The Strategy and Resources Committee of Sutton Council met on Monday 05 October 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the adoption of a new Corporate Plan, Workforce Strategy, and Medium Term Financial Strategy. The committee also considered reforms to the Planning Committee, the transition to a cabinet model of governance, and the renewal of Public Spaces Protection Orders.

Corporate Plan, Workforce Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy Update

The committee received an update on the Council's strategic roadmap, comprising a new Corporate Plan (2027–2032), an aligned Workforce Strategy (2027–2032), and an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS 2026–2030). Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, highlighted key priorities including investment in a cancer hub, district centre plans, and addressing 50 community hotspots. The Corporate Plan aims to Put Sutton on the map, foster Healthy and empowered communities, create Safer, welcoming neighbourhoods, ensure Homes for all, promote An even greener borough, and establish A council fit for the future. The Workforce Strategy detailed progress in improving diversity and reducing the gender pay gap, while acknowledging a reduction in younger staff. The Medium Term Financial Strategy outlined a significant budget gap of £36.5 million by 2029/30, necessitating transformation and efficiency measures. The committee noted these documents.

Finance and Performance - Quarter 1 2026/27

An update on the Council's financial and performance indicators for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year was presented. The Council was forecasting a general fund underspend of £0.60m, despite pressures in adult social care and SEND. Encouragingly, children's social care was forecasting a significant underspend due to reduced demand for high-cost residential care. However, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) was forecasting an overspend of £13.80m, leading to a cumulative deficit balance of £35.28m. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was also forecasting an overspend of £1.06m due to a shortfall in rental income. The committee noted these positions and the capital programme showed an underspend of £22.63m. The committee was asked to consider writing off £159.9k of debt owed by Really Local Group Ltd due to the company's liquidation.

Investment Property Portfolio - 2025/26 - Annual Report

The committee received the annual report on the performance of the Council's Investment Property Portfolio (IPP) for the 2025/26 financial year. The portfolio generated £3.053 million in net income, representing an effective return of 3.60%. While the overall return was slightly below the national average, the report highlighted stable income generation and a good spread of risk. Concerns were raised about an increase in void properties, particularly in the industrial and office sectors, with Cantium House in Wallington requiring a future use review. The committee noted the report.

Facilities Management Soft Services Contract Procurement

The committee considered the procurement of a new Facilities Management Soft Services contract for the Council's operational buildings, as the current agreement was nearing expiration. The procurement will be split into two lots: Cleaning and Ancillary Services, and Security Services. This approach aims to increase competition and create opportunities for specialist providers and SMEs. The evaluation will balance cost, quality, and social value, with a commitment to paying the London Living Wage. The committee was asked to agree to procure the two new contracts and delegate the award to the Strategic Director of Resources.

Pensions Administration Software Procurement

The committee was asked to approve the procurement strategy and award of a new Pension Administration Software contract for the Shared Pension Administration Service, which serves both Sutton and Kingston Councils. The current Civica UPM system was deemed outdated and less efficient than the recommended Heywood Altaire solution, which operates directly through web browsers and offers enhanced features such as guaranteed zero downtime for updates and full WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility compliance. The contract, valued at £4.210 million over 10 years, will be funded by the Pension Fund and is expected to deliver significant efficiencies and savings. The committee was asked to approve the award of the call-off contract to Softcat PLC for the provision of the Heywood Altaire software.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The committee discussed the upcoming expiration of Sutton's 17 existing PSPOs, which combat alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. An opportunity was identified to replace these with a single, clearer PSPO for the borough. The proposed new order includes additional restrictions to address persistent ASB issues, such as amplified sound in Sutton High Street and Beddington Park, and the antisocial riding of bikes and scooters. The committee was asked to authorise the Director of Children's Services to consult on the draft PSPO, with a view to implementation by March 2027.

Constitutional Update - Planning Committee Reforms

The committee considered the mandatory constitutional changes required by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which take effect from 31 October 2026. These reforms introduce a National Scheme of Delegation, meaning certain applications will no longer be determined by the Planning Committee. The committee was asked to recommend the revised Article 8 and Part 4b procedures for approval by Council.

Transition from a Committee to a Cabinet Model of Governance

The committee discussed the mandatory transition from a committee system to a leader and cabinet model of governance, as required by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act. The report outlined the approach to managing this transition, including extensive engagement with councillors from all political groups to develop the new system. Key principles for the new governance model include transparent decision-making, collective ownership, constructive challenge, inclusive contribution, meaningful engagement, accountability, and financial viability. The committee was asked to approve the approach of the transition project and the principles set out in the report.