The Council meeting on Monday 14 July 2025 discussed a range of important issues, including the protection of green spaces, support for residents facing hardship, and the deterioration of local common land. Key decisions included the approval of a motion to support Parkinson's Awareness Day, while a motion to address the deterioration of Mill Green Mitcham Common was refused.

Protection of Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land

The Council debated and ultimately approved a motion concerning the protection of the Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land. The original motion, proposed by Councillor Neil Garratt, aimed to ensure that Sutton's Local Plan would not include, allow, or require any use of the local Green Belt. This was met with an amendment from Councillor Jake Short, which sought to clarify the Council's role and acknowledge the pressures of the housing crisis.

During the debate, Councillor Garratt argued strongly against large-scale developments in the Green Belt, quoting the Mayor of London's proposals for large scale developments in London's Greenbelt and stating, This is not brownfield regeneration. This is not urban renewal. This is sprawl, plain and simple, at the expense of biodiversity, air quality, and our residents' access to green space. He expressed concern that the Liberal Democrat amendment watered down the original motion with weasel words.

Councillor Lisa Webster, in her maiden speech, spoke passionately about the value of green spaces, drawing on her upbringing in a national park. She supported the amendment, stating, what we're seeking to do with this amendment is just to make it really clear that we support the party opposite. We wish to protect the green belt but we know that it may be required of us to release some small portions of land for small developments on the edge of our beautiful spaces. She argued that supporting the amendment would retain control over planning decisions.

Councillor Tom Drummond, speaking in support of the amendment, highlighted the hypocrisy of some councillors who had previously attempted to de-designate green belt land. He criticised the amendment for replacing clear language with waffly, gobbledygook that gives you some wriggle room.

Ultimately, the amendment was carried, and the motion as amended was also approved.

Helping Residents Through Hard Times

The Council considered a motion, proposed by Councillor Jayne McCoy, aimed at supporting residents facing the cost of living crisis. The motion noted the increasing number of residents needing social care, the unaffordability of housing, and the risks associated with cold, damp homes. It also highlighted the strain on GPs and the local hospital, and the potential impact of proposed welfare benefit reforms.

Councillor McCoy detailed the council's existing support services, including advice on homelessness prevention, benefits, and budgeting, and mentioned initiatives like the slow cooker club designed to help families on low incomes. She called upon the Government to reverse cuts to public spending and provide adequate funding for local authorities to invest in prevention work.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Neil Garratt, which, while acknowledging the motion's intent, stressed the need for governments and councils to balance their books. Councillor Garratt argued that all the nice things that we would like to do have to be paid for and that the amendment was a reminder that not everything is possible.

Councillor Gemma Munday spoke in support of the motion, highlighting the council's work with care leavers, including ring-fencing social housing and exempting them from council tax until the age of 25. She also mentioned the positive outcomes of the Willow Rise residential service for children.

Councillor Nick Mattey criticised the Liberal Democrat administration for its 39 years in power, claiming they had miserably failed to help residents struggling with the cost of living. He questioned the value for money residents received and pointed to high energy costs for residents in the new Mill Quarter.

Councillor Sheldon Vestey seconded the amendment, emphasizing that governments must balance their books and that spending comes with responsibility. He argued that the motion was a gesture rather than a strategy and that MPs should raise these issues in Parliament.

Councillor Andrew Jenner spoke about the impact of Brexit on economic growth and suggested rejoining the single market as a pragmatic solution. Councillor Dave Tchil responded to claims about the opposition not presenting budgets, calling them false and misleading.

Councillor Jane McCoy accepted the amendment, acknowledging that the government like the council has to live within its means and difficult choices in light of competing demands are part of that responsibility. The motion, as amended, was approved.

Motion: Address the Deterioration of Mill Green Mitcham Common

Councillor Dave Tchil proposed a motion addressing the deterioration of Mill Green Mitcham Common, highlighting issues such as fires, rough sleeping, and dangerous entry/exit points due to overgrown areas. He noted that while the council owns small sections of the land, the majority is managed by the Mitcham Common Conservators (MCC). The motion called for the reinstatement of funding to the MCC for comprehensive maintenance.

Councillor Richard Clifton, who also sits on the MCC board, argued that the motion was misplaced, as the MCC is solely responsible for the upkeep of the land. He stated that Councillor Tchil had not raised these issues at MCC board meetings and that the MCC is a wealthy organisation with significant reserves and income from a golf course. He suggested that any necessary work should be funded by the MCC.

Councillor Sunita Gordon echoed these points, stating that Sutton only owns small sections of Mill Green and that the council already carries out litter picking and trimming. She explained that the council had stopped its grant to the MCC in 2017 as part of wider savings and that reinstating it was not possible.

Councillor Sheldon Vestey responded to Councillor Clifton, questioning the MCC's financial position based on its accounts. He encouraged councillors to put forward their own ideas for improvement rather than dismissing proposals.

Councillor Tchil, in closing the debate, reiterated his request for a small amount of funding to help maintain the portion of Mill Green within the borough's boundaries. Despite his plea, the motion was ultimately refused.

Motion: Parkinson's Awareness Day

Councillor Tom Drummond proposed a motion to partner with Parkinson's UK to mark World Parkinson's Day on 11 April. The motion highlighted that Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition globally and that there is currently no cure. It proposed hosting an awareness event at the Civic Offices to provide information and support to residents.

Councillor Barry Lewis seconded the motion, sharing personal experiences with the illness and commending the work of former councillor Arthur Hookway, who chairs the Sutton Kingston Epsom branch of Parkinson's UK. He noted that Parkinson's had been one of the Mayor's chosen charities and that Sutton is a dementia-friendly borough.

The motion was unanimously agreed.

Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024/25

The Council noted the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024/25. The report was approved for submission to a future Council meeting.

Finance and Performance - Quarter 4 Outturn 2024/25

The Council received an update on the Finance and Performance Quarter 4 Outturn for 2024/25. The Council approved the updated 2025/26 Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy.

Outcome of By-Election

The Council noted the outcome of the by-election held on 22 May 2025 in Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward, which resulted in the election of Councillor Lisa Webster to the Liberal Democrats. The report confirmed that there was no impact on the overall allocation of seats on the Council.