McCoy seconded the motion, highlighting the need for local knowledge to inform decision-making. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil, sought a more detailed implementation plan for neighbourhood governance, questioned the funding of initiatives like the Youth Hub, and suggested exploring more durable forms of local government such as town or community councils. Councillor Mattey also raised concerns about the equitable distribution of work tackling deprivation across all wards. Councillor Tchil, seconding the amendment, questioned the allocation of funds to local committee chairs and suggested reinvesting this money into community projects. A series of maiden speeches were delivered by new councillors, including Councillor Jenna Hartley-Smith, Councillor Rob Lee, Councillor Stephen Kingdom, Councillor Vanessa McCain, Councillor Noor Sumun, Councillor Jo Elgarf, Councillor Tom Foster, and Councillor Melody Thorpe, all expressing their commitment to serving their local areas and supporting the motion. Councillor McCoy spoke about her experience with different governance models, preferring the committee system over the strong executive model. Councillor Short, in closing the debate, rejected the amendment, stating that the corporate plan would be presented to the council for approval in due course. The amendment was lost, and the original motion was carried.

Continuing to Support Fairtrade

The council considered a motion to renew its support for Fairtrade and play an active role in promoting it locally. Councillor Judy Walsh, proposing the motion, explained the principles of Fairtrade, emphasising fair prices, community investment through the Fairtrade premium, and environmental standards. She highlighted Sutton's status as a Fairtrade Borough since 2007 and the role of the volunteer Sutton Fairtrade Community Group. Councillor Israel Owoade seconded the motion, reiterating the importance of fair treatment and payment for producers, and the environmental considerations of Fairtrade. He also declared his maiden speech and thanked the residents of Worcester Park for their support. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Nick Mattey and seconded by Councillor Dave Tchil, was debated. Councillor Mattey argued that the motion was detached from reality, criticising the council's business partnerships that contribute to CO2 emissions while promoting Fairtrade. He suggested that producers want a slice of the action through local processing rather than just selling raw beans, and that the focus should be on tackling climate change and the cost of living crisis. Councillor Tchil, seconding the amendment, suggested using Fairtrade bananas for political campaigning and increasing recycling rates. Councillor Walsh, in closing the debate, stated that the motion was about sustainability, empowerment, and fairness, and that while the amendment raised detailed points, the original motion was the most balanced approach. The amendment was lost, and the original motion was carried.

Financial Performance and Outturn 2025/26

The council noted the financial performance and outturn for the 2025/26 period. The general fund revenue outturn showed an overspend of £0.46m, which was offset by the use of contingency and a corporate costs underspend, resulting in an overall underspend of £3.19m. This underspend was used to create a high needs block repayment reserve and increase general fund reserves. The dedicated schools grant revenue outturn showed an overspend of £10.91m, with a deficit balance carried forward. The housing revenue account also reported a small overspend. The capital outturn was £107.99m, and capital programme budget adjustments were approved. A recommendation to adopt the updated 2026/27 Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy was made to Full Council. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman decisions and actions taken, as well as the corporate risk register, were also noted.