The Council met on Monday 4 March 2024 to approve the 2024/25 budget and Medium Term Financial Plan, which included a Council Tax increase. Councillors also discussed various local issues, including air quality, parking, housing development, and the future of the Life Centre.

Budget and Council Tax Approved

The Council approved the 2024/25 budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2024-2027. This includes a £174.248 million General Fund Net Budget Requirement. To balance the budget, a Council Tax increase of 4.99% was agreed, comprising a 2.99% general increase and a 2% Adult Social Care Precept. This equates to an additional £1.55 per week for a Band D property. The Greater London Authority (GLA) precept will also increase, bringing the total Band D Council Tax charge to £2,166.18. The Council also agreed to amend the definition of long-term empty homes, meaning unfurnished properties empty for one year or more will be liable for a 100% Council Tax premium from April 2024. The Members' Allowances Scheme and Fees and Charges for 2024/25 were also approved.

Life Centre Repurposing

New proposals for the Sutton Life Centre were discussed, which will see the building repurposed to provide educational facilities for young people aged 16 and above with special educational needs and disabilities. The centre will be operated by Orchard Hill College. The library and sports facilities will be retained for community use. Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, highlighted the pressing need for such educational facilities, while Councillor Tim Crowley raised concerns about the Life Centre's past financial performance and budget overruns.

Air Quality and Incinerator Emissions

Councillor Nick Mattey raised concerns about the draft Air Quality Action Plan, suggesting it overlooked industrial emissions. Councillor Barry Lewis, Chair of the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, stated that the plan does include benchmarks for industrial developments and that NOx and PM10 emissions from the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) are not considered a significant issue. Councillor Dave Tchil questioned this, stating the incinerator is the largest single-point source of these emissions in the borough. Councillor Richard Clifton suggested writing to the government and Environment Agency to ensure safety standards for such facilities have not been eroded post-Brexit.

Parking and Human Forest Bikes

Councillor Param Nandha raised concerns about Human Forest bikes being left inconsiderately on pavements, posing a hazard to pedestrians. Councillor Barry Lewis acknowledged this is a challenge and that the Council has a memorandum of understanding with Human Forest, not a contract. He stated that fines and suspensions are in place for misuse, and that the Council is working with Human Forest and other London boroughs to relocate parking bays to carriageway locations. Councillor James McDermott-Hill questioned why the trial of these bikes has been so prolonged and requested it be reviewed by the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee. Councillor Lewis indicated that a borough-wide London scheme is being developed, and it would be premature to bring the matter to committee at this stage.

Housing and Town Centre Regeneration

Councillor Sam Cumber highlighted the Council's efforts to revitalise Sutton Town Centre through projects like Oru Sutton, an independent cinema and community arts venue, and the refurbishment of retail spaces. Councillor David Bartolucci, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, detailed these initiatives, emphasizing the diversification of town centre uses and bringing vacant buildings back into use. Councillor Luke Taylor questioned the cross-party support for these projects, to which Councillor Bartolucci responded that while some projects have faced lukewarm receptions during their risk phase, opinions change once they become successful. Councillor Jake Short raised concerns about the end of the Household Support Fund and how the Council will continue to support vulnerable households. Councillor David Bartolucci outlined the significant support provided by the fund to date. Councillor Param Nandha raised concerns about the Elm Grove estate development and the support provided to residents, seeking assurances on fair treatment and proper funding management. Councillor Clifton expressed doubts about the Council's procurement processes for affordable housing, citing the Beech Tree Place project as an example of inflated costs and contractor failure.

Other Issues Discussed

• Beddington Farmlands: Councillor Tim Foster raised concerns about the delay in the Restoration Management Plan for Beddington Farmlands, with Councillor David Bartolucci stating that discussions are ongoing with Valencia Waste Management regarding a revised scheme and timetable.
• Secombe Centre: Councillor Peter Geiringer questioned the cost of maintaining the Secombe Centre since its closure as a theatre in 2016, with Councillor Sunita Gordon stating the annual cost is £40,000.
• Planning Enforcement: Councillor Patrick Magnus criticised the perceived underfunding of the Planning Enforcement Team, contrasting it with spending on other departments.
• Children's Social Care: Councillor Sam Martin highlighted the rising costs and demand for children's social care, referencing national reports and the Council's own initiative in creating the Willow Rise care home.
• Oakes Way Centre: Councillor Barry Bat spoke about the Oakes Way Centre for senior citizens, expressing concern that the budget does not adequately reflect the importance of day centres in resident recovery and the potential impact of increased charges on services like Meals on Wheels.
• Environmental Health Powers: Councillor Patrick Magnus inquired about the powers of Sutton Council's Environmental Health team. Councillor David Bartolucci provided a link to the Council's Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy.
• Waste Contract: Councillor James McDermott-Hill questioned the 70/30 split in favour of quality over cost in the new waste contract, with Councillor Barry Lewis stating that the quality of service is paramount for residents.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the budget and the Council Tax increase.