The Council meeting on 19 October 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including concerns over the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN), the safety and regulation of dockless e-bikes, and the adoption of the council's Corporate Plan and Draft Local Plan. The meeting also saw a debate on celebrating diversity and standing against hate, alongside discussions on planning committee reforms and the appointment of a new Deputy Leader.

Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN) Concerns

A motion was brought forward by Councillor Nick Mattey concerning the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network (SDEN). Councillor Mattey raised allegations regarding financial irregularities in the original business case for SDEN, including the inclusion of a non-existent care home to inflate projected heat revenue. He also criticised the network's reliance on waste incineration as its primary heat source, arguing it contradicts the council's net-zero targets and that expansion plans for the Lavender Estate are based on flawed assumptions about heat demand. Councillor Mattey called for an immediate pause on all SDEN expansion and borrowing, an independent governance inquiry into the financial model and borrowing, and for external bodies to be notified of potential misrepresentations.

Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, responded by stating that SDEN continues to provide heating to residents of New Mill Quarter, the majority of whom are satisfied with the service. She argued that repeating allegations does not make them facts and that a previous independent review by CIPFA had acknowledged lessons learned. Councillor Gordon stated the council would not support the motion, viewing it as a rehash of old arguments and a waste of money.

Councillor Tom Foster, a ward councillor for Hackbridge and a customer of SDEN, spoke in support of the motion, acknowledging that while rare, the recent hot water outage was unacceptable and that he would be meeting with SDEN's managing director to demand resilience measures. However, he also noted that his own energy bills were comparable to or lower than traditional gas heating and that he would not support the motion due to its perceived political grandstanding and lack of prior consultation.

Councillor Richard Clifton spoke against the motion, highlighting the positive contributions of various community groups that had received funding from the Landfill Communities Fund, suggesting the motion was unfairly targeting certain organisations.

Councillor Nick Mattey, in his closing remarks, reiterated his belief that fraud had taken place and that the business model was flawed due to a lack of genuine heat demand. He argued that the council was propping up a failing business and that the expansion plans would exploit residents.

Dockless Hire E-Bike Safety

Councillor Nick Mattey proposed a motion addressing concerns about dockless hire e-bikes, citing incidents of dangerous riding, pavement obstruction, and a lack of accountability. He highlighted the case of Sandy Peters, a resident who suffered serious injuries after being hit by an e-bike rider who lacked third-party liability insurance at the time. Councillor Mattey called for mandatory user deposits, visible identification on all bikes, a community reporting scheme for unsafe behaviour, and enforcement of rider and parental liability.

Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, argued that the motion was negative and superfluous, as a working group had already been established to address these issues. He stated that Councillor Mattey had been invited to join this group but declined. Councillor Woolmer urged members to vote against the motion, suggesting it was an attempt to ban e-bikes rather than find solutions.

Councillor Stephen Kingdom and Councillor Ed Parsley also spoke against the motion, echoing the sentiment that the issues were already being addressed by the working group and that the motion was overly negative and politically motivated. Councillor Parsley suggested voting against the motion would allow Councillor Mattey to save face and avoid appearing hypocritical.

Councillor Dave Tchil, who seconded the motion, acknowledged the challenges residents faced with e-bikes but proposed practical solutions such as designated parking areas and improved cycling infrastructure.

Councillor Clifton spoke against the motion, highlighting the benefits of e-bikes as a sustainable transport option and arguing that the negatives were outweighed by the positives. He welcomed the establishment of the working group.

Councillor Rob Leah also spoke against the motion, differentiating between legal e-bikes and illegal modified ones, and stating that the motion was disproportionate and that the working group was the appropriate forum for addressing these issues.

Councillor Mattey, in his closing remarks, reiterated his concerns about user irresponsibility and the lack of commitment from riders, arguing that a deposit system was necessary to introduce accountability. The motion was ultimately lost.

Celebrating Diversity and Standing Against Hate

Councillor Richard Clifton proposed a motion celebrating the borough's diversity and commitment to standing against hate crime. The motion highlighted positive community relations in Sutton, with 90% of residents agreeing in a survey that people from different backgrounds get on well together. It also acknowledged the increase in hate crimes nationally and deplored divisive actions.

Councillor Nick Mattey proposed an amendment that sought to broaden the motion to include diversity of political opinion and criticised the perceived lack of representation and the dominance of the Liberal Democrats on the council. He argued for greater inclusivity in nominations for civic honours and offices, and for a calendar of community events and resident-led conversations.

The amendment was carried, and the amended motion was subsequently passed.

Corporate Plan, Workforce Strategy, and Medium Term Financial Strategy

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, presented the Corporate Plan, Workforce Strategy, and Medium Term Financial Strategy. He outlined how these documents align with the council's manifesto pledges, promising to deliver on bin collections, park protection, cost of living support, affordable housing, economic growth, and a green future. Councillor Sunita Gordon, Lead Member for Resources, added that these strategies provide the necessary framework for delivering the council's ambitions. The recommendations were approved by the Council.

Draft Local Plan Submission to Government

Councillor Ed Parsley, Vice Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, presented the Draft Local Plan for submission to the Secretary of State. He emphasised the importance of an approved local plan for guiding development, protecting the borough's character, and ensuring adequate affordable housing, stating that without it, the council risks accepting development dictated by developers. He highlighted the plan's commitment to a 35% affordable housing target, despite national pressures to lower it. The recommendation to submit the Draft Local Plan was carried.

Constitutional Update: Planning Committee Reforms

Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Planning Committee, moved a recommendation to amend the council's constitution to reflect new planning committee reforms introduced by the government. She expressed reluctance, stating that the changes erode local democracy by shifting decision-making power from councillors to planning officers, reducing transparency and limiting residents' opportunities to influence decisions on smaller applications. Despite these reservations, the recommendation to amend the constitution was carried.

Other Business

The meeting also included the formal approval of the Finance and Performance Quarter 1 2026/27 report, the Audit and Governance Committee's Annual Report for 2025/26, and the Scrutiny Committee's Annual Report 2025/26. A dispensation was granted to Councillor Shimino Jesudas for non-attendance due to medical reasons. Additionally, Councillor Cryss Mennaceur was appointed as Deputy Leader, replacing Councillor Sam Martin, and Councillor Luni Sabharwal was appointed as Deputy Mayor.

The meeting concluded with congratulations to new councillors and an announcement of the next meeting scheduled for 8 February 2027.