The Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee met on Thursday 18 July 2024 to discuss the borough's Air Quality Action Plan and the future of environmental enforcement services. The committee approved the new Air Quality Action Plan for Sutton and agreed to re-procure a Waste Environmental Enforcement contract on an income share basis.

Approval of the Air Quality Action Plan

The committee approved the London Borough of Sutton Air Quality Action Plan 2024-2029. This plan outlines the steps the council will take to improve air quality in the borough over the next five years. The plan was developed following a public consultation, which received over 730 responses. Amendments were made to the draft plan to incorporate feedback, including the addition of new actions focused on community engagement and empowerment.

During the discussion, Councillor Tony Shields proposed an amendment to shelve the report and conduct a fresh public consultation, arguing that the current consultation did not adequately represent the borough's population. This amendment was rejected by the committee.

The approved Air Quality Action Plan aims to tackle the primary sources of pollution, including transport, construction, and domestic wood burning. It also seeks to achieve complementary benefits such as encouraging active travel and improving sustainable transport options. The plan aligns with the council's Ambitious for Sutton corporate plan and its commitment to taking action on climate change.

Environmental Enforcement Services

The committee agreed to re-procure a Waste Environmental Enforcement contract on an income share basis, commencing on 1 January 2025 for a period of no longer than three years, with a one-year extension option. This decision follows a successful three-year pilot programme that has seen reductions in fly-tipping by 16% and littering by up to 69% in some areas.

The new contract will continue to focus on environmental crimes such as littering, fly-tipping, dog fouling, and commercial waste duty of care. The income share model means the council will retain a proportion of the income generated from enforcement activities, estimated at 15% before contractor overheads, contributing an estimated £35,000 per annum to the council. This approach is considered the most cost-effective and risk-averse option for the authority.

The service will continue to employ a balanced approach of education, awareness, and enforcement, ensuring that actions are proportionate and fair. A robust challenge and complaints process will remain in place, with a three-stage council process and the option to refer to the Local Government Ombudsman. The contract will not permit commission-based pay for officers issuing fines, and there will be no targets for issuing excessive fines.

Delivering Ambitious for Sutton: Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee

The committee received an overview of the role and responsibilities of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee. This report provided context on key developments, policy, financial overview, priorities, and strategic risks for the year ahead. The committee noted the information presented, which will support decision-making and scrutiny throughout the year. Key areas of focus for the committee include action on climate change, highways and transport, road maintenance, waste and street cleaning, libraries, and cultural services. The report highlighted the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, adapting to extreme weather, and improving air quality.

The committee also noted supplementary information on the Forest E-bike hire scheme, which has seen a significant increase in usage. The report detailed the scheme's performance, challenges, and contract extensions, comparing its uptake to that in Kingston.