The Housing, Economy and Business Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss the biannual performance monitoring report and the Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) delivery plan update. The committee also received an update on the restoration of Beddington Farmlands.

Biannual Performance Monitoring

The committee noted the biannual performance monitoring report, which covers the period from January to June 2026. Spencer Palmer, Strategic Director for Environment and Housing Neighbours at the London Borough of Sutton, presented the report, highlighting successes such as 100% statutory safety compliance across all assets and a significant improvement in tenant satisfaction at Sutton Housing Partnership, rising to 74.6%. The report also detailed areas requiring continued attention, including national non-domestic rates collection shortfalls, rising rent arrears, and property re-letting delays.

Sutton Housing Partnership Delivery Plan Update

Linmora Blair, Director of Housing, and Steve Tucker, Managing Director of Sutton Housing Partnership, presented an update on the SHP Delivery Plan for 2026-2027. The plan outlines SHP's objectives for the final year of a three-year programme, focusing on service improvement, performance, procurement, and financial plans. Colin Hawkins, Chair of the Sutton Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations, provided commentary, rating the plan positively and noting its alignment with regulatory requirements.

During the discussion, Councillor Alison Long raised a question about the £2.6 million increase in SHP's budget and the expected outcomes for residents. Linmora Blair explained that this increase was partly due to inflation and largely to prepare the repair service for Awaab's Law, which mandates timely responses to hazards. The budget also covers disrepair claims, solicitor's fees, and investment in digital transformation.

Councillor Barton raised concerns about heat in buildings, specifically mentioning Baleham House. Linmora Blair acknowledged the discomfort experienced by tenants during heatwaves and outlined plans to build trust and confidence, including community action days and a regular newsletter. Expert proposals will be commissioned to reduce internal temperatures and improve building resilience to extreme heat.

Councillor Richard Choi inquired about the measures in place to meet Awaab's Law requirements, particularly Phase II. Steve Tucker detailed the appointment of a senior manager to lead on Awaab's Law and the introduction of a new case management system. He also explained the demanding timescales for repairs and the importance of triaging work to identify vulnerable residents.

Councillor Phelan asked for an update on the contract to replace the temporary boiler house at the Collingwood Estate. Councillor Phelan was informed that an application to the building safety regulator was being progressed, and works were unlikely to commence until the new year.

Councillor Elgarf questioned the high void-type turnaround time. Steve Tucker explained that while SHP has improved turnaround times significantly, they aim to do better by ensuring good communication between all parties involved in the re-letting chain. A pre-termination visit is being introduced to help minimise the work required to turn properties around.

Councillor Long raised a point about the residents' voice panel having an amber rating due to only having 100 residents represented against a target of 150. Steve Tucker stated that the number of subscribers was increasing and that the panel was a useful forum for gathering helpful information. Colin Hawkins added that resident engagement needed to be meaningful and not just empty promises.

Councillor Long also asked how the C1 rating from the Regulator for Social Housing was achieved. Steve Tucker explained it was a rigorous process involving interviews with officers and residents, and a comprehensive assessment of documentation. Colin Hawkins added that the C1 rating was not a reason to rest on laurels, as there was still room for improvement.

Councillor O'Rourke asked about the disparity between targets and performance in emergency repairs and plans to improve processes for handling anti-social behaviour. Steve Tucker explained that the disparity in emergency repairs was due to data collection issues with subcontractors, which is being addressed. He confirmed that anti-social behaviour performance had exceeded targets and outlined plans for a range of sanctions and a case management system that works with the Safer Sutton Partnership and the Metropolitan Police.

Beddington Farmlands Update

Ann Biggs, Head of Planning and Building Control, and Simon Chalcraft, Planning Enforcement Manager, provided an update on the restoration of Beddington Farmlands. The committee was informed that a revised restoration plan had been approved by the Planning Committee on 2 September 2026, subject to a new section 106 agreement. This new permission represents a significant improvement on the previously consented but undelivered scheme.

The revised plan replaces the unviable acid grassland with a deliverable species-rich lowland meadow, includes a sustainable water supply for the lakes, and mandates phased delivery by 2029 with long-term monitoring and a biodiversity net gain of over 30%. The scheme also includes upgraded site entrances and infrastructure to support management and public access, as well as an agricultural building for conservation grazing.

Councillor Long inquired about the work done following the site's use as a landfill and how it would not impact the ecology. Simon Chalcraft explained the landfill process and the measures taken to contain waste. Councillor Foster, as ward councillor and Chair of the Conservation and Access Management Committee, expressed his intention to scrutinise the venture and ensure its delivery.

Discussions also covered the Section 106 agreement, the role of the Conservation and Access Management Committee, and the potential for wildfires. David Warburton, Senior Biodiversity Officer, elaborated on the biodiversity net gain and the monitoring process. Councillor Elgarf asked about the ownership and future management of the site, with officers explaining that liability currently sits with Valencia Waste Management, but long-term plans for the site's management and funding were still being ironed out.

Councillor O'Body raised concerns about mitigating wildfire risks, to which officers responded by detailing measures such as fire breaks, regular cutting, and the installation of an additional fire hydrant. The overall accountability for the site rests with Valencia Waste Management.

The committee noted the progress made on the site, the extant Breach of Condition Notice issued to Valencia Waste Management, and the resolution to grant planning permission for the revised restoration management plan.