The Council of Sutton met on Monday 11 January 2021 to discuss the council's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the financial implications of the pandemic, and issues surrounding fly-tipping and low traffic neighbourhoods. Decisions were made regarding the council's response to the pandemic and its financial outlook, with further discussions and actions planned for other topics.

Council's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and Financial Impact

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, detailed the council's comprehensive response to the Covid-19 pandemic over the preceding nine months. This involved close collaboration with partners across the police, health services, and voluntary and community sectors to support residents, communities, and businesses. Key actions included supporting the local health service, increasing testing and contact tracing, maintaining essential services safely, and supporting vulnerable individuals. Councillor Dombey highlighted significant challenges, particularly in funding, stating that the pandemic had created a £1.4 billion hole in London boroughs' budgets. She expressed concern about the potential need for emergency spending reductions and awaited the Chancellor's spending review for potential government support.

Councillor Dombey also addressed concerns about consultation with local government leaders on policy developments, noting that new government policies were often announced with little prior notice. She confirmed that London leaders were working together to lobby the government for support and to influence decisions on future restrictions.

Fly-Tipping and Enforcement

The issue of fly-tipping was raised by several councillors. Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Housing, Economy & Business Committee, acknowledged the problem of fly-tipping in rear alleys and private access ways, explaining that these are private land and the responsibility of the adjoining properties. She suggested encouraging property owners to gate off these areas and recommended engaging ward councillors for solutions. While Councillor McCoy did not have specific statistics on fines for fly-tipping to hand, she confirmed that fines had been issued and that the council was running a social media campaign to raise awareness about the offence.

Councillor Ben Andrew, Vice Chair of the Environment & Neighbourhood Committee, assured Councillor Moira Butt that Report It fly-tipping reports are picked up by enforcement officers. He explained that the process involves the street cleaning contractor, Veolia, looking for evidence before clearance, with a service level agreement for removal within 24 hours. Councillor Andrew also confirmed that nine fixed penalty notices had been issued in the current financial year, with a break during the Covid-19 period. Councillor Peter Geiringer raised concerns about the low number of prosecutions compared to offences, suggesting Sutton was seen as a soft touch. Councillor Andrew acknowledged the difficulty in prosecuting fly-tipping and outlined a two-tiered approach involving fixed penalty notices for professional fly-tipping and conversations for other cases.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs)

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) were a significant topic of discussion. Councillor Manuel Abellan, Chair of the Environment & Neighbourhood Committee, responded to questions regarding the data used for the Butter Hill LTN and resident consultation. He stated that traffic volume, vehicle speed, and type data were collected prior to the scheme's implementation, and that consultation with residents occurs during the six-month trial period under an experimental traffic management order. When questioned about the absence of 2020 data, Councillor Abellan reiterated that data from July 2017 was available and that the area had historical issues with speeding and traffic volume, justifying its selection.

Councillor Tony Shields raised concerns from the London Ambulance Service regarding access problems and operational delays caused by LTNs. Councillor Abellan stated that the council was working closely with emergency services, who were consulted before schemes were introduced, and that changes had been made where concerns were raised, citing Butter Hill as an example. He also noted weekly correspondence with emergency services. Councillor Martina Allen questioned Councillor Abellan's statement, referencing previous correspondence with Councillor Ruth Dombey that indicated no concerns from the ambulance service. Councillor Abellan could not comment on specific correspondence with Councillor Dombey but reiterated the council's ongoing engagement with emergency services.

Councillor Catherine Gray questioned why residents' complaints about LTNs were being ignored in some parts of the borough but listened to in York Road. Councillor Abellan explained that each scheme is judged individually and that independent polls showed majority support for LTNs, despite controversy. He also stated that the government provided clear guidance on eligible schemes, including LTNs, and that the council was seeking funding to resume other traffic calming projects. Councillor Neil Garratt questioned the effectiveness of LTNs in increasing cycling, citing the council's own Sustainable Transport Strategy which projected only a 3% potential for journeys by bike in Sutton. Councillor Abellan defended the strategy as excellent and highlighted the low funding received by Sutton for transport infrastructure.

Water Reseller Commissions

Councillor Tim Crowley raised concerns about the London Borough of Sutton (LBS) illegally taking enhanced commissions from council tenants, referencing an appeal court judgment. Councillor Jayne McCoy explained that the judgment related to a case against Kingston Council and would impact all local authorities with council housing. She stated that Sutton Council had been transparent and set aside a reserve in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to cover potential liabilities. Councillor McCoy clarified that the issue stemmed from agreements made after water company privatisation, where councils collected water rates for water companies. The legal cases hinged on whether councils acted as agents or resellers, with the latter requiring repayment of administration fees. She assured that no case had been brought against Sutton Council, but they were preparing for potential reclassifications. Councillor McCoy also stated that no tenant paid more than they would have if they paid water companies directly. Councillor Tony Shields sought clarification on whether residents needed to take legal action, to which Councillor McCoy responded that the council was working on repayments and that it was a complicated process, particularly for former tenants.

Other Matters

Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee, responded to a question about supporting vulnerable children during the October half-term break, detailing a scheme providing supermarket vouchers and signposting to community support. She also confirmed plans for Christmas and February half-term support, following a government U-turn influenced by Marcus Rashford's campaign. Councillor James clarified that government funding received by Sutton Council was not intended to cover free school meals for the half-term.

Councillor Jayne McCoy also addressed concerns about SDEN's pricing for customers at New Mill Quarter, explaining that pricing changes required agreement from Barratts, the developer. She noted that an annual price review had already resulted in a 21.8% reduction in the unit charge. Councillor McCoy also responded to questions about hot water and heating outages, stating these were due to ongoing construction by Barratt and that SDEN had measures in place for prompt response and compensation. She also clarified that complaints could be referred to the Energy Ombudsman or Ofgem.

Councillor Manuel Abellan provided an update on the leaf clearing schedule, stating that dedicated teams were employed and that the programme was continually reviewed based on need and resources. He encouraged residents to use the Report It function for concerns. He also responded to a question about HGVs causing noise nuisance on Church Hill Road, stating that traffic volume and speed counts were being arranged to gather more data. Councillor Abellan also expressed interest in investigating weight-sensitive cameras used in Islington to deter HGVs from residential roads.